Rosewood London, the capital’s newest luxury hotel, has just opened in the very heart of the city, following an extensive renovation, in order to mark the presence of the Rosewood Hotels & Resort brand in Europe.
Once upon a time one of the greatest writers in English literature was so inspired by this district that he wrote one of his masterpieces, The Pickwick Papers, and set scenes from many novels in the area, including Pip and Herbert Pocket’s home in Great Expectations. We are in Holborn. Former occupants include Sir Francis Bacon, Sir Thomas More, John Milton, Samuel Johnson and obviously Charles Dickens. Not only this: as the 20th century approached, the Holborn Restaurant, an expansive eatery, formerly a casino, became one of the best restaurants in the city.
High Holborn is well-known because of its proximity to Drury Lane, Covent Garden Fleet Street, Bloomsbury, the financial institutions of the City, many University of London colleges and West End theatres, as well as world-class museums and galleries.
Nowadays there is another reason to opt for this district for your sojourn: Rosewood London. Set in the very heart of the Capital and built in 1912 at 252 High Holborn, once the headquarters of the Pearl Assurance Company, the newest luxury hotel was firstly designed by H. Percy Monckton in a remarkable Edwardian Belle Epoque style.
There are no words to describe the sophistication and the elegance that shine through as soon as you set foot in the magnificent central grand courtyard. With its surprising atmosphere of peace and calm away from the bustle of the daily traffic, it gives a sense of arrival more similar to a private residence than a hotel.
Forget all the rest, because once inside the world changes indeed. Back to a lavish past, the interiors are fitted out with Cuban mahogany and seven types of marble from Italy, including extremely rare types such as Swedish Green and Statuary too. You will definitely be astonished looking at the Renaissance-style Grand Pavonazzo Staircase, which rises up through all seven storeys of the hotel beneath the 166-foot cupola that seems to touch the sky.
Rosewood London reflects completely its location’s history, culture and sensibilities. Every particular is well finished and designed by Tony Chi and Associates. The 262 guestrooms and 44 suites and the public areas as well are filled with artworks, literary works and candles everywhere, conveying the feel of a stylish London residence. The shades of gold, silver and amber and the slight touch of Colonialism create a charming exotic ambience. The most impressive part is definitely the Grand Manor House Wing: six bedrooms, a dressing chamber, a library, a dining room and several sitting rooms, it is the only hotel suite in the world to have its own postcode. This is no small matter.
Allow yourself to be tempted by a cocktail in the amazing hotel bar, designed by Martin Brudnizki. You will note the pleasant and delightful atmosphere provided by the comfortable fire surrounded by authentic furniture and books from Portobello Market at one side and the wooden bar running along the other.
There is no doubt: Rosewood is an intimate and warm corner in London where you should find yourself after a busy day.
by Mariapaola Bossini
