Hong Kong's Rosewood to open Mayfair hotel

The Chancery Rosewood is located at the former US Embassy building.

Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will be opening a property in London’s Mayfair.

The Chancery Rosewood is slated for a 2024 launch and will be located in the former US Embassy building in Grosvenor Square.

It promises to be one of London’s largest hotel openings in recent years, with Grosvenor Square itself also looking to receive a facelift.

Building restoration will be led by architect Sir David Chipperfield of Britain’s Chipperfield Architects and the interiors design will be managed by French architect Joseph Dirand.

“We’re proud to have The Chancery Rosewood lead the transformation of the revitalised Grosvenor Square, an incredible public interest initiative that is nearly a decade in the making,” said Rosewood Hotel Group chief executive officer Sonia Cheng.

The building was designed by architect Eero Saarinen in 1960 and was the first purpose-built chancery in London. It occupies the entire west side of Grosvenor Square and housed the US Embassy, which moved from its former location at 1 Grosvenor Square. In 2017, the Embassy moved to a purpose-built property in London’s Nine Elms district.

The architecturally significant building will retain its Grade II facade and Dirand is taking inspiration from the 1920s, with Art Deco-style detailing, walnut panelling and marble and brass accents, “channelling the ambiance of a British gentleman’s club”.

The Chancery Rosewood also aims to be the first five-star hotel and the first British hotel to receive a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) ‘outstanding’ rating for sustainable development.

The property will include 139 rooms and suites, plus the inevitable dining spaces and wellness facilities, as well as five retail outlets and a ballroom.

This will be Rosewood’s second London property and its sixth in Europe.