Once the centre of American diplomacy in the UK, the former US Embassy in Grosvenor Square is set to begin a new chapter this September, this time as The Chancery Rosewood, a lavish all-suite hotel with the right blend of historic grandeur and ultra-modern luxury.
Designed in the 1950s by famous Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the original embassy was conceived to house the entire US diplomatic mission under one roof. The design brief was straightforward – “a building to house all the major sections of the Embassy under one roof in a style to blend with existing architecture of Grosvenor Square.” With 600 rooms spread across nine floors, three of them underground, the modernist landmark served its purpose until the American mission relocated to Nine Elms in 2018.
What followed was a transformation over several years headed by Qatari Diar, the property arm of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, in collaboration with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. The result is one of the most opulent hotel openings London has seen in years. A once-fortified government building is a sanctuary of style and indulgence now.
The Chancery Rosewood retains key elements of its diplomatic past while introducing several new elements of unmatched luxury. The building’s iconic 35-foot-wide aluminium eagle, sculpted by Polish-American artist Theodore Roszak, will be retained and grace the rooftop. Statues of former US Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, once fixtures in Grosvenor Square, have been restored to their original prominence, in tune with the area’s nickname, Little America.
British architect Sir David Chipperfield oversaw the restoration of the building’s modernist shell, while acclaimed French interiors architect Joseph Dirand crafted the hotel’s elegant, contemporary interiors. Gilded chandeliers, polished marble, and bespoke furnishings now stand as the standout features of the building.
The property features eight restaurants and bars, including the much-anticipated London debut of New York’s famed Carbone and a refined Asian dining concept. Beneath the surface, a subterranean wellness sanctuary spans one of the building’s three basement levels and includes a 25-metre swimming pool, spa, and fitness facilities.
How much will a night at The Chancery Rosewood cost?
But The Chancery Rosewood isn’t simply a luxury hotel – it’s an all-suite destination catering to the world’s wealthiest travelers. Guests can choose from Junior Suites, Signature Suites, or splurge on indulgence at the Charles House and Elizabeth House, penthouses that pay homage to British monarchy. A stay in one of these elite residences starts at £17,000 per night (Rs 20 lakh), with peak prices reaching £24,000 (Rs 28 lakh), depending on the season. Even the entry-level Junior Suite is priced from £1,520 (Rs 1.76 lakh) per night.
With a blend of architectural heritage, diplomatic legacy, and extravagant hospitality, The Chancery Rosewood is set to become one of London’s most exclusive addresses. What was once a stronghold of American diplomacy is now a new sign of high-end living in the heart of Mayfair.