Heritage building transformed into
stylish retreat in the heart of London
Rosewood London, the capital’s newest
luxury hotel, opens today marking the presence of the Rosewood Hotels &
Resorts® brand in Europe. Located in Holborn, one of London’s most historic
locales where the City meets the West End, the hotel, with its wrought-iron
gates leading to an intimate courtyard, is a unique retreat set in the very
heart of London.
Following an extensive renovation to
sensitively transform the 1914 Edwardian Belle Epoque
building, the original architectural features have been painstakingly restored
by an expert team of craftsmen, including the magnificent Grade II-listed
street frontage and dome, and the grand Pavonazzo
marble staircase which rises up through all seven storeys of the hotel beneath
the 166-foot cupola. Guests enter via a grand carriageway which leads to
a distinctive courtyard giving a sense of arrival more akin to a private manor
house than a hotel.
The guiding philosophy of Rosewood
Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s most respected ultra-luxury hotel
groups, is A Sense of Place® in which each property reflects its location’s
history, culture and sensibilities. Rosewood London is a perfect
illustration of this concept: the 262 guestrooms and 44 suites convey the feel
of stylish London residences, public areas are filled with artwork and books,
and restaurants offer both classic and contemporary British dishes, while the
event spaces nod to the building’s past as the headquarters of Pearl Assurance
Company.
The accommodations, event spaces and
public areas have been designed by Tony Chi and Associates. Chi brings
his signature style to the hotel combining a rich composition of materials
including lacquer, textured wood veneers and prismatic mirrors. The
suites offer some of London’s finest accommodation and include the Grand Manor
House Wing. Accessed via a private elevator and its own street entrance, it is
the only hotel suite in the world to have its own postcode. Six bedrooms, a
dressing chamber, a library, a dining room and several sitting rooms are
lavishly arranged over 6,318 square feet of living space. The Garden
House features a stunning garden terrace overlooking the London skyline while
the stately Chancery House possesses elegant grandeur. All guests residing in
suites receive access to the hotel's Manor Club. A comfortable, private retreat,
the Manor Club offers a personal butler and concierge service as well as a menu
of cocktails and light dishes.
Rosewood London is designed to be one
of the most exciting places to drink and dine in London. The Lobby
Lounge, a public meeting space, is the window into the stylish world of
Rosewood London and the Mirror Room, a striking salon elegantly adorned with
mirrors, offers appealing and social all-day dining and afternoon tea.
The hotel’s bar, designed by the
renowned Martin Brudnizki, evokes a convivial
atmosphere with a roaring fire at one end and wooden bar running along the
other. Warm, cosy and comfortable furniture is organised to create
discreet, intimate corners on a wooden herringbone floor strewn with hand-woven
rugs. A well-curated cocktail list is accompanied by a menu of curries
and casseroles, featuring spicy Indian dishes and European-style stews.
Holborn Dining Room, also designed by
Martin Brudnizki, launches in February 2014 and will
be operated by Des McDonald, bringing a fun, vibrant atmosphere to the refined
elegance of the historic setting. Once the East Banking Hall of Pearl
Assurance, Holborn Dining Room is a smart, bustling brasserie with a menu of
simple yet sophisticated British dishes.
Brudnizki’s interior draws on classic British
design, mixing reclaimed oak with antique mirrors and leather upholstery. The
dining room includes a bar and a dining counter, each topped with aged copper
and patina brass. The dining room leads to The Terrace in the hotel’s
peaceful inner courtyard, where guests can dine alfresco or enjoy a fine cigar.
Adjoining the restaurant is Holborn Delicatessen, launching
February 2014, which also opens directly onto High Holborn with a range of
coffees, teas and delectable treats for those on the move. Guests will be able
to choose from an array of great British products, from marmalades and clotted
cream to locally produced cheeses.
Hotel recreational facilities include a Sense® spa, Rosewood’s award-wining, signature spa brand and a fitness suite featuring the latest equipment from Technogym®.
Hotel recreational facilities include a Sense® spa, Rosewood’s award-wining, signature spa brand and a fitness suite featuring the latest equipment from Technogym®.
Rosewood London’s central location
also makes it the perfect venue for both grand corporate events and intimate,
social soirées. The 11 event spaces include the Grand Ballroom, three
heritage boardrooms, the Living Room and the Dining Room with show
kitchen. A first for London, the hotel offers a unique Event Studio,
showcasing Rosewood London’s collection of china, linens, crystal, silverware
and further accessories for personalised events.
“Rosewood London encompasses an
element of surprise in its design which gives this landmark building, steeped
in and surrounded by history, the lease of life it deserves. We are honoured to
be the stewards of an exciting new chapter in its legacy,” says Matthias Roeke, managing director, Rosewood London.
Introductory guestroom rates, valid
until 31 March 2014, start from £370 and suites from £995, including VAT, based
on availability, and include a welcome amenity, Wi-Fi, use of mini-bar, in-room
films, laundry, English breakfast for two and, for suite stays, airport
pick-up. For reservations, please contact your travel professional,
email london.reservations@
