Edwardian splendor in historic Holborn The hotel has 356 light and quiet guestrooms, all of which are uniquely shaped due to the unusual structure of the building. Guestrooms are decorated with cherrywood furniture, two comfortable armchairs, artworks and objets d'art. Beds have Indian cotton pillowcases and are scattered with cushions. All of the black-marble bathrooms offer Penhaligon toiletries, scales, and heated mirrors that don't steam up.
What to expect: In bustling Holborn, a cobbled courtyard leads to a large reception area with crystal chandeliers and green, Swedish-marble columns. Built in 1914 as the Pearl Assurance headquarters, the hotel creates a discreet atmosphere where lawyers and international businesspeople mingle with the occasional star over drinks.
Amenity highlights: A complete facelift preserved the original marble and mahogany features of this English Heritage Grade II listed building. Guests can unwind to ambient music and hot stone therapy in the spa, purchase Ede and Ravenscroft shirts in the boutique or dine in the grandeur of the QC Restaurant (a former banking hall). The raw silk, silver-threaded wallpaper in the Grand Ballroom is the same as used in Buckingham Palace.
Insider tip: Slightly tucked away, a seven-story marble staircase is one of the most impressive original features of this 1914 building and should not be missed. Made from seven different types of marble, with angular balustrades, it featured in the film Wilde, starring Stephen Fry. At The Spa, guests can enjoy the teak and gold-leaf Relaxation Room or sweat it out in the steam room and sauna. Ayurvedic and holistic therapies include traditional manicures and pedicures, and hot stone massage.
The Renaissance Court Chancery was classed among the top five UK business hotels in the 2003 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Travel Awards. There are 11 meeting rooms, two of which are the original Pearl Assurance boardrooms, with stained-glass windows, mahogany-paneled walls and stucco ceilings. The largest meeting space is the Grand Ballroom (capacity 400 people theater style). The business center offers secretarial and support services. Pearl Restaurant - Situated in one of the original banking halls of this former Pearl Assurance headquarters, this airy restaurant features marble columns, large windows, and high ceilings. Frosted glass partitions provide intimacy. The à la carte menu is modern European with an Oriental twist, and signature dishes include Rabbit Ravioli. Stools line the long, polished steel bar, popular with casual drinkers. The Bar at Chancery Court - Situated in one of the original banking
