Diplomat enjoys a taste of VIP life staying in one of the UK’s most exclusive hotel residences, Rosewood London’s Manor House Wing
Just off traffic-packed High Holborn, Rosewood London is a hidden retreat in the heart of the capital. Following an £85 million transformation, the architectural features of this 1914 Belle Époque building have been painstakingly restored by a team of craftsmen. Within only a year of its opening in 2013, Rosewood London had won eight prominent accolades, including “Best New Hotel in the World 2014” by Telegraph Ultratravel.
Upstairs, 262 guestrooms and 44 suites convey the feeling of a very comfortable and luxurious home. Nowhere more so than in Rosewood London’s top offering, the Manor House Wing. Billed as one of London’s most exclusive residences, it welcomes guests via its own private entrance with a dedicated doorman, and is said to be the only suite in the world with its own postcode.
One master bedroom plays host to up to six additional bedrooms in various configurations, making up over 6,295 square feet of living space – ideal for visiting dignitaries or government ministers who travel with an entourage. Decorated with exquisite custom-made furnishings, an array of objets d’art and a collection of curated books and artworks, we found ourselves browsing the suite’s gorgeous interiors for quite some time.
But what is it that sets the Manor House Wing apart from London’s other super suites? For a start, personalised pillowcases are monogrammed with the guest’s initials. The fully equipped kitchen serves an elegant dining room that seats up to ten, and would also work well as a conference table for meetings. The vast free-standing, circular marble bathtub in the master bathroom (naturally with a built-in TV) is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. The DVD collection has been curated by Harvey Weinstein, and comes in a bespoke Smythson leather case. To our eldest son’s delight, the suite was bursting with further surprises including a minibar with complimentary Fortnum & Mason edible goodies, endless decorative boxes filled with sweets and homemade biscuits. One even contained a giant double layered chocolate cookie cake with his name in Smarties. Heaven for adults and children alike.
Rosewood London excels when it comes to personalised service. The hotel staff certainly go the extra mile. Our wonderful butler offered to unpack and press clothes, make tea or cocktails, set up lunch and occasionally assist when the in-room technology became too much! With an extra staff entrance in the suite, she was always discreetly available to to lend a hand.
Aside from an excellent room service offering, Rosewood London has plenty of dining options to consider. The bustling Holborn Dining Room serves good consistent classic British dishes with a twist throughout the day, and is home to London’s largest collection of gin. The stunning Mirror Room serves an excellent breakfast and, I’m told, a decadent afternoon tea. Hugely popular, Scarfes Bar is named after renowned British artist and caricaturist Gerald Scarfe (also a Diplomat cover artist!), and many of his original paintings depicting well-known faces adorn the walls. Be sure to sample ‘Diplomatic Immunity,’ a vibrant concoction of rum, ginger and spices on the rocks – a total hit. The menu comprises a delectable selection of exotic Indian flavours, and our appetiser of tangy potato in a semolina shell with cumin cooler was an unusual but spectacular fusion of textures and flavours. Well worth a visit.
With easy access to both the City and West End, Rosewood London’s Manor House Wing is a luxurious self-contained residence that is versatile, private, spacious and undeniably elegant.

Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
T: +44 20 7781 8888 www.rosewoodhotels.com/London