Review of Rosewood London

Nestled within a grand Edwardian landmark, Rosewood London at 252 High Holborn is a masterclass in refined British luxury. Originally built prior to World War I as the headquarters of Pearl Assurance Company, this Grade II listed property has been meticulously transformed—at a cost exceeding €100 million—into one of London’s most prestigious five-star hotels, under the careful supervision of English Heritage. The result is a sophisticated haven with 236 lavish guest rooms and 45 opulent suites. 

Guests can indulge at five distinct dining and social venues, including the dazzling Mirror Room—celebrated for its all-day fare and award-winning Afternoon Tea—the Holborn Dining Room, a striking brasserie set in the former banking hall, Scarfes Bar, inspired by the legendary caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, The Pie Room, dedicated to artisanal British pies, and The Macallan Manor House, evoking the warmth and grandeur of a country estate.  

Wellness and relaxation are paramount at Rosewood London. The serene Sense Spa offers bespoke therapies, while the renowned Face Place delivers advanced skincare treatments. The Fitness Suite boasts state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and free weights, and the Matthew Curtis hair salon—styled after the iconic Orient Express—ensures guests are impeccably groomed during their stay.

Discreetly set behind a tranquil courtyard off bustling High Holborn, Rosewood London occupies a privileged address in the heart of the city’s historic legal quarter. Its enviable location places guests within walking distance of Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House, the West End’s famed theatres, Somerset House, and cultural treasures such as the British Museum and Sir John Soane’s Museum. 

The financial district is a mere 15-minute drive, with St Paul’s Cathedral and the Bank of England close by. World-renowned shopping on Bond, Regent, and Oxford Streets is easily accessed by taxi or tube. Holborn Underground station (Central and Piccadilly Lines) is just a two-minute stroll, linking you to the capital’s major attractions.

For seamless arrivals, Rosewood London offers a private chauffeur service with a curated fleet, including a Jaguar XJ Saloon and Range Rover, ensuring a stylish transfer from any London airport. London City Airport is the nearest at approximately 14 km, while Heathrow and Gatwick are 29 km and 48 km away respectively—both reachable in under an hour with typical traffic.

Key rail hubs such as St Pancras International (Eurostar terminal), King’s Cross, and Euston are all within easy reach, making the hotel ideal for international and UK travelers alike.

Valet parking is available for guests arriving by car, a rarity in central London.

Designed by the acclaimed Tony Chi and Associates, each of the 263 guest rooms and 45 suites at Rosewood London exudes the understated elegance of a modern London townhouse. Interiors showcase a harmonious blend of lacquered finishes, textured woods, and artful mirrors, while bathrooms are clad in exquisite Italian marble and adorned with hand-beaten alpaca silver.

Five main room categories cater to every traveler: Deluxe Rooms offer abundant natural light and plush bespoke furnishings; Executive Rooms feature lofty ceilings; Family Rooms provide generous layouts; Grand Executive Rooms add sweeping views and curated details; and Grand Premier Rooms, the most spacious at 37 square meters, offer indulgent amenities and spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs and walk-in showers.

All accommodations feature Nespresso machines, Rivolta Carmignani linens, an extensive pillow menu, D R Harris toiletries (Czech & Speake in suites), salon-quality hairdryers, 46-inch LED TVs, Geneva sound systems with Bluetooth connectivity, and complimentary access to digital newspapers. Suites are further enhanced with larger screens, in-room scales, and fully stocked personal bars.

The suite collection begins with versatile Junior Suites, available in split-level designs, and extends to the Deluxe, Premier, and Grand Premier Suites—each echoing the ambiance of a stately London home. Two- and three-bedroom suites offer up to 100 square meters of flexible, residential-style space, ideal for extended stays or family gatherings. 

The eight Signature Suites rank among London’s most coveted, each with unique layouts and features. Highlights include the multi-story Dome Suite, the duplex Cupola, the heritage-inspired Pearl Suite, Cupola House with its private foyer and dressing room, Holborn House with a den and wet room, Noble House with soaring ceilings, Chancery House with a dramatic sunken dining area, and Garden House, a penthouse retreat with a lush private terrace and panoramic city views.

For those seeking the ultimate in privacy and luxury, the Garden House Wing presents a five-bedroom sanctuary with a furnished terrace and skyline vistas. The newly introduced Lincoln House and its adjoining Wing offer three to eight bedrooms, open-plan living, and a fully equipped kitchen—perfect for exclusive gatherings. The Manor House Wing stands as London’s only suite with a private postcode and entrance, spanning 185 square meters with a private lift, library, and dining area. Personalised touches include monogrammed stationery, a complimentary minibar featuring Fortnum & Mason selections, a curated wine fridge, fresh flowers, a rotating fruit selection, and private chauffeur service in a London car.

Located on the lower ground level, Sense, A Rosewood Spa, envelops guests in tranquility with bamboo accents, atmospheric lighting, and walkways suspended above gently flowing water and smooth pebbles. Seven treatment rooms, including a private couple’s suite, offer a sanctuary for personalized therapies. The spa’s relaxation lounge, adorned with gold leaf and teak, provides a serene escape in the heart of London. Facilities include dry saunas, amethyst crystal steam rooms, and immersive sensory showers featuring acclaimed brands such as Sodashi, Face Place, EviDenS de Beauté, and Maison Caulières. 

Signature treatments draw on British traditions, with offerings like the Epsom Salt Detox Ritual and rose-infused massages that pay homage to the nation’s heritage. The award-winning Face Place delivers clinical-grade skincare, beloved by celebrities and beauty editors alike for its transformative results.

The state-of-the-art Fitness Suite is spread across two sunlit rooms, equipped with the latest Technogym machines and an extensive range of free weights. Guests seeking tailored fitness experiences can book sessions with leading trainer Harry Jameson or embark on a three-day Jameson Fitness Retreat, designed for holistic wellbeing.

The boutique Matthew Curtis Hair Salon, with its Orient Express-inspired design, provides expert styling both in-salon and in-room, using a custom vintage trunk that transforms any space into a luxury grooming studio.

Families are exceptionally well cared for at Rosewood London. Young guests are welcomed as VIPs with a personal letter at check-in. The Rosebuds Programme includes creative children’s spa treatments, pie-making classes, and a whimsical Art Afternoon Tea, where edible paints and treats delight younger palates. Amenities such as baby cots, bottle warmers, miniature bathrobes, wireless baby monitors, and in-room baby-proofing ensure a seamless and stress-free stay for families.

The transformation of this imposing Edwardian structure—from a bastion of British commerce into a trailblazing luxury hotel—stands as a testament to inspired adaptive reuse in London’s hospitality scene. 

Originally opened on the eve of the First World War and expanded over five decades, the building’s interiors are clad in rare Cuban mahogany and a dazzling array of seven marbles, such as Swedish Green and Statuary. Heritage elements like the grand marble staircase and the former banking halls—now the Holborn Dining Room and Scarfes Bar—have been lovingly preserved and enhanced.

An extensive restoration led by English Heritage faithfully recreated missing architectural features, while three heritage boardrooms pay homage to Pearl Assurance Company’s distinguished history.

Despite its grandeur, Rosewood London embraces a playful streak. Quirky finds abound: Scarfe’s Bar features an 1870s rocking chair from New York and antique seating inspired by Edwardian originals, while eclectic art and witty British touches enliven public spaces. The lobby’s striking black-and-white mosaic floor, églomisé glass panels brimming with curios, and statement oak armoires create an atmosphere that is both elegant and delightfully unexpected. 

Staying true to Rosewood’s “Sense of Place” philosophy, the hotel’s design artfully weaves together London’s storied history, vibrant culture, and irrepressible spirit—making every stay a celebration of the city itself.

Rosewood London’s gastronomic offerings are as diverse as they are exceptional, from imaginative afternoon teas to inventive cocktails and artisanal British cuisine. The Mirror Room, with its reflective ceilings and sumptuous décor, serves as a destination for all-day dining and features the acclaimed Art Afternoon Tea, curated by Executive Pastry Chef Mark Perkins. Themed after iconic artists and the hotel’s own collection, these teas are consistently awarded among London’s best. 

Scarfe’s Bar, brought to life by designer Martin Brudnizki, is a vibrant hub filled with warmth—boasting a roaring fireplace, a stunning antique brass bar, and over a thousand vintage books. Gerald Scarfe’s ever-evolving satirical illustrations animate the walls, while the cocktail menu, inspired by personality archetypes, offers both classic and avant-garde creations. Signature drinks like ‘The Individualist’ (Rémy Martin 1738, Old Duff, sea buckthorn, and lavender) are as memorable as the ambiance.

Holborn Dining Room, also envisioned by Brudnizki, channels the energy of a grand British brasserie with reclaimed oak, red leather banquettes, and tweed accents. The menu celebrates British classics with contemporary flair, while the adjacent Gin Bar showcases London’s largest gin collection—over 500 labels and 30 tonics—enabling up to 14,000 possible pairings, from global icons to small-batch rarities. 

The Pie Room is a culinary shrine to Britain’s beloved pies, overseen by Executive Chef Calum Franklin. Guests can enjoy hand-crafted savouries, take part in pie-making masterclasses, or sample recipes from Franklin’s celebrated cookbook—a must for food enthusiasts.

The Terrace, set in the peaceful inner courtyard, offers year-round alfresco dining, with seasonal menus and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for a glass of rosé in summer or a cozy meal beneath heaters in winter. 

Each autumn, The Macallan Manor House returns, transforming the courtyard into a Scottish-inspired hideaway, complete with woodland touches and the evocative aroma of single malt whisky—a sensory retreat for whisky aficionados.

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is committed to environmental stewardship, integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations. Each property, including Rosewood London, is designed to honor its unique setting, heritage, and community, with a strong emphasis on preserving natural resources and supporting local culture. Conservation initiatives are central to the brand’s philosophy, with proactive measures and partnerships established to foster environmental awareness and positive local impact. 

Rosewood London delivers an uncompromising luxury experience while prioritizing eco-friendly practices. The hotel manages natural resources with integrity, ensuring that guest expectations for comfort and service are met without sacrificing environmental responsibility. The design ethos blends timeless elegance with a conscious respect for the surrounding environment.

Green operations are embedded in daily routines: from sustainable housekeeping and energy-efficient equipment to eco-conscious landscaping and waste reduction. The property applies the "five Rs"—Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Remove—to minimize waste, and continuously invests in energy-saving technologies to lower its carbon footprint.

Environmental training is standard for all associates, and guests are encouraged to participate in sustainable choices, such as opting for green housekeeping and enjoying menus focused on organic and local ingredients. The hotel regularly audits its sustainability performance and implements ongoing improvements in line with industry best practices.

The Partners in Provenance initiative ensures that chefs source ingredients from local farmers and producers, championing seasonal British produce and supporting regional agriculture—an approach that enhances both sustainability and culinary excellence.

• Gin & Whisky Selection: The Gin Bar is an unparalleled destination for spirit connoisseurs, boasting an extraordinary 500 gins and 30 artisanal tonics—allowing for 14,000 unique G&T combinations. Both popular and craft gins are featured. For whisky enthusiasts, The Macallan Manor House is a sanctuary—savoring an 18-year-old Macallan paired with perfectly crisp fries is an indulgence not to be missed.
• Impeccable Service: The Rosewood London team exemplifies the brand’s warm, intuitive hospitality. Staff are consistently welcoming and attentive, striking the right balance between professionalism and genuine friendliness. Encounters with Coco, the hotel’s resident canine ambassador, add a delightful touch to the guest experience. 
• Attention to Detail: The hotel’s British identity shines through in every aspect. The multi-million euro renovation, guided by British Heritage authorities, preserved original architectural features—majestic marble staircases and the striking exterior—while infusing whimsical touches like the gilded églomisé glass in the lobby.
• Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• Arrival Experience: Passing through the wrought-iron gates into the iconic courtyard is unforgettable, especially when the Belle Époque façade is illuminated after dusk—setting the tone for an enchanting stay.

• Signature Suites: The Manor House and Lincoln House suites evoke the intimacy of a private residence, perfect for entertaining or family gatherings. With the option to connect multiple bedrooms into private wings, these spaces are ideal for celebrations and extended stays.

• Social Spaces: The vibrant restaurants and bars are the heartbeat of Rosewood London, each offering a distinctive ambiance. For a quintessential London evening, enjoy a fireside cocktail at Scarfes Bar accompanied by live jazz from resident duo Nick and Kitty la Roar.Michael BonsorGeneral ManagerRosewood London