Situated within the historic former American Embassy on Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, The Chancery Rosewood is the latest feather in Rosewood’s glittering cap. Launched this September, the all-suite property takes the brand’s London presence to another level, now in one of the world’s most prestigious postcodes. Known globally for its “A Sense of Place” philosophy, Rosewood celebrates the history, culture, and spirit of each location, catering to those who seek not just luxury but a true immersion into heritage, craftsmanship, and superlative service. The Chancery Rosewood promises a dynamic social and cultural experience in Mayfair.
The Grade II listed building, originally designed by FinnishAmerican architect Eero Saarinen in 1960, balances historical gravitas with contemporary luxury. Renovation and restoration were led by British architect Sir David Chipperfield, while suites and public spaces were crafted by French interior architect Joseph Dirand. What defines the property is not just grandeur but the thoughtful touches that transform convenience into refinement: light switches clearly marked for day and night, discreet dimmers, motion-activated sensors that guide you through the dark, plug points exactly where you need them, and underfloor heating in bathrooms. Add to this an abundance of plush, soft towels, classic brass taps, flexible check-in and checkout, chauffeured airport transfers in a BMW 7 Series, and a team of articulate young butlers in elegant beige uniforms—and you begin to understand the new standard of contemporary luxury.
At a cost of over £1 billion and nearly eight years of meticulous rebuilding, the result is a property that exudes sophistication in both grand gestures and subtle details. Suites feature crystal glassware, bespoke William Edwards bone china, personal bars pre-stocked with Negronis, and easy-to-use coffee machines. Amenities include British skincare by Never Go Alone, with olive oil soaps and hand creams that feel indulgent yet understated. English wildflowers brighten each suite with clematis, snapdragons, and star of Bethlehem, while wooden shoe lasts, leather amenity kits, and curated objets add a touch of old-world charm. The much-talked-about penthouses feature wraparound terraces with lush gardens that make you feel as though you’ve escaped to the countryside, even while looking out over central London.
Dirand’s so-called “disruptive” design philosophy is evident throughout, merging modernity with heritage. Saarinen’s original teak panelling remains as a feature, complemented by sleek contemporary lines and neoclassical gravitas. Plush textures—heavy linens, soft velvets, and eclectic fabrics—sit alongside Dirand’s evident love of Carrara marble, which surfaces in bathrooms, lobbies, and even tabletops. The result is warm, calming interiors that soothe rather than overwhelm.
A striking centrepiece is the golden American eagle sculpture, originally crafted in 1960 by Theodore Roszak from B-52 bomber aluminium. Once the proud emblem of the U.S. Embassy, the 10-foot eagle now presides dramatically over the Eagle Bar, the hotel’s rooftop destination with sweeping views of Mayfair and the London skyline.
Art forms another vital layer of the hotel’s personality, with a collection of 700 works curated by London consultancy Cramer & Bell. Pieces range from emerging talent to established names, including commissions by British artist Sir Christopher Le Brun and textile designer Sussy Cazalet. In the suites, Anthony Grace contributes 278 works of American surrealist collages referencing U.S. landmarks, former presidents, and Saarinen’s modernist legacy.
Dining at The Chancery Rosewood is equally ambitious. The hotel houses the first European outpost of New York’s iconic Carbone, already the hottest reservation in town. Known for its glamorous Italian-American drama, Carbone presents classics like veal parmigiana, lobster diavolo, and rigatoni alla vodka, served with old-world theatre—fish filleted tableside, flambéed desserts arriving in a blaze. GSQ, a Frenchstyle café and deli overlooking Grosvenor Square, is the perfect neighbourhood spot for a coffee sandwich, or mezze platter. Serra offers Southern Mediterranean cooking with a sharing ethos, under the confident hand of Chef Alex Povall, formerly of Berenjak in Soho and Michelin-starred Murano. Think flatbreads fresh from the oven or a perfectly grilled fillet of fish glossed with olive oil. Jacqueline, a luminous tearoom and dessert salon, is led by pastry chef Marius Dufay, where floralinspired confections are delicately infused with extracts from Grasse. Afternoon tea is curated by a dedicated tea sommelier, who guides guests through hundreds of teas in a separate selection room. Tobi Masa, opening in mid-October, will mark the London debut of legendary chef and owner of the three-Michelin-starred Masa, Masayoshi Takayama. Tobi Masa will have an omakase counter and otsumami bites at the bar. And Eagle Bar—buzzing every night with queues outside—already has the makings of a Mayfair institution.
Wellness at The Chancery Rosewood goes well beyond saunas and massages. The Asaya Spa combines holistic well-being with advanced dermatology, including bespoke facials using Evidens products that marry Japanese technique with French fragrance, and exclusive treatments with renowned aesthetic physician Dr. Wasim Taktouk. Spanning multiple subterranean levels, the spa offers a 25-metre heated indoor pool, serene treatment rooms, and stateof-the-art fitness facilities.
London has no shortage of grand hotels, but The Chancery Rosewood dares to reframe the conversation. By marrying stately history with modern energy, cultural resonance with architectural finesse, it sets a bold new benchmark for contemporary luxury.
Whether sipping a rooftop cocktail beneath the wings of a golden eagle, surrendering to a transformative facial in the spa, or indulging in a plate of pasta that has crossed the Atlantic to Mayfair, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a landmark that is as culturally relevant as it is luxuriously timeless.
