Opened in late October 2013, the Rosewood London promised many things – incredible design, the magic Rosewood touch (it is their first hotel in Europe) and a new London location: Holborn, located between the West End and the City, an area that is now being called midtown. What did I think of this stunning new hotel? I loved it.
Pre-Arrival
– Was there any pre-arrival communication by the hotel with myself via email or social media?
Yes there was. My stay was organised via a mix of email and twitter and I was really looking forward to it.
– Did I try to engage the hotel via Twitter? Did the hotel interact with me and made me feel welcome/special?
They did indeed – pre stay, during my stay and after I left.
– Has the hotel tried to gather any personal information (e.g. preferences) prior to my stay?
Not necessarily, but honestly, it wasn’t needed.
Arrival
– The wow factor! What was the hotel decor style?
The hotel exterior (which sadly I couldn’t capture as it was a wet day and did not do it any justice) is something quite special. The old headquarters of an insurance company, it is like a gift. The more you unwrap it, the more special it gets. From the sexy outside, to the courtyard, you know you are on to something special. I loved the decor throughout the hotel. And the coolest thing? The staff uniforms. Look out for the sexiest doormen in London – and I am not even exaggerating. No top hats and tails, but very sexy tweed outfits. Very cool indeed.
– How quick and efficient was the hotel check-in?
I had a very quick and efficient check in, and I loved ‘doing it’ sitting down. Makes it more intimate and special.
– Was I addressed by name once reservation has been located? (it is all about the small details, some others are outstanding with this, and I love it, like I do when I board an airplane)
I was indeed. I was also escorted to my room by my fantastic butler (who I did not disturb throughout my stay of course). But once he found me lost in the corridors and safely delivered me to my room.
– Did I get an upgrade from my confirmed pre-booked room type?
I did indeed. I had a fab suite. Just wait until you see it.
– Did I feel genuinely welcomed by the hotel staff?
Yes yes yes. The staff were outstanding throughout my stay. Worth mentioning that I had visited the hotel a week after it opened (the bar) and you could still see some teething problems. You could also tell they were being ironed out.
– Luggage – how many people did I have to tip before the luggage made it safely to my room? This is cultural, I know
My lovely butler took it for me as he would not take no for an answer. It was only a small overnight bag.
– Wi-fi – was I told anything about it? Was there a charge?
Wifi is complementary and I did not use it as I was using my own phone.
Room Experience
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My stunning suite at the Rosewood London
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
There were quite a few wows I have to say. Besides spacious (very spacious as you can see), the suite was stunning. The whole hotel decor is incredible – I loved the grey and the brown combinations and do not even get me started on the striped carpets. Top marks indeed.
– Welcome amenity
I had some lovely chocolates when I arrived, and foie gras pate later on. All beautifully displayed and presented. There were a lot of small details which I really appreciated.
– The bed
It was lovely – comfortable and huge. The pillows were also fab. There was only one downside – the emergency lights are too close to the bed and quite bright.
– Closet/Wardrobe – proper hangers or those annoying ones where you need a PhD to get them out one by one? This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I can’t stand them.
All as it should be. And I have to note the fab chest of drawers and the jewellery box which is something you don’t see so often. It was great to be able to remove earrings, necklace and watch and know it was all in the same place.
– Iphone Charger/Dock
I didn’t find it. The room had a great sound system but no iPhone dock (that I could find).
– Bathrobes and slippers
They looked lovely and they were there. I used the slippers for once and they were great.
– Coffee and Tea
Yes, nespresso of course and the whole mini bar is included in the rate.
– Free bottled water
Of course, plenty of bottles around the room. They were refillable glass bottles which was actually quite chic.
– Magazine selection – had some nice surprises and doesn’t happen often enough!
Possibly one of the best ever – and appropriate for me personally.
– Power sockets in useful places – we have more and more devices and we know where we want them! By the bed, by the working area.
Very good indeed. On each side of the bed you could charge your ‘devices’. No need for anything else.
Bathroom
– First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
The bathroom looked simply stunning – mirrors all around and I cannot fault it in any way. The only thing I thought it was slightly weird.. I could not find the loo. I kept thinking it was behind one of the mirrored walls! But it wasn’t – there was another room on the living room (so that visiting guests would not go into the bedroom area). But for me, personally, I thought it was a little bit strange that I had to go into the living room myself.
– Bath, shower and taps – I am looking for Duravits and Hansgrohes (or other fab brands) around the world. How fab was the shower? And a little pet peeve.. was I able to operate the shower without asking Mr. O for help?
This suite had a shower room. A whole room (think a good 4sqm) with an amazing shower head and a bath on the side. I was looking forward to trying this baby and I was not disappointed.
– Towels – yes, please! How many and how soft and lovely?
Many and lovely.
– Toiletries – own brand, super brand, baby ones or proper ones? I shall find out!
Czech & Speake was the brand chosen by Rosewood for the toiletries – and apparently it is the first time ever it is available at a hotel. I only tried the lavender shower gel and it was nice.
– Amenity kit – I don’t want more sewing kits thank you very much, but I will need a shower cap.
Possibly one of the best ones I have ever seen – smartly organised in a clear box in the dressing area. I also loved the jewellery box which was handy to store all my bits and pieces.
– Hairdryer – is it a human one, or just something stuck to a wall that only makes noise?
There was one of course, but I did not use it in this occasion.
Bar
I had visited this bar a few times before (and there were some growing pains, all ironed out by this stage). The bar is a great space and has an amazing collection of cocktails (and some interesting bar bites too). Every time I have visited it is always very busy and lively and definitely has an atmosphere.
Restaurant
I had dinner at the Mirror Room (The Holborn has since opened, adding to the dining options at this hotel) – which was an interesting experience. There is no conventional seating – think low tables, perfect for meeting friends. I was meeting a friend for dinner and the low tables actually worked – the menu was quite eclectic and well priced (I could not resist the chestnut soup and the veal tartare which was delicious).
I loved the dessert selection, which was artfully displayed at one end – it was difficult to say no.
Breakfast
Breakfast takes place at the Mirror Room too, and the buffet is spread where the desserts were at dinner and also at one clever little space which can be hired separately for a private dinner (with a kitchen). I have to say that I was disappointed with the selection available – especially on the continental front. There were all types of cereal, but the cheese and hams were not incredible. The eggs were pre-cooked (i.e. not made to order) and it wasn’t easy to get the staff’s attention (in complete contrast to the evening before).
General thoughts
– How good and reliable was the wi-fi?
It worked very well and free of charge.
– Did the hotel interact with me via Twitter during my stay?
They did and continue to do so.
– Location
Located in Holborn, who is trying to position itself as London’s ‘midtown’, I am sure it is perfect for the City and the many people who visit this part of town for professional reasons. I did not have a problem getting there.
– Cost – rooms starting from…
Deluxe rooms start at £350 and suites at £600.
– Would I recommend it to my best friend?
I would and she would love it.
– Would I stay again?
I would indeed. I thought the hotel was stunning and a place where one would go back to.
Have you visited this hotel? What were your thoughts?
xo
Mrs. O
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Rosewood Hotels during this stay, but hopefully you will see that this has not influenced my thoughts about the property. To book, click here.