U.S.-based investment firm Gencom has acquired Rosewood London, a 308-key hotel located in the Holborn area of Central London. It is Gencom’s first hotel acquisition in the city and its second owned Rosewood property—Gencom acquired Rosewood Bermuda in 2017.
“Rosewood London has earned its place among the world’s premier luxury hotels, distinguished by its iconic setting in one of the most important global gateway cities and by an exceptional guest experience that continues to resonate with the most discerning travelers,” said Karim Alibhai, founder and principal of Gencom. “This acquisition reflects our strong conviction in the long-term strength, resilience and global appeal of the London hospitality market. It also represents an important milestone in our growing relationship with Rosewood, one of the world’s preeminent ultra-luxury hospitality brands.”
Gencom has been highly acquisitive in the preceding months, which HOTELS Magazine covered in its October/November issue. Last week, Gencom accounced it acquired InterContinental Miami.
HSBC and Santander financed the transaction.
“HSBC and Santander are delighted to have worked with Gencom, to provide a £225m senior debt financing package to support with the acquisition and development of Rosewood London,” said Chris Liddiard, senior director, real estate finance of Hotels, HSBC UK and Jose Minguela, senior director of Hotels financing, Santander. “Gencom are an existing long-term client of Santander, and the acquisition of the renowned Rosewood London further strengthens their portfolio and reflects their strategy of investing in landmark properties in a key global gateway. As one of London’s most prestigious five-star hotels, and a long-term HSBC client, Rosewood London financing will support a focused capex plan to further enhance the asset.”
The hotel occupies a freehold position in a 1912 building near Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House, the British Museum and Somerset House.
Tony Chi Studios led a renovation between 2011 and 2014 that covered guest rooms, public areas, culinary offerings and meetings and events spaces. The hotel has seven houses of up to 185 square meters. The manor house suite has its own independent street entrance.
“Rosewood London exemplifies the type of investment opportunity we seek: an iconic, irreplaceable asset in a premier global hospitality market with strong long-term fundamentals and significant value-creation potential,” said Alessandro Colantonio, chief investment officer of Gencom. “At Gencom, we are focused on acquiring exceptional hotels in leading gateway destinations and partnering with best-in-class brands and operators to unlock their full potential. Rosewood London aligns perfectly with that strategy, combining one of the world’s most sought-after luxury hospitality brands with a landmark property in a market where we maintain strong conviction in long-term growth and demand.”
Holborn Dining Room is the hotel’s flagship restaurant and serves modern British brasserie cuisine. Martin Brudnizki designed its interior, and it has its own independent street entrance. Brudnizki also designed scarfes bar, which has live jazz programming. The gin bar has more than 300 varieties. Mirror room is the all-day dining outlet and serves afternoon tea.
“Rosewood London holds a special place in our collection as one of the first openings that helped shape a new chapter for the brand,” said Radha Arora, president of Rosewood Hotel Group. “We are delighted to build on our relationship with Gencom, a partner who shares our commitment to distinctive places and exceptional hospitality. Together, we look forward to supporting the team as they continue to create the thoughtful, personal experiences that make Rosewood London so memorable.”
