The Rosewood takes plush to a whole new level, writes Colette Doyle. If the understated luxury of the hotel’s suites isn’t swish enough for you, then the fact they all have their own butler is sure to impress even the most jaded jet-setter.
Tasteful, neutral furnishings are the order of the day here and the property’s theme of discovery manifests itself in the toiletries displayed in a glass case, like some fascinating museum exhibit.
The shower room is off the deceptively compact bathroom and is a capacious chamber with controls that wouldn’t look out of place on a cruise ship. The toilet is entirely separate – a civilised arrangement that means there’s no issue if your partner takes ages in the bath.
Enjoying a drink before dinner gave my companion and I the opportunity to revel in the atmosphere of Scarfes Bar, named in honour of the cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, who is working with the property to devise a series of illustrations that will be showcased here. The atmospheric venue features a roaring fire, mellifluous lounge singer and an amazing cocktail list – the Lord Chancellor mixes absinthe and Champagne with crème de pêche and calvados to stunning effect.
When we visited the Holborn Dining Room was not yet open, so we ate at the Mirror Room. Subdued lighting makes for a classy feel and the reflective surfaces referenced in the name engender a sophisticated vibe. The menu is eclectic and informal in the sense you can mix and match dishes as you please – this is all-day dining seriously taken up a notch. The patisserie table alone would surpass even Willy Wonka’s wildest dreams, laden with all manner of tempting sweet treats.
In the morning, breakfast is served silver service style with the flourish of a magician; attention to detail is superb, with each ingredient decanted into stylish little pots and jars. Despite the property’s proximity to the busy intersection at Holborn tube station, not a sound permeates from outside; cocooning its guests from the stresses and strains of London life, The Rosewood is an incredible urban sanctuary.
252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN; 020 7781 8888; rosewoodhotels.com/en/london. Room rates start from £350 a night
Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5
Located just a short journey from Heathrow’s Terminal 5, this member of the Hilton family of hotels is perfect for overnight layovers, writes Molly Dyson. National Express operates a shuttle every half hour between the airport and the property that costs £8 for a round trip, or you can easily get a cab to pick you up.
The door to my executive room opens to a high ceiling and generous floor space. A 37-in TV is set into the wall with handy connections so you can hook up your laptop or tablet to watch your own films; speakers in the bathroom, meanwhile, allow you to listen to the news while you get ready for the day. Useful features include a desk with a spare landline phone, plus an ironing board and iron stashed away in the closet. There’s also an electric kettle with a large selection of complimentary tea and coffee, great for those who need a hot drink in the morning before facing the world.
While the stylish bathroom features a deep tub and separate walk-in shower with toiletries from skincare specialist Peter Thomas Roth, I find the lighting isn’t quite bright enough to apply my make-up, so I end up standing awkwardly in front of the mirrored closet and having to walk back-and-forth to the sink – hardly ideal, interior designers please take note.
In addition to the executive lounge with its complimentary hot breakfast and evening canapés, the property features the River Bar for drinks and Musetti’s Coffee Shop in the lobby. My partner and I visit the Gallery, which offers fine dining and a mix of traditional and contemporary British dishes (you can also choose Mr Todiwala’s Kitchen for Indian cuisine).
For business travellers with a stopover in the capital, the property certainly makes for a convenient option.
Poyle Road, Colnbrook SL3 0FF; 01753 686 860; hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hilton-london-heathrow-airport-terminal-5-LHRATHI/index.html. Room rates start from £119 a night
