London’s Cocoon of Luxury

Located in High Holborn, the Rosewood London whispers gentlemanly style with an Edwardian-era courtyard that cocoons one from the bustle of rush-hour traffic.

I was checked into a garden-house suite on the rooftop, which has the most decadent decor, a marble bath, leathered closet, dining room and rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of London’s rooftops. It was divine in every way — and, yes, the suite came with
 a personal butler.

The next morning, before my departure to Heathrow Airport, I had breakfast at the Holborn Dining Room, a grand brasserie-style restaurant that serves locally sourced British cuisine amidst rich red- leather banquettes, copper bars and antique mirrors. Afternoon tea is served in the Mirror Room, an intimate restaurant walled with decorative mirrors; to my dismay, the brevity of my stay deprived me of the experience. On departure, the concierge ensured that I left 
in great British style: I arrived at Paddington station in a black Jaguar to take the Heathrow Express to the airport.

Since my visit, the hotel has opened Gin Bar within the Holborn Dining Room, and gastronomic delicacies are now available at Holborn Delicatessen, where you’ll find chutneys, cheeses, chocolates and delicious pastries by executive pastry chef Mark Perkins.

Visit The Terrace for al fresco dining and cocktails, which was recently transformed by landscape architect Luciano Giubbilei into a quintessential English garden, hedged with lush greenery serving seasonal food and drinks. Rooms start at $545.