If you’ve ever walked down High Holborn, you’ll probably have noticed this imposing Grade II-listed hotel. There’s a dramatic entrance archway which leads into a grand Edwardian courtyard full of black cabs, gauche Ferraris and chatty doormen ready to show you the way to reception. It is so massive that it’s easy to get lost. In fact, they tell me that it’s the biggest five-star hotel in central London with a whopping 264 rooms and 44 suites and houses – one with seven bedrooms and its own postcode! But despite the size, it still manages to feel relaxed and homely, and is a tad more affordable than other similar stays.
Why stay at Rosewood London?
With over 33 Rosewood Hotels across the world – these guys know what they’re doing. The Rosewood London may not be their shiniest or newest London property (if you want that, check out The Chancery Rosewood in the former US Embassy in Grosvenor Square) but it is a dose of solid, trustworthy luxury with no nasty surprises. From the comfy velvet sofas in the entrance hall with cheeky bowls of Celebrations to the exceptional pies at the Holborn Dining Room, there’s a lot to love here.
What are the rooms like at Rosewood London?
The style here is quiet luxury with the odd playful touch - nothing too gaudy or OTT. Everything is tastefully pared back with white walls, stylish grey details, shiny black surfaces, striped carpets and mid-mod furniture. We stayed in a corner suite overlooking the main road which despite double glazing and being three floors up, I could still hear murmurs of street sounds – although this didn’t stop us sleeping. We had a spacious and light-filled living room where they’d set up our daughter’s bed complete with a toy bulldog and a very welcome puzzle book. There was a glam Hollywood-style light-up vanity station (they said that this suite is often popular with blushing brides), an all-white marble bathroom with lovely signature Votary products and a comfortably big but not ludicrously-sized bed. The most wild thing was that they had embroidered mine and my partner’s initials onto our pillows! We spend most of the evening trying to work out if they do this for every new customer or just have a storage room full of all possible letter combos. Sadly we didn’t find out the answer. However they do it, it was very impressive and a fun touch of decadence.
Which are the best restaurants at Rosewood London?
There are a few places to get a decent bite at Rosewood London. Along one side of the courtyard there’s the Mirror Room, a long elegant dining room with a smart casual dress code, where they serve food throughout the day but also afternoon tea. We opted for the main restaurant, Holborn Dining Room, a more relaxed brasserie at the front of the hotel with dramatic high ceilings, marble walls, red leather banquette seating and a shimmering warm evening glow. This is modern British fare with posh scotch eggs, fish and chips and a pimped lobster caesar salad. But the main attraction is the pies. Made in the cute Pie Room on the side of the restaurant, these beautiful creations arrive like shiny pastry crowns, stuffed with braised beef steak, chicken and wild mushroom or Lincolnshire poacher cheese and potato. So comforting, elevated and totally delicious. Across from the dining room, there’s Scarfes Bar, an atmospheric moody cocktail boudoir with a roaring fire, live music and men in white coats dramatically flipping cocktail shakers. The perfect place for a nightcap and Rosewood guests get to skip the queue, which was quite lengthy on the Friday night when we visited.
What is the service like at Rosewood London?
Everyone we interacted with at the Rosewood was very nice and helpful, if a tad formal. The service here doesn’t feel as personal and relaxed as some other places, but that’s not a problem. We were helped with everything we needed and made to feel welcome. The most friendly service was the staff in the Holborn Dining Room who took my daughter into the kitchen for extra butter, gave us extra cushions to get comfy and stayed for a chat.
What is the spa like at Rosewood London?
I had a hard time locating Sense spa which is tucked away in a far corner of the basement down a very long striped corridor. Not the most relaxing start to my experience but once inside the cocoon of slate and bamboo, it was much more serene. They offer specialist treatments from Hollywood’s Face Place and natural skincare Votary, with many treatments inspired by elements of the UK including the British Rose Massage and the Epsom salt detoxifying body ritual. You can’t really go wrong with any of their treatments. Afterwards you can chill in the quiet lounge with snacks and tea. The long corridor seems much more peaceful after you emerge.
What’s the area like around Rosewood London?
Sat just behind Holborn station, Rosewood London is within walking distance of Covent Garden, Chinatown and Soho. But there are some gems right near the hotel too: the magical Sir John Soane's Museum in nearby Lincoln's Inn Fields, as well as the weird and wonderful Hunterian Museum (not one for the squeamish). It’s also a short walk to the delightful Lamb’s Conduit Street which is full of independent shops and eateries. Check out Honey & Co for a Middle Eastern feast or Ciao Bella for a slap up Italian supper.
Why you should you book a stay at Roswood London
Excellently well located, chic Rosewood London is a dependably swanky base whether it’s your first visit to London or your 100th. Everything you need is here (apart from a swimming pool, alas) and, let’s be honest, it’s worth checking in for the pies alone. It’s expensive but with prices starting around £500 for a room, it’s not a complete rip off and that can be surprisingly rare in London.