Rosewood London
252 High Holborn, London, Greater London, WC1V 7EN, England
Why We Like It
Despite Hong Kong-based ownership, this English rose is as regally British as they come. Its grand archways vortex guests from the dizzy streets of Holborn to an Edwardian enclave where time can be frozen.
Fodor's Expert Review
Exuding an understated grandeur, this luxurious hotel is a relaxing, indulgent sanctuary in the heart of the city. The impressive lobby, with its black-and-white marble floor and its ground-to-ceiling glass cabinets of curiosities, sets the tone for this decadent yet playful destination. Elegant decor and furnishings abound, and guest rooms are well appointed with large comfortable beds. The brasserie-style Holborn Dining Room wins plaudits for its Modern British food while Scarfes hotel bar is a seductively salubrious place for pre- or post-dinner drinks. And if after all that, you’re in need of some serious pampering, then there's always the wonderful Sense day spa in the basement.
Tip We get it, this is a pricey stay, but how about getting the company to foot the bill? Rosewood’s business amenities are top-notch, and the social spaces will impress any client. The business center is well-equipped with both PCs and Macs, onsite binding, printing and lamination, translation and typing devices, and further for hire if requested. This certainly counts for co-working space.
PROS
- Gorgeous, romantic space
- Excellent restaurant
- Great spa
CONS
- Luxury comes at a price
- The area can be quiet on weekends
- The rooms can't quite match the splendor of the public areas
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Room
Rooms are a monochrome canvas brushed with lacquered woods and shiny glass surfaces. Contemporary art pieces and periodicals finish the room with a colorful pop. Natural light lifts the space, which nicely incorporates tech for ease of its business travelers. There’s plenty of desk availability, Chromecast on the TV, and strong, complimentary Wi-Fi. For an elevated overnight, peruse 10 signature suites designed and curated by Tony Chi and Associates, all with personal butler service.
Bathroom
Nobody’s cheated out of a soaking tub here; every room has one. Bathrooms are handsomely outfitted in Italian marble, with layered mirroring for a West End sparkle. The lighting is flattering (if you’re doing bathroom selfies). Products are plant-based from luxury brand, Votary.
Lobby
Contemporary pieces are complemented by traditional artworks in the grand marble lobby, where a designer Nicholas Oakwell-dressed team are ready to whisk you up to your abode for the overnight. Guests are a mix of dashing international gents and Far East travelers lucky enough to lay flat on Singapore Airlines, and in the lobby, you’ll cross paths with UK day guests heading to the Mirror Room for afternoon tea.
Pool
There is currently no pool at the hotel, but plans are in the works to have one added.
Spa
In lieu of a pool, hotel guests get complimentary access to the LG-level Sense Spa, with access to a steam room, sauna, and a relaxation space. Distant sounds of London underground tube trains mixed in with Tibetan bowls are surprisingly soothing. Six treatment rooms are available for spa services.
Gym
State-of-the-art equipment can be found in the fitness center on the first floor, but we especially love the non-exercise perks: wireless cell charging stands and both fruit and protein ball bowls. Fitness classes with the hotel’s resident personal trainer can be booked for an additional fee.
Dining
The Holborn Dining Room is Rosewood’s signature restaurant, a tall columned brasserie famous for handmade pies and British seasonal plates like the roast lamb rump. All-day dining takes place in The Mirror Room, where an artistic afternoon tea is also served. Breakfast is offered in both outlets.
Blessed with an Edwardian courtyard, Rosewood regularly pops up seasonal al fresco lunch spots on the center cobblestones. In summer, expect to nosh on fresh greens shaded by umbrella, and last winter saw a heated hacienda in collaboration with Don Julio tequila.
Tip If you didn’t try their famous pies at dinner, there’s another chance at breakfast. The Breakfast Pie puts the full English in heavenly scratch-made pastry, topped with a fried egg and streaky bacon. Order as soon as you sit down as it could take up to 30 minutes.
Drinking
Scarfes Bar pillars the hotel entrance with The Holborn Dining Room. The bar pays homage to classic gentleman’s clubs in a library-style space filled with over a thousand vintage books. Named after British artist and cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, his illustrations backdrop your sips of cocktails, wines, and spirits.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Rosewood London is right by Holborn tube station, making it easy for travelers coming in from Heathrow on the Piccadilly Line. The area is walkable, right by Covent Garden, Russell Square, and the slew of theatres along The Strand. A luxury chauffeur service can be booked.
Restaurants
Covent Garden’s prized eats include Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant The Barbary in Neal’s Yard, and French restaurant Clos Maggiore. For tasty street grub in a warehouse, try Seven Dial’s Market, which has everything from pizza to pad Thai.
Bars
On weekends, Freud is a popular, casual watering hole on Shaftesbury Avenue, but for something swankier, try Oriole. In the other direction, Black Lacquer, a Japanese-inspired music bar in the basement of Hyde London City, is a hot after-work hub on weekdays.
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Quick Facts
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: No Meals
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