Rosewood Opens in London

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has opened its first hotel in Europe.

Located in one of London’s most historic locales on High Holborn, where the city meets the West End, the Rosewood London offers some of the most popular shopping areas and tourist attractions such as Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House, museums and galleries just a short walk away.

An extensive renovation has sensitively transformed the 1914 Edwardian Belle Epoque building, including the original 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 into the distinctive courtyard giving a sense of arrival more akin to a private manor house than a hotel.

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 Pearl Assurance Company’s headquarters.

The accommodations, event spaces and public areas have been designed by Tony Chi and Associates. Chi brings his signature style to the hotel combining rich materials such as lacquer, textured wood veneers and prismatic mirrors.

The suites offer some of London’s finest accommodation. The Grand Manor House Wing is accessed via a private elevator and its own street entrance, and it is believed to be the only hotel suite in the world to have its own postcode. Six bedrooms, a dressing chamber, library, 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 is designed with 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 aiming to be one of the most exciting places to drink and dine in London, beginning with the stylish Lobby Lounge and the Mirror Room is a striking salon elegantly adorned with mirrors, offering all-day dining and afternoon tea.

The hotel’s convivial bar, designed by the renowned Martin Brudnizki, features a roaring fire and wooden bar with cosy furniture settings creating intimate corners on a wooden herringbone floor strewn with hand-woven rugs.

Holborn Dining Room, also designed by Martin Brudnizki, launches in February 2014, bringing a fun, vibrant atmosphere to the historic setting. The venue is a smart, bustling brasserie offering simple yet sophisticated British dishes. Classic British design elements mix reclaimed oak with antique mirrors, leather upholstery, aged copper and patina brass. The dining room leads to The Terrace in the hotel’s peaceful inner courtyard, where guests can dine alfresco.

Holborn Delicatessen, launching February 2014, will offer a range of coffees, teas and an array of the best of British artisanal food products.

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 an ideal venue for both grand corporate events and intimate 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 fine tableware and 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,” said 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.