Pearl Assurance

Hotel of the fortnight: Rosewood London

Rosewood London is a stunning oasis of luxury says Kaye Holland

Looking for a luxurious bolt-hole in Midtown (PR speak for that area between the City and the West End)? Make for Rosewood London.

Nobody can deny that when it comes to luxury, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts know how to put on a show – they have been doing it for decades in America.

However the 262 room, 44 suite Rosewood London is the group’s first foray in the UK. The high octane hotel is housed in a beautiful 1914 Belle Epoque building that was once the headquarters of Pearl Assurance. The elegant facade certainly makes you think you’ve stepped back in time to a far more graceful age. If Miss Marple had a favourite London hotel, Rosewood London would have been it.

Guests arrive through wrought iron gates into a charming courtyard before turning right into the lobby that’s divided into zones where you can read (there’s an elegant edit of books artfully scattered around the room), enjoy a drink or simply listen to the contented chirping of the birds who are housed in gargantuan cages.

Upon check in, you’ll be shown to your refined accommodation (expect a tasteful palette of grey, beige and taupe) that will soon feel like home. The suites are truly fab,  taking glamour to a Hollywood level. Every conceivable luxury and comfort has been thought of: floor to ceiling mirrors, electric black out blinds, enormous (unbranded) widescreen televisions and film star bathrooms boasting family sized baths that could fit Aunts and Uncles too and divine Czech & Speake toiletries. During the day complimentary cake is delivered to the living room while at night you’ll find a selection of spirits (you’ll feel a strong urge to stuff a few bottles in your bag) in the black lacquered cabinets in case you’re in need of a good (gratis) drink.

All of the suites elate but if you’re of the opinion that big is better, then the Grand Manor House Wing – a suite that makes Buckingham Palace look like a Travelodge – is the one to go for. It’s the first hotel suite on the planet to have its own postcode (W1CV 7DZ if you’re interested). The £25,000 a nightsuite is said to be seven times larger than the average British home and boasts six bedrooms, film star worthy bathrooms, several sitting rooms and a library. Oh and the suite has a dedicated 24/7 butler. Little wonder then that it’s always full – booking the Grand Manor House wing can be as challenging as getting a table at Chiltern Firehouse.

Regardless of whether you retire to the Grand Manor House Wing or one of the ‘regular’ rooms and suites, it’s impossible to exaggerate the glories of the Rosewood’s accommodation. Covent Garden and Theatreland may be only a short stroll south of Rosewood London but chances are that any half baked notion of exploring will evaporate the moment you step foot into your suite.

Assuming you decide to leave your room (which is admittedly a challenge but you’ll need to eat), the cuisine proves a major draw. Holborn Dining Room – the latest venture from Des McDonald – is the official restaurant but there are lots of places to eat including the marvellousMirror Room (afternoon tea here is a treat) and Scarfes Bar. Designed by Martin Brudunizki, Scarfes – named after the famed political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe – with its marbled walls and elaborate cocktail menu, resembles the kind of place one imagines Don Draper would head if he were in town

Work off the inevitable weight gain in the fitness centre – a true study in technology. And if you aren’t a fan of exercising, rest assured that Rosewood London has plenty of personal trainers on site to whip you into shape.  But if that sounds too much like hard work, be pampered in theSense Spa or find kindred spirits seeking nirvana in one of the hotel’s reading areas.

A further highlight is the modern service which is warm and efficient in equal measure. It’s the sort of attention that makes you feel – if only for 24 hours – that you have entered a different world.

All told Rosewood London represents a much needed sanctuary in the capital. Haute Timedefies even the most stressed out city slicker not to feel the the tensions melt away after a stay here.

It’s a bold boast but this may just be the best new hotel in town.