Rosewood Signs Second Luxury Hotel in London

Rosewood, in partnership with Qatari Diar, is to manage a luxury hotel in a Grade II listed building in London which once housed the largest western embassy in the world.

Until recently, the London Chancery Building - known to some as 'Fortress America' - was the workplace of some 700 employees.

Originally built by architect Eero Saarinen in 1960, the building, which covers the whole western side of Grosvenor Square, will be converted into a luxury hotel by Sir David Chipperfield of David Chipperfield Architects with interiors by French architect Joseph Dirand.

The hotel, scheduled to open in 2024, will be called The Chancery Rosewood.

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

The building’s original features and mid-century design details, including the iconic Grade II façade and diagrid ceiling, will be retained through a meticulous preservation process, with a mission to reinforce and enhance Saarinen’s original vision of a ‘palace on the park’.

This exercise will extend into the interiors. Taking inspiration from the sophistication of the 1920s and the creativity and glamour of the 1960s, the design scheme will draw from a warm, rich color palette and feature refined, Art Deco-style detailing, walnut paneling and marble and brass accents, altogether channeling the ambiance of a traditional British gentlemen’s club.

The project is also aiming to be both the first five-star hotel and first U.K. hotel to ever receive a BREEAM outstanding rating for sustainable development.

Upon completion, The Chancery Rosewood will feature 139 guestrooms and suites, as well as public spaces and dining venues designed by Tristan Auer and Bar Studio.

Facilities will consist of a Yabu Pushelberg-designed Asaya integrative wellness facility, five retail outlets and a selection of meeting and events spaces including a 750-guest ballroom.

The hotel will be Rosewood’s second property in London and sixth in Europe.

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