Rosewood announces plans for second London property

Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with real estate developer Qatari Diar, has announced the latest details for its second property in London, slated to open in 2024 in the city’s upscale Mayfair district.

Officially named The Chancery Rosewood, the new hotel will be centred around the brand’s signature A Sense of Place philosophy, which takes the local sensibilities of a destination to inform the design, décor and experience. Balancing the rich history of the iconic building with contemporary comforts, the property will feature architecture by David Chipperfield Architects and interiors by French designer Joseph Dirand.

“We are proud to have The Chancery Rosewood lead the transformation of the revitalised Grosvenor Square, an incredible public interest initiative that is nearly a decade in the making,” says Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group. “The gifted team of architects and designers will breathe a second life into the iconic building, and we thank our partners at Qatari Diar for the chance to be a part of this remarkable project.”

The hotel’s name pays homage to the building’s storied past; originally constructed by architect Eero Saarinen in 1960, the landmark previously housed the United States embassy and was the first purpose-built chancery in the British capital. Saarinen’s grand façade commanded attention over the western border of Grosvenor Square, with the building becoming tantamount with the UK’s diplomatic relationship with the US.

Original features and mid-century design details, including the Grade II façade and diagrid ceiling, will be retained through a meticulous preservation process undertaken by David Chipperfield Architects, with a mission to reinforce and enhance Saarinen’s original vision of a ‘palace on the park.’ This exercise will extend into the interiors, the design of which will be led by Joseph Dirand, a long-time admirer of Saarinen.

Dirand will honour the legacy of the celebrated Finnish-American architect while simultaneously infusing his own signature style of art de vivre, ensuring each individual space is intimate and glamorous. Taking inspiration from the sophistication of the 1920s and the creativity and glamour of the 1960s, the scheme will draw from a warm, rich colour palette and feature refined, Art Deco-style detailing, walnut panelling and marble and brass accents, altogether channelling the ambiance of a traditional British gentlemen’s club.

Upon completion, The Chancery Rosewood will deliver Rosewood’s residential atmosphere through 139 guestrooms and suites, as well as revitalised public spaces and dining venues designed by Tristan Auer and Bar Studio. Additional amenities and facilities consist of a Yabu Pushelberg-designed Asaya integrative wellness facility, five retail outlets and meeting and events spaces including a 750-guest ballroom.

The property will mark Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ sixth in Europe, and is slated to become both the first five-star hotel and first UK hotel to ever receive a BREEAM outstanding rating for sustainable development.