Rosewood London now open in Holborn.

Yes, yet another luxury hotel has recently opened in London, this time the Rosewood London, slightly off the main drag on High Holborn.  Once through the arch to the courtyard, traffic noise all but disappears, and you enter a haven of calm and sophistication. The copper-coloured inner corridor sets the tone with a welcoming glow anchored by the black and white mosaic floor. There is much talk of hotels giving a “sense of place” but some of the public spaces here, including the mirror room (love the ceiling!), have a sophisticated New York feel. All very grown up – in a good way.  This building is a former bank HQ which you can tell from the lovingly restored multi-marbled corridors and staircase, rising through 7 floors.  The street-side bar, however, brings us back to the idea and warmth of an English pub. A lovely place to come on a cold winter’s evening.A last word about the staff who were unfailingly friendly as well as efficient, a pleasingly consistent factor throughout. And I recently heard that Rosewood will be taking over the management of Le Crillon in Paris when it reopens in 2015.