Monday, September 20, 2010

Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel: The Facade

Hotel facade along High Holborn with the 166-foot-high cupola as centerpiece.
One of the attractions of hotels in London and other major European cities is many of them have a history before they became a hotel. Some of the structures were built nearly a century ago and repurposed into a hotel. Sure there are modern monolithic hotels similar to the kind found in New York City, but staying in one that has architecture from the past adds to the London experience.

The structure that now houses the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel was built in 1914. It formerly served as headquarters for the Pearl Assurance Company from 1914 to 1989. Located on High Holborn in the West End, this hotel opened in December 2000 and is one of several luxury hotels in London for the Marriott hotel group.

The imposing exterior is characterized by the 166-foot-high cupola as a centerpiece. Being this is the first time during my visit that I left the hotel by 9am, on this Monday I decided to take several photos of the hotel exteriors, a couple of them taken while having coffee at the Starbucks across the street.

The arched entryway for vehicles and pedestrians leads to the hotel courtyard.
A hotel associate always on duty at the entryway. On the left is the entrance to the Pearl Restaurant & Bar.
Taken from the Starbucks across the street, my room is the oval window at center with the drapes slightly drawn open.
Courtyard view of cupola from fifth floor hallway.
Hotel view from courtyard.
On more than one occasion a BMW, Mercedes or other luxury vehicle was parked in the courtyard. Sometimes a row of them.

Related Review Posts of Renaissance London Chancery Court Hotel:

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