The initial anticipation surrounding the September opening of the Chancery Rosewood, London, was stoked not by the promise of yet another swanky new London hotel offering but the chance to peek inside what was once an impenetrable fortress. Set on Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, the handsome Modernist edifice housed the US embassy for nearly 60 years. Since 2018, after the diplomatic functions were transferred across the river to Nine Elms, David Chipperfield Architects has been busy tearing down security fences, glacis and bollards, removing the office partitions inside, and overhauling the Grade II-listed building’s interiors in preparation for a grand unveiling of a hotel whose high-concept design and sheer beauty prove just as fascinating as the historic building itself.

Supersized Suites

It might be hard to tell from the outside, but the refurbishment nearly doubled the building’s floor space, following the original architect Eero Saarinen’s more ambitious unused plans. Inside, the 144 suites start at an airy 53 square metres, plushly appointed with marble accents, custom artwork and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The most extravagant options are the two 300sq m-plus penthouses, Elizabeth House and Charles House, which each feature a private landscaped terrace, ten-seater dining area, and full kitchen and bar.



 
All Well and Good

Rosewood’s beloved Asaya Spa – with its 25m pool, thermal facilities and neuro-aromatic massages tailored to the moods of travellers (Euphoric, Charisma, Genius…) – is a destination in itself. Added to the mix at The Chancery outpost is a branch of local skincare expert Dr Taktouk’s aesthetic dermatology clinic. The Signature Glacé Skin Facial – a combination of exfoliation, cupping and LED technology inspired by the South Korean “glass skin” concept – is a must-try.



Bird’s-Eye View

Despite the extensive revamp, hints to the property’s past do remain, the most obvious being the enormous gilded eagle that presides over the park. See it up close from the wraparound terrace of the Eagle Bar inside the elegant golden pavilion that now resides on the building’s rooftop. Even the chic cocktails on the menu play into the all-American theme with names like “Crystal Cadillac” and “The Green Card”.


 
The Art of Tea

If you thought you’d experienced every kind of afternoon tea, prepare to meet Jacqueline, the light-filled boudoir named in tribute to Jackie Kennedy which offers three tasting journeys –“Origin,” “Traditional” and “Contemporary” – that take guests on a voyage from Great Britain to Japan guided by an exceptional tea master. The cherry on top? The delicate pastries by pâtissier Marius Dufay, featuring bold ingredients like tiare flower, wasabi and pistachio.


 

Melting Pot

With five in-house eateries led by fêted global names, dining is pleasingly varied, including the pan-Mediterranean fare at Serra, Japanese specialities at chef Masayoshi Takayama’s Tobi Masa, and cosy coffee-house vibes at GSQ. Generating the most buzz is the first European branch of Carbone, which channels the same lively New York energy of the much-loved Manhattan original in a sweeping basement space that seats over 150 diners.

Photos: Ben Anders, © Edmund Sumner