Here’s some trivia for you: The city you know as London isn’t London. In fact, the “City of London” is just a tiny, 1.12 square-mile kernel of territory in a much larger urban center called Westminster, home of the eponymous Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Oh, those English.
Westminster just grew that much over the years.. And today, London is HUGE. So huge, you almost have no idea where to begin, and end up, dare I say it, doing all the “tourist things.” Ick. So, first thing’s first: Your best-of-the-bunch base of operational. And by this, I mean the Rosewood London.
Guests step from the modern streets of one era and into the courtyard of another. The Rosewood blocks out the noise of world with a gorgeous, century-old Edwardian Age facade, which itself wraps around a cobblestoned ward–a hint of the class experience to come. It may not look it that big, but the property has 262 rooms and 44 suites ready and waiting under its five-star roof. Designed by wunderkind Tony Chi, each space innovates, encapsulates, and captivates with Italian linens, LED TVs, and even butler services. They take indulgence seriously here; the top of the line is the Grand Manor House Wing, a 6,295 sq. ft. paradise of plush-seated, carved-marbled perfection with its own private entrance. Very posh.
Once you are squared away, it might be worth to pull out a map: Located very conveniently near Covent Garden, the West End theaters, and the City (of London), this North Bank (of the Thames) hotel exemplifies the New Brit: embracing the past, but looking over its shoulder to the future with a wink. And as a bit of wisdom from a frequent visitor such as myself, ditch the cabs and even the tube and walk around. The Rosewood is in one of the most visually stunning parts of Westminster/London, and nearby sights include the monuments of Fleet Street, Somerset House, and of course, the Thames itself.
But while you have one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the waiting just outside, you might want to consider a night in. The infamously immersive cabaret of the Rosewood’s Scarfe’s Bar regularly ropes in the cream of London’s talent, including such illustrious names as Dusty Limits, Vicky Butterfly, and Lili La Scala. The British capital is dead-center of a cabaret renaissance, with everything from vintage-style burlesque shows to nutty, experimental drag acts, and it’s worth a look-see.
So think of the Rosewood this way: It is the perfect British getaway–inside and out.
For more information, go to: rosewoodhotels.com/en/london. Be sure to contact Steele Luxury Travel to make a booking and receive exclusive Virtuoso amenities such as upgrades, breakfast and other fantastic perks! www.SteeleTravel.com.