Cateys 2017: Hotel of the Year – Group, Rosewood London
Sponsored by Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division
The cynics said that a luxury hotel on London's Holborn would never work, a statement that has well and truly been blown out of the water since the opening in 2014 of the five-red-AA star, 306-bedroom Rosewood London.
Every aspect of the hotel has gone on to impress guests and critics alike, with the Catey judges being no exception. The superb quality of the £85m refurbishment of what was previously the Chancery Court hotel was highly praised. The sensitive and sophisticated enhancement, by interior designers Tony Chi and Martin Brudnizki, of the original Belle Époque architectural features of the 1914 Edwardian, Grade II-listed building, which once housed the headquarters of the Pearl Assurance Company, in particular, was noted.
The judges were also impressed with the way that a large international brand such as Rosewood, which comprises 25 hotels worldwide, has successfully launched exciting restaurant and bar concepts (Scarfes bar, named after cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, and the Holborn Dining Room, which offers a British menu within a brasserie-style setting) that resonate with both the local clientele and the international traveller. Both venues are consistently busy, with the courtyard, landscaped by designer Luciano Giubbilei, providing an outside space rarely found in a central London hotel. The Mirror Room, overseen by executive chef Amandine Chaignot, provides a refined eating and drinking location, while the Sense spa offers a tranquil space for relaxation.
Service, overseen by general manager Michael Bonsor, is described as among the very best in London, encouraged, no doubt, by the fact that staff turnover has consistently fallen since the opening of the hotel to 38% achieved last year.
Inevitably, a strong product and service culture, backed up by a caring approach to staff, has translated to a solid performance, with a 5.6% year-on-year increase in revenue recorded in 2016, alongside a 8.9% rise in room rate.
Rosewood London is a world-class hotel that is performing at the very top of its competitor set and a truly worthwhile winner of this year's Hotel of the Year - Group award.
What the judges said
"The Rosewood London is vibrant, relevant and brings new life to Holborn. The team create a comfortable ambience, while providing the highest level of service."
John Stauss
"The Rosewood London is a truly beautiful hotel with so much to commend, not least a great successful food and beverage offering that appeals to all markets. Wonderful hospitality and service is led from the top by engaging and inspiring general manager Michael Bonsor."
Giovanna Grossi
The shortlist
45 Park Lane London
Cliveden House Taplow, Berkshire
Montague on the Gardens London
Rosewood London
The judges
Jurgen Ammerstorfer, The London Edition
Gordon Campbell, Gray Campbell Gray Hotels
Giovanna Grossi, AA Hotel Services
Michael Magrane, GLH
Harry Murray, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa,Colerene, Wiltshire
Marvin Rust, FTI Consulting
John Stauss, Four Seasons Hotel at London Park Lane
Julian Tomlin, Pennyhill Park, Bagshot, Surrey
