Contributor/ Lisa Corcoran
Best Known For
The hotel has been sensitively transformed and the grand Pavonazzo marble staircase which rises up through all seven storeys of the hotel is indeed a sight to behold. The hotel’s bar designed by the renowned Martin Brudnizki, evokes a convivial atmosphere with a roaring fire at one end and wooden bar running along the other. Delicious bar snacks accompany a well curated cocktail list of which I can personally vouch for Bubble and Shrubs. The Mirror Room is a relaxing place to eat breakfast or dinner, the former providing a variety of dishes to suit all breakfast tastes and the latter giving an original dining experience with small tasting plates available to eat as a starter or main course. An interesting variety of wines are available by the glass, carafe or bottle.
The Good Stuff
Located in Holborn, one of London’s most historic locales where the city meets the West End, the hotel with its wrought-iron gates leading to an intimate courtyard is a unique retreat set in the very heart of London. Arriving into this peaceful oasis after a a transport crisis at King’s Cross (no tube) and a husband who was displaying signs of man flu, the feeling of calm and relaxation was instant. A warmer welcome would be difficult to imagine and this was indicative of the most charming and helpful staff one could ever hope to experience. Their personal approach and attentive nature only added to the quality of our stay. The relaxed and informal check in experience meant that in no time we were whisked up to a first floor suite where our butler Tom instantly ordered a Hot Toddy for the aforementioned ill hubby. The suite had everything one could wish for: fresh flowers, free wi-fi (no password required), bottled water, two huge TV’s and acres of space. The bathroom offers a huge rainfall shower, a deep soaking bathtub and a selection of luxury Czech and Speake toiletries. For anything else my heart desired, the delightful Tom was only a phone call away.
The Vibe
The guiding philosophy of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is a Sense of Place and this couldn’t have been more evident, from the staff livery to the literary theme running throughout the hotel.
Inside the hotel – 10/10
The attention to detail is outstanding and Rosewood manages to give a grand hotel a homely feel, not an easy feat to achieve. This is one London home I look forward to returning to.
Outside the hotel – 9/10
A minute from the tube means you can explore the city easily and an easy walk takes you into the heart of Covent Garden.
Images courtesy of Rosewood Hotels
