St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection

A location next door to St. James's Park places the St. Ermin's Hotel within walking distance of London's most iconic attractions, from Buckingham Palace, parliament, Green and Hyde parks to Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and Big Ben. The hotel's grand opening on April 10, 2011, will reveal the results of a $48-million restoration of a listed Victorian landmark and a major upgrade to the former Jolly St. Ermin's Hotel.

The lobby's roccoco plasterwork, curving staircase, and wraparound balcony will introduce the elegant period details featured in most of the public areas. Altogether, the horseshoe-shaped landmark—plus a new wing to open in September—will contain 330 luxury guest rooms and suites, a fitness center, chic restaurant and bar, and 15 meeting spaces including a 150-person-capacity ballroom with adjoining Cloisters and Balcony rooms.