If high-end glitz and glamour is what you look for in a mini break, London really is the place to be — and the capital’s already plentiful inventory of luxury hotels is flourishing.
Last month saw the first of what could be as many as 13 high-end hotel openings in London over the next two years — some have their sights set on the same levels of facilities and service as the self-proclaimed seven-star resorts of destinations such as Dubai — with starting prices upwards of £1,200 a night.
Yet the ultra-chic, five-star Rosewood London, just off High Holborn, seems far from concerned by the big-name launches on the horizon.
“London’s upcoming hotel openings are very exciting for visitors, locals and businesses alike as they bring eclectic new concepts to life throughout the city whilst increasing desire for this incredible destination,” said a spokesperson for Rosewood.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, Rosewood London has long been a go-to base for visiting A-listers. Oprah Winfrey and Justin Bieber have been counted among celebrity guests in recent years, while Kourtney Kardashian joined her husband Travis Barker on a trip to London last September — posting snaps on Instagram of the personalised Mr and Mrs Barker pillowcases in their suite.
Tucked away in a Somerset House-style courtyard near Holborn Tube station, Rosewood London occupies a striking Edwardian building which was originally the HQ for the Pearl Assurance Company.
Under the watchful eye of English Heritage, the Grade II-listed building underwent a transformation from offices into one of the capital’s most luxurious hotels — with 263 guest rooms, 35 suites and 10 signature suites.
Design details
Hotel interiors are by Tony Chi and have been designed to emulate the polished look of a grand London home — the kind homebuyers with eight-figure budgets are likely to find spread over a few storeys of a stucco-fronted house in Phillimore Gardens or Eaton Square.
Seven types of marble are used throughout the hotel, with the most dramatic instance being the Grand Pavonazzo marble staircase found at the heart of the seven-storey building.
The interiors showcase monochrome palettes, textured wood, bronze sculptures, and silver detailing, plus countless mirrors.
Not confined to bedrooms and bathrooms, mirrors also line the dramatic rose bronze gallery — a polished copper corridor with black and white marble mosaic tiling — and The Mirror Room.
The reflective ceiling aside, this lounge area has a relaxed, convivial feel and is one of two areas in which guests can choose to have breakfast. While both are decadent spaces, the supremely comfortable Mirror Room has the edge over breakfast in the grander Holborn Dining Room.
Where Holborn Dining Room really comes into its own is for lunch and dinner, however.
Swedish interior designer Martin Brudnizki is behind the ultra-elegant, French brasserie-feel of the space. Oak furnishings are mixed with vibrant red upholstery, striking Art Deco-style lighting installations and antique mirrors.
Get the look from Smart Candle which stocks the antique brass table lamp (£50) and pleated lamp shades (£26).
Brudnizki’s eponymous design studio were behind the lavish redesign of private members’ club Annabel’s in Mayfair in 2018. Other London projects have included Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London, Vesper Bar at the Dorchester Hotel and 45 Jermyn Street.
An ambitious transformation of Rosewood London’s fitness suite and spa is currently underway, with the gym moving into a larger space and due to be kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment.
The hotel aims to unveil the new spaces this month and, in the meantime, is offering guests complimentary in-room workout kits featuring mats, yoga blocks, resistance bands and a Pilates ring from upmarket fitness brand Repose. Alternatively, hotel staff can help guests access private gyms nearby.
Which room?
Rosewood London has 10 event spaces that range from a Grand Ballroom — ideal for a black-tie wedding — to historic boardrooms. Dramatic floral displays around the restaurants and event spaces are by the renowned McQueens Flowers.
Accommodation options range from guestrooms to suites and 10 signature suites which the hotel calls ‘houses’. If budget allows, splash out on a Premier Suite — a real five-star experience that’s perfect for a weekend city break.
Suites have comfortable lounge areas, bronze sculptures, king-size beds, a lightbulb-framed vanity area and mirrored bathrooms. Only the distant, pleasingly audible rumbling of the Tube punctuates otherwise total silence.
Other highlights are the generous Votary toiletries, embroidered pillow cases, blackout blinds and a choice of dressing gowns.
The Manor House Wing is the hotel’s most luxurious offering. One of the 10 houses, it has a six-bedroom suite — and its own postcode.
How to book
Rooms cost from £600, suites from £1,200 and houses from £1,800. Book at Rosewood London (https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/london).
