“Let me be surrounded by luxury, I can do without the necessities!” This quote from Oscar Wilde, one of the most venerated writers in London in the early 1890s, encapsulates his quest for grandeur. Roseate House in London, a luxury boutique hotel, takes this philosophy further by veiling everyday moments in a shroud of opulence. This quintessentially British bolthole, with roots in the Victorian era and a special connection to Mr. Wilde, is a sophisticated respite from the banalities of routine.
A short walk from Paddington Station, Roseate House London sits on the tree-lined Westbourne Terrace, away from the main road. Combining classic luxury with contemporary flair, the establishment is distinguished to be one of the best five-star hotels in Central London. Roseate House contains a total of 47 alluring rooms and suites, showcasing a superior level of bespoke style and comfort in the heart of the city.
Roseate House London is a conversion of three Grade II townhouses built in 1842 and restored to the original Victorian architecture. Oscar Wilde once commented that the building’s façade was “the finest in London”. In 1884, he espoused in St James Church, opposite the hotel. The building of Westbourne Terrace began in the 1840s and finished between 1856 and 1860. The Westbourne River, a tributary of the Thames, was diverted underground to allow the placement of the row of stucco-fronted terraced houses. Three of these Victorian townhouses would eventually become Roseate House London.
In the suite, you will find luxurious amenities, such as Penhaligon’s toiletries and a fully stocked minibar. However, it is the layout of the room that makes it feel quite spacious. Each room in Roseate House London includes limestone bathrooms, classic Victorian furniture, and original oil paintings. These exquisite furnishings have been personally selected by Jonty Hearnden, the antiques expert, appraiser, and famous face of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and Cash in the Attic.
The suite is stunning, possessing a handmade four-poster Bellestrata bed with silk details and 100% Irish cotton linen — fit for a king (or queen). Room service and high-speed Wi-Fi are available around the clock. Views look out onto the wonderfully leafy Westbourne Terrace, providing guests with a prime perspective on the daily life of the city.
The Hyde Restaurant provides a welcoming refuge of British hospitality, accredited with the distinction to be the best restaurant in Central London. The menu offers the sophistication of modern European cuisine – quintessential flavors are given a fresh twist. Diners can feast on an aromatic spicy rack of lamb or an air-dry aged sirloin of beef with truffle pommes and port wine glazed salsify. There are other options for vegetarians or vegans, including grilled organic polenta with a sumptuous tomato and fenugreek sauce.
Guests with a sweet tooth can also savor Afternoon Tea, one of the greatest English dining traditions. Choose from a crisp glass of Moët & Chandon, English Breakfast tea cultivated by the last independent family-run tea garden in Malawi, or Dragon Well Long Jing green tea sourced directly from China. Visitors can sip their drink of choice while they indulge in sandwiches served on silver stands. Homemade scones come with the customary Cornish clotted cream, delectably sweet strawberry jam, and the Hyde’s signature lemon curd.
In the summer months, the Hyde Garden creates the perfect opportunity for outdoor dining, accompanied by the dulcet tones of birdsong. If guests wish to dine in peace and solitude, Roseate House London has an exclusive Private Dining service. The Hyde Bar showcases a carefully curated wine menu, alongside a world-class selection of rare whiskies and spirits. Highly experienced mixologists are on hand to create everything from classic Old Fashioneds to signature cocktails, such as the Pablo Escobar or a Hazelnut White Russian.
Kensington Gardens – a pleasant oasis from the cacophony of the city – is within walking distance of the hotel. Hyde Park, and its vast green spaces, can be reached in a brief five minutes. Residents of Roseate House can also stroll to other famous London sights such as Kensington Palace, The Royal Albert Hall, Park Lane, High Street Kensington, and Portobello Road. Visitors prepared to walk a little further (around 25 minutes) can browse through the retail behemoth that is Selfridges, located on Oxford Street. Paddington Station provides underground trains to the entire city, along with overground trains to Heathrow and other parts of the United Kingdom, such as the West Country, Oxford, Cardiff, and more.
Roseate House London is a living and breathing piece of architectural history, in the nucleus of England’s urban powerhouse. The hotel offers a respite from the chaos of the city, with a comforting country vibe combined with layers of elegance and sophistication. Cozy up by the roaring fire with a hot drink in the winter or in the summertime, bask in the sunshine with a cocktail in the Hyde Garden. Roseate House is a rejuvenating retreat at any time of the year.