The golden eagle is still enthroned at the very top of the façade, dominating this large modernist building that stands in stark contrast to the Georgian mansions surrounding Grosvenor Square. Restored and made of aluminium from a B-52 bomber by Theodore Roszak, the sculpture is a reminder that, from 1960 to 2017, the building was the American representation in London before its move to the district of Nine Elms. Today, instead of watching the comings and goings of diplomats, the bird symbol of the United States contemplates those of high-ranking clients entering this the new embassy of luxury The Chancery Rosewood hotel.
As the second address in the British capital for the group that runs the Crillon in Paris, the establishment has only than suitesThere are 144 rooms in all, ranging from Junior Suites to Signature Suites and up to five 'Houses', covering more than 180 m². All have more than king-size beds - an Emperor bed measuring 2m by 2m - dressing rooms and fully-equipped kitchens. The largest of these, the penthouse Charles and Elizabeth Houses, have private dining rooms that make them not only intimate cocoons for a wealthy clientele, but also ideal venues for exclusive events.
Kennedy, John Adams, Saarinen: the names of the other 'houses' link the hotel to its past, with a particular focus on the Finnish-American architect. Eero Saarinenwho designed the building's pure lines. At the request of the owner of the Qatari Diar Hotel, another great architect, Sir David Chipperfield, has turned his attention to the past to propel the building into the 21st century and establish it in its new role.
A building reintegrated into the urban concert
For example, the security perimeter around the former embassy, which made dialogue with the street impossible, has disappeared. The partitions in the 600 offices were also demolished. to allow the exposed concrete beam ceiling, one of the building's key features, to be seen through uninterrupted. The Portland stone window frames on the façade have been restored, providing a modernised envelope in line with a policy of sustainability.
" The reintegration of the building into Grosvenor Square Garden is the basic principle of the project.describes Sir David Chipperfield's architectural practice. The shops, restaurants and bars are located on the ground floor and open onto a newly laid-out public space. ". As part of this initiative, The Chancery Rosewood is hosting a prestige delegation for these eight restaurants and bars, including chef Masayoshi Takayama, one of the most influential figures in Japanese cuisine, and the first European address of the cult New York restaurant Carbone, as well as a rooftop bar with a direct view of the eagle decorating the façade.
For relaxation, the hotel also offers a spa in keeping with the rest, covering more than 1,100 m² and including a 25-metre swimming pool, five treatment rooms, a fitness centre featuring Technogym's Artis Luxury range, and a state-of-the-art cosmetic dermatology clinic. All of this in a setting designed by the renowned Yabu Pushelberg design studio.
At the same time, the hotel called on French interior designer Joseph Dirand to design the interiors of its suites and communal areas. The result is a sophisticated ensemble, punctuated by 700 works of art selected by Cramer & Bell. Some of these have been specially created for the hotel by British painter Sir Christopher Le Brun and textile designer Sussy Cazalet. The suites, meanwhile, allude to the hotel's past, with collages by Anthony Grace that surrealistically evoke American monuments and presidents, and designs by Eero Saarinen.
With flexible arrival and departure times, the use of a hotel car for transfers and a private butler, The Chancery Rosewood offers ultra-personalised experiences for its elite clientele. But this exclusivity is also available for VIP events of all sizes. From intimate meetings for around twenty people in the boardroom to gala dinners and cocktails in the ballroom, which can accommodate up to 750 people and has a vast foyer. Between the two, the hotel also has two lounges and the Pavillon bar-lounge. For tactful and diplomatic meetings.
