High Holborn is one of London’s busiest thoroughfares, yet step through the wrought iron gates that front Rosewood London and you leave the noise and bustle of the city far behind. The magnificent Edwardian building that was built to house the Pearl Assurance Company back in 1914 and it’s hard not to envy the employees that got to work in such illustrious surroundings.
The structure has been a hotel since 2000 but underwent a major refurbishment in 2013, when it became a Rosewood hotel. From the unique seven-storey marble staircase (which has an estimated value of $65 million) to the natty Nicholas Oakwell-designed uniforms worn by the staff, the Rosewood oozes Old World sophistication and class.
The structure has been a hotel since 2000 but underwent a major refurbishment in 2013, when it became a Rosewood hotel. From the unique seven-storey marble staircase (which has an estimated value of $65 million) to the natty Nicholas Oakwell-designed uniforms worn by the staff, the Rosewood oozes Old World sophistication and class.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The luxury hotel has the only suite in the world with its own postal code — the six-bedroom Grand Manor House Wing boasts its own private entrance with dedicated doorman, private elevator and personalized stationery.
- A couples’ room and a children’s menu ensure that all types of guests can be catered to inside Rosewood’s Sense Spa, from teens suffering from acne-prone skin to newlyweds seeking a romantic double massage.
- Guests in London for work will be grateful for the well-equipped business center, with its Macs and PCs, onsite binding, printing and lamination and administrative services.
Things to Know
- Children have been considered elsewhere at the luxury hotel, too — it’s a simple task to book a wireless baby monitor or have a room baby-proofed before arrival.
- The London hotel is well located for visiting the bars and restaurants of Covent Garden.
- Those prone to late night cravings will appreciate the Dining Room serving all day, as does the jewel box Mirror Room, where you can also partake of traditional afternoon tea.
The Rooms
- Rosewood London’s 262 rooms and 44 suites are stylishly filled with lacquered surfaces, prismatic mirrors and Italian marble bathrooms.
- Despite the extravagant décor, Rosewood London still maintain a warm, home-away-from-home feel due to the thoughtfully chosen books, photographs and objets d’art.
- Some of the executive rooms have impressively high ceilings — ask for one when you book or opt for a unique multi-level suite.
The Restaurants
- The Holborn Dining Room occupies the former East Banking Hall of Pearl Assurance and stands out with double-height ceilings, rare green marble columns and striking red leather banquettes.
- Flashes of Britishness inform the décor (check out the tweed detailing on the upholstery) and perfectly complement executive chef Fernando Corona Burch's brassiere-style menu.
- Scarfes Bar is a far more informal affair, done up like a snug living room complete with more than 1,000 hand-picked antique books, an open fire and a bevy of comfortable cushions. Named for the British artist and cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, the bar’s walls are lined with spirited illustrations that provide an appropriate backdrop to the other artistic pursuits that go on there.
- With live jazz six nights a week and cabaret on Sunday evenings, Scarfes is the sort of place you drop into for a quick drink and stay all night. Fortunately, the snack menu (think triple-cooked French fries, mini crab cakes and baked cheesecake) is available until late at night.
Getting There
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