Rosewood London

History

Discover the Rosewood London, which was once the historic headquarters for the Pearl Assurance Company.

Designed in Edwardian and Belle Époque-styles by H. Percy Monckton, the first phase of the building's construction was completed in 1914. It would take another 50 years for subsequent architects to finish Monckton’s work. Throughout this span of time, the building remained as headquarters for the Pearl Assurance Company. But under the supervision of English Heritage, the Pearl Assurance Company building was soon after transformed into one of London's most prized luxury hotels, Rosewood London. The renovators left many of the building’s principal features intact, such as the East and West Banking Hall interiors, as well as the Grand Staircase. This was done to ensure that the hotel retained its original historic charm when it debuted in 2003. Rosewood London's detailed restoration plans were as identical to the original structure as possible. Its guests can embark on a journey into the early 20th century when staying at the Rosewood London. This magnificent historical structure still features its expansive, central carriageway, as well as the Cuban mahogany that defines much of its brilliant interior structure. The legacy of the Pearl Assurance Company has not been forgotten, too. Three of Rosewood London's boardrooms were named in honor of Pearl Assurance Company chairman, and the building's facades and décor retain an essence of its original design. The architectural legacy of the building was not an afterthought, either. In fact, the renovation of the building allows for it to blend seamlessly into London's iconic cityscape. A member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2015, this fantastic holiday destination continues to be among London’s most prestigious vacation getaways.

Hotel Timeline

Construction began on the first block of the Pearl Assurance Company headquarters on High Holborn, designed as a major Edwardian Baroque commercial building.

The first phase of the building was completed and served as the headquarters of the Pearl Assurance Company.

The building remained the headquarters of the Pearl Assurance Company for much of the 20th century, preserving its identity as a major financial and commercial landmark.

A later block, now including areas associated with Scarfes Bar, was constructed between 1929 and 1930.

The west block, now including areas associated with Holborn Dining Room, was completed between 1959 and 1960.

Pearl Assurance’s long use of the building as headquarters ended.

The former Pearl Assurance building opened as a hotel, managed by Marriott International under the Renaissance Hotels brand as Renaissance Chancery Court.

Marriott’s management of Renaissance Chancery Court ended on June 2011.

After Marriott’s departure, the property operated independently as Chancery Court Hotel until closing for renovation.

The hotel closed in July 2013 for renovation and reopened in October 2013 as Rosewood London, preserving major historic features including the Grand Staircase, East and West Banking Hall interiors, carriageway, courtyard, and Cuban mahogany details.

Rosewood London was inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide. Historic Hotels Worldwide is a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including more than 300 legendary historic hotels including many former castles, chateaus, palaces, academies, haciendas, villas, monasteries, and other historic lodging spanning ten centuries.

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