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Renaissance Chancery Court
Hotel Summary Restaurants & Cafés Beaches Special Needs
Location & Layout Bars Pools Environment
Lobby & Guest Relations Business & Event Facilities Sports & Gym Report Details
Shops & Amenities Children’s Facilities & Clubs Golf    
Rooms, Suites & Villas Entertainment Spa    
Renaissance Chancery Court, London
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Hotel Address
252 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7EN
 
Cranley Rating

Renaissance Chancery Court: Click to magnify
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Hotel Summary
Category Hotel
Awards Won Silver Award - Visit London Large Hotel of the Year 2006.
Pearl - Best New Restaurant - Theme Bar & Restaurant Magazine 2004/5.
Pearl - Best Wine List - Class Magazine Bar Awards 2005.
Pearl - Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence 2006.
Spa - Best Day Spa of the Year - British Beauty Awards 2004.
Hotel Opened
 2000 (in a building constructed in 1914)
Refurbishment Continuous programme
Cranley Summary
The luxury Renaissance Chancery Court occupies a striking Edwardian building and is situated in High Holborn, where the city of London meets the West End. Home to the Pearl Assurance Company for 75 years from 1914, the building was restored in the late 20th century and opened as Renaissance Chancery Court in December 2000. The hotel retains many of the building’s original features, including seven types of marble and rare mahogany, which have resulted in several parts of the building being ‘listed’ by English Heritage. All of the hotel’s unique 356 rooms and suites are spacious and furnished in a classic contemporary style to a very high standard. Bathrooms are marble clad throughout and many feature double basins and walk-in showers in addition to the bathtub. Two restaurants offer a choice of modern French or international cuisine and Pearl Restaurant has an extensive selection of wines available by the glass. CC Bar has a club like atmosphere and is popular with local people and hotel guests alike. There is an excellent award-winning Spa and a hotel gym. The state of the art business, conference and banqueting facilities include a fully serviced business centre and 13 separate function rooms. The impressive Grand Ballroom which is approached via a sweeping staircase, is suitable for large functions including weddings.
Hotel Location & Layout
Location Description
Renaissance Chancery Court is situated in High Holborn, close to Holborn underground station, which connects directly to Heathrow Airport and to Liverpool Street station, which has direct services to Stansted Airport. Victoria Station which has direct services to Gatwick Airport is also easily accessible from Holborn. The hotel is just a short walk from the shops, theatres and restaurants of the West End of London and within easy reach of the River Thames and the historical sights in the City, including the Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and the Globe Theatre.
Airports
Distance 13 km
Airport Transfers Limousine transfers available at a charge.
Cities and Sights
Distance 0 km
City/Sight Transfers Taxi transfers available
Layout Description
The hotel is approached through an arch and carriageway into a courtyard, passing Pearl Restauarant and CC Bar on either side of the carriageway. Entrance is via a hotel lobby which features eight Ionic faux marble columns with bronze plinths and capitals. The Reception Desk is directly ahead, Either side of the Reception Desk is a sweeping double staircase which leads down to the Grand Ballroom. The hotel's restaurants, bar, business centre, meeting rooms and amenities are all accessible via the entrance lobby. All of the bedrooms are built around the courtyard and are on seven floors that can be accessed by five lifts.
Lobby & Guest Relations
Open Hours
 24 Hours
Languages Spoken English and several other languages are spoken.
Payment Methods All major credit and debit cards, travellers cheques and cash accepted.
Foreign Exchange Open 24 hours
All major currencies accepted
Taxis Arranged Black cabs are arranged on request
Tours Arranged A variety of sightseeing tours can be arranged, including bus tours that take in three separate areas of London: West End and Bloomsbury; Knightsbridge and Mayfair; Victoria to the Tower of London. City cruises along the Thames can also be arranged, as well as walking tours.
Guest Relations Standard
Concierge Services
 Standard
Medical Facilities Doctor on call 24 hours
Parking There are very limited parking facilities on-site. Valet parking is available at a charge. The nearest public car park is a few minutes walk away.
Cranley Comment
The impressive hotel entrance features a Lobby that is dominated by eight Ionic faux marble columns with bronze plinths and capitals. The Reception Desk is directly ahead and the large Lobby area is broken up by an impressive floral display in the centre. On either side of the Lobby are the Concierge and Porter's desks. There is only minimal furniture in the Lobby area, which adds to the feeling of space throughout.
Shops & Amenities
Description
A Gift shop is located directly off the lobby area and sells a small range of magazines, gifts, snacks, postcards and items of clothing. It also offers a complimentary gift wrapping and room delivery service.
Cranley Comment
The hotel is close to many amenities in the local area, including gift shops, a pharmacy and other stores. The famous Covent Garden is a short walk from the hotel and is a very popular area for special interest stores, arts and crafts, as well as many fashionable London shops. The hotel is situated very close to Holborn Underground station, which offers direct services to London's most popular shopping areas in Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
Number of Floors 7
Total Rooms 356
Elevators 5
Rooms per Elevator 71
Total Staff 340
Staff per Room 1
Check-in Time 15:00
Check-out Time 12:00
Late Checkout Subject to availability
Smoking Rooms There are 19 bedrooms designated as smoking rooms - 17 Deluxe and 2 on the Club Floor.
Room Service 24 hours Full Menu, including a Childrens Menu.
Laundry Service Mon to Sat: Same day service offered for items collected by 09:00.
Club or Executive Facilities
All Club Rooms are situated on the 3rd floor and benefit from the following additional facilities:
Adult only Club Lounge on the same floor, serving:
Complimentary Continental Breakfast
Complimentary Canapes
Complimentary Desserts.
Reception Desk for business services and checkout.
Cranley Comment
Renaissance Chancery Court offers its guests a choice of rooms ranging from Deluxe to Executive, Club and Junior Suites. All of the rooms are built around the central courtyard, with 110 of the rooms in all categories facing inwards and having a view of the courtyard itself. The outward facing rooms have views of the City or the surrounding streets. All rooms are luxuriously furnished and each room type enjoys the same decor and colour co-ordination. The design of the hotel means that every room is unique, since none of them have exactly the same dimensions or shape. 1st and 2nd Floor rooms benefit from very high ceilings and large picture windows.
  Type of Room, Views & Facilities
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Deluxe 225

City, Courtyard or Street

Air Conditioning
Satellite TV
High speed Internet connection
Video games and players for rent
2 line speaker phone and voicemail
Tea/coffee making facilities
Electrical adaptors
Individual climate control
Minibar
Bathrobes
Hairdryer
Iron and ironing board
Safe
Umbrella
Marble bathroom
Bathtub with shower
Some bathrooms have double washbasins
Some rooms have bathroom scales

 3 or 4 dependent on whether it is configured as a King or Queen bedded room 27 - 35
Cranley Comment
Deluxe rooms are located throughout the hotel except on the 3rd (Club) Floor. They are decorated to a high standard, with all rooms having the same design and colour co-ordination, including cabinets and tables in rich mahogany. All rooms have an armchair, complete with footstool. There is also a writing desk with plug-in facilities for a laptop computer. Luxurious bedding with down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens and a choice of pillow types are a feature of the rooms. Bathrooms are all marble and some have double washbasins. The unique design of the hotel means that every room is slightly different in its layout.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Executive 55

City, Courtyard or Street

As for the Deluxe Room, with the added benefit of extra space.

3 or 4 dependent on whether it is configured as a King or Queen bedded room 32 - 53
Cranley Comment
Executive rooms are located on all floors except the 3rd (Club) Floor. Some of the rooms have King sized beds whilst others contain two Queen sized beds. Some inter-connecting rooms are available. Decor is to a high standard, with all Executive rooms having the same design and colour co-ordination. The cabinets, drawers and writing desk are mahogany and all rooms feature an armchair and footstool. Luxurious bedding with down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens and a choice of pillow types are a feature of the rooms. Bathrooms are all marble and some have double washbasins. The unique design of the hotel means that every room is slightly different in its layout.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Club 63

City, Courtyard or Street

As for the Deluxe Room, with the added benefit of the Club facilities. Club Rooms have a gold colour scheme.

 3 or 4 dependent on whether it is configured as a King or Queen bedded room 27 - 35
Cranley Comment
All Club rooms are situated on the 3rd Floor, where there is a separate Reception Desk. Club guests have the benefit of their own private lounge, where they can enjoy refreshments throughout the day and where children under 16 are not permitted. Access via the lifts to the Club Floor requires the key card to be inserted. Club rooms share the same high standards as the Executive rooms, but with all rooms having a gold colour scheme. The cabinets, drawers and writing desk are mahogany and all rooms feature an armchair and footstool. Luxurious bedding with down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens and a choice of pillow types are a feature of the rooms. Bathrooms are all marble and some have double washbasins. The unique design of the hotel means that every room is slightly different in its layout.
Type No. View Facilities Max. Occupancy Size m2
Suites 13

City, Courtyard or Street

As for the Executive Rooms but with a separate lounge area and furniture, including sofa and chairs. Some of the suites are bi-level, with a bedroom upstairs.

 4 to 6 dependent upon the Suite 50
Cranley Comment
Suites are located throughout the hotel and with a separate lounge area, add an extra degree of space to the already spacious rooms. There are two types of suite, with a studio or bi-level suite, which has a bedroom upstairs. Decor is to a high standard, with all suites having the same design and colour co-ordination. The cabinets, drawers and writing desk are mahogany and all suites feature an armchair and footstool in the bedroom, with separate seating in the lounge area. Luxurious bedding with down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens and a choice of pillow types are a feature of the rooms. Bathrooms are all marble and some have double washbasins. The unique design of the hotel means that every suite is slightly different in its layout. The Lord Chancellor Suite is a presidential suite on two levels.
Restaurants & Cafés
Number of Restaurants
 2
  Pearl Restaurant and Bar  
Restaurant Type French
Restaurant Capacity 80 in the restaurant plus 12 in a separate Private Dining area. The bar area accommodates 80 people seated and 12 standing.
Opening Times Breakfast:
06:30 to 10:30 Mon - Fri
07.00 to 12.00 Sat / Sun
Lunch:
12:00 to 14:30 Mon - Fri
Dinner:
18:00 to 22:00 Mon - Sat
Dress Codes Smart casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Smoking not allowed
Children’s Facilities No children's menu, but the chef will prepare special meals for children.
Breakfast Options Breakfast is a continental buffet plus hot food cooked to order.
Cranley Comment
Pearl Restaurant & Bar offers fine dining from a modern French menu, created by its Executive Chef Jun Tanaka. It also offers an extensive selections of wines, including more than 50 different wines served by the glass, using the Cruvinet system. The restaurant is situated in the old Banking Hall of the Pearl Assurance building and features original columns, pearl chandeliers with trails of hand-strung pearls and a walnut and marble interior. All of the restaurant's circular tables are individually lit from underneath. The Private Dining area which is in an annexe to Pearl Restaurant, is available at a supplementary cost. A pianist provides an intimate atmosphere every evening. Pearl Restaurant is available for private functions on an occasional basis.
  The Lounge  
Restaurant Type International
Restaurant Capacity 70
Opening Times Breakfast:
07:00 to 11:00
Lunch:
12:00 to 14:30
Afternoon Tea:
15:00 to 18:00
Dinner:
18:00 to 23:00
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Smoking not allowed
Children’s Facilities Childrens Menu
High chairs are available
Breakfast Options Breakfast is a choice of full English hot and cold buffet or continental buffet. There is also an a la carte menu.
Cranley Comment
The Lounge is a more informal restaurant than Pearl, but offers a full menu selection of the highest quality, incuding a la carte options. A buffet is available at lunchtime and in the evening. The international menu offers a selection from around the world to cater for every taste. A traditional English afternoon tea is served every day between 3pm and 6pm. The Lounge is a large room with a ceiling 12 metres high, but the decor has been designed to minimise the effect of the size. Red and gold are used to counterbalance the scale of the room. It has also been divided by a central vestibule, in which stands a large floral display as the focal point of the room. The hotel also offers Alfresco dining during the summer months in the Yard which generally operates between May and September, weather permitting and is usually open from 10am to 10pm, serving the Lounge menu.
Bars
Number of Bars
 1
  CC Bar  
Bar Type International
Bar Capacity 100
Opening Times Mon to Sat: 12:00 to 01:00
Sun: 12:00 to 00:00
Dress Codes Casual
Air-Conditioning Yes
Smoking Policy Smoking not allowed
Admissions Policy Children are allowed when accompanied by adults
Cranley Comment
CC (Chancery Court) Bar occupies the former West Banking Hall of the Pearl Assurance Building. It is an English Heritage Grade II listed room and features Ionic columns with bronze capitals, made entirely from rare Swedish marble. It has something of a private club atmosphere and is usually at its busiest on weekday evenings between 6pm and 8pm. It overlooks the busy High Holborn and is very popular with city workers as well as hotel residents. It is furnished with a mixture of luxurious leather sofas and comfortable chairs. The bar offers a complete drinks menu, including premium wines by the glass and signature cocktails. Finger food is available throughout the day.
Business & Event Facilities
Wireless Internet Available throughout the ground floor. It is chargeable by the day and guests purchase a Password at Reception
In-Room Services Internet access is available in all rooms, with a broadband connection at a daily or weekly charge. All rooms have a writing desk.
Business Centre
The Business Centre is located on the ground floor and is available 24 hours.
The following services are offered:
2 computer workstations with broadband
Printers
Business Services
Copy service
Fax service
Messenger service
Network/Internet printing
Overnight delivery/pickup
Post/parcel
Secretarial service
Translator
Meeting room for 6 people
Meetings & Events
The hotel has comprehensive conference, meeting and banqueting facilities, which includes 13 meeting rooms totalling more than 1000 square metres. The Grand Ballroom can be used for a variety of functions, including large conferences, dinner dances and weddings. It can also be divided into three salons for smaller events. All of the other meeting rooms are suitable for small events and two or three rooms can be combined to make larger venues for up to 80 people depending on the function.

Conference / Meeting rooms:
The Grand Ballroom: capacity 280 for a Dinner Dance or up to 436 for a Reception
Bracton: capacity 24
Littleton: capacity 24
Bryce: capacity 24
Temple: capacity 24
Thavies Inn: capacity 24
Lincoln's Inn: capacity 24
Staple Inn: capacity 18
Gray's Inn: capacity 18
Clement's Inn: capacity 18
Mansfield: capacity 18
Chairman's Boardroom: capacity 12
Soane Boardroom: capacity 10

There are audiovisual and production services on-site which offer current technology, IT & telecom engineers. The hotel has teleconferencing and videoconferencing capabilities in all meeting rooms.

Full catering services are available for all functions.
Cranley Comment
The Grand Ballroom is located on the lower ground floor and is accessed via two sweeping staircases from the hotel's lobby area on the ground floor. The Grand Ballroom has its own foyer which is suitable as a reception area and it is a popular venue for weddings and other banqueting events. It can also be divided into three smaller rooms, each with a separate entrance. The four conference suites are situated on the ground floor, adjacent to the business centre and the lounge. The five meeting rooms which are all very similar in size, are located on the lower ground floor, close to the Grand Ballroom. The two historic boardrooms on the first floor, are suitable for formal meetings of 10 to 12 people. Both of the boardrooms feature original French walnut and Cuban mahogany panelling, fireplaces and decorative plasterwork. The hotel offers a full range of catering services for all of the function rooms
Children’s Facilities & Clubs
Restaurant Facilities See Restaurants
Babysitting service
A babysitting service is available 7 days a week on request through Housekeeping at a charge. The service is provided by an external company and 48 hours notice is required.
Cranley Comment
Renaissance Chancery Court is a city hotel that specialises in the needs of business travellers and adult tourists. Although children are welcomed, the hotel does not offer any special facilities for them. Entertainment is restricted to kids movies and games on TV. Children under 16 are not permitted in the Club Lounge and may only go into CC Bar when accompanied by an adult.
Entertainment
  Daytime Activities  
Cranley Comment
A pianist plays in the Lounge during Afternoon Tea.
  Evening Activities  
Cranley Comment
A pianist plays in Pearl Restaurant during Dinner.
Sports & Gym
  Gym & Health Club  
Opening Times
 Open 24 hours
Description The gym is equipped with the following:
Shoulder Press
Chest Press
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
2 treadmills
2 cycling machines
Step machine
Lat machine
Bench
Range of weights and dumbells

There is a changing room with a shower and toilet facility.
Cranley Comment
The gym is situated on the first floor and is quite small but is mirrored at both ends, giving it a more spacious feel. There is a range of cardiovascular equipment and it has its own changing facilities, with a shower and toilet facility on-site. The gym also has a water cooler and a selection of complimentary fruit in a bowl. Guests have access to the gym 24 hours a day. Although the gym does not have any massage or treatment facilities available, the full service Spa is only a short distance away in the hotel.
Golf
  Stoke Park
Description
As well as being a challenging and demanding course you will find it hard not to be stirred by the exquisite views and landscapes of the Club's championship course known as Stoke Poges. The club's true 27 hole course is made up of the three nine hole courses Colt, Alison and Jackson. The course was designed by Harry Shapland Colt who is arguably the greatest golf course architect in history. He and his partners have certainly had more influence on the game around the world than any other firm of architects. In l908 he was commissioned to create his first unassisted design at Stoke Poges.

Green fees range from £50 to £150 depending on the time of year.
Location 39 km
Holes Three loops of nine holes
Length/Par 6,721 yards, par 71, SSS 72
Facilities Golf Academy
PGA Qualified Tuition
Practice Facilities
Hotel
  The Grove
Description
The Grove golf course in Hertfordshire, is widely regarded as one of the finest new golf courses in Europe and recently hosted the World Golf Championships, American Express Championship 2007. 'The Grove is a 7,152 yard par 72 championship golf course, located just outside London, designed by the distinguished American architect Kyle Philips and is playable all year round. Built to USGA specification, with the latest A4 creeping bent grass for firm, fast putting surfaces. Following the slopes, ridges and mounds of the natural landscape the course also includes a continuous hidden cart path around all 18 holes, full length driving range, practice area and putting green. Visitors should note that metal spikes are not allowed.

Green fees range from £105 to £165 depending on the seasons.
Location 47 km
Holes 18
Length/Par 7,152 Par 72
Facilities PGA Tuition
Practice Range
Restaurant
  Wentworth
Description
Wentworth has three courses. The West is world famous and is home each year to the HSBC World Matchplay and the BMW PGA Championship. The other "original" course is the East and finally the most recent addition is the Edinburgh which opened in the 1990’s. Many golfers visit Wentworth for the West course and very few courses can boast a tournament history on a par with the West course. It hosted the 1953 Ryder Cup and then in 1956 the Canada Cup, the forerunner to today’s World Cup of Golf. It has the distinction of hosting two of golf’s most prestigious championships; the World Matchplay and the PGA Championship. In addition the East course is in most golfers' lists of the top fifty courses in the British Isles. It was the setting for the inaugural Curtis Cup in 1932 and hosted a friendly match in 1926 between two teams from the US and Great Britain and Ireland which was the inspiration for the contest we now know as the Ryder Cup. Lastly the Edinburgh course was opened in more recent times and was designed by coach and former Ryder Cup player and captain John Jacobs in consultation with nine-time major champion Gary Player and the Club’s then professional Bernard Gallacher.
Location 42 km
Holes 54, West, East and Edinburgh courses
Length/Par West Course par 72 (7308 yards). East Course par 68 (6201 yards). Edinburgh Course par 72 (7004 yards).
Facilities Three courses
Par 3 nine hole course
Practice range and grounds
PGA qualified tuition
Restaurant
Outdoor pool
Spa
Name of Spa The Spa at Chancery Court
Opening Times 08:00 to 21:00 Mon-Sun
Facilities
Personalised Massages are available from a selection of three techniques, with a choice of a 55 minute treatment or 1 hour 25 minutes:
Traditional Swedish body massage
Aromatherapy massage
Fitness massage

Specialised Massages that are inspired by ancient Oriental, Indian and Thai cultures and traditions are offered:
CC Freestyle Back - 55 minutes
Musical Energy Balance - 55 minutes
Prenatal massage - 55 minutes
Thai Herbal Heat - 55 minutes
Hot Stone Body - 55 minutes
Indian Ayurvedic Head - 55 minutes
Chaturaang (four-hand) - 1 hour 25 minutes
Ashtaang (eight-hand) - 1 hour 55 minutes

The Spa also offers Holistic Body Experiences:
Body Envelopments
Chancery Court Back Buster
Holistic Back, Face and Scalp
Holistic Stressbuster
Detox Body Experience
Jetlag Reviver
Reiki

Additional treatment packages are:
Holistic Face
Ayurvedic Dosha Packages
Holistic Hands and Feet

Other treatments that can be added to the holistic face and body treatments to create a total spa experience are;
Oriental Head Massage
Hopi Ear Candling
Shirodhara
Salt and Oil Scrub
Revitalising and Nourishing Eye Treatment
Trim and Tweak
Cranley Comment
The Spa at Chancery Court offers an extensive range of treatments to hotel guests and non-residents. As well as a number of individual treatment rooms, the Spa offers a double room for couples who want to share the experience. Guests are invited to arrive early to unwind in the circular Relaxation Room, which is decorated in teak wood veneer and gold leaf. They can relax with herbal teas, fresh fruit and juices prior to their treatments. The individual treatment rooms have an Asian influence, with split bamboo on the walls and floors. Throughout the Spa, rippling water, soft floor lighting and exotic aromas create a very soothing and calming environment.
Special Needs
Communal Areas
Wheelchair access is available.
Rooms & Bathrooms
The hotel has 11 dedicated special needs bedrooms. There are seven wheelchair accessible bedrooms and four bedrooms for hearing impaired guests. The dedicated bedrooms are in the Executive and Club categories.
Restaurants & Catering
Wheelchair access is available for both restaurants, which are at ground level.
Recreation Facilities
Wheelchair access is available.
Cranley Comment
All of the wheelchair accessible bedrooms have been adapted for wheelchair users, with more open space in the room, a larger door to the bathroom and lower level facilities in the bathroom, which also has additional handrails in the bath and adjacent to the toilet and washbasin. Each bedroom has an emergency cord adjacent to the bed and the door has an additional spy hole at wheelchair height. The four bedrooms for hearing impaired guests, include vibrating pillows and flashing beacons.
Environment
Measures
 Energy Saving
Minimise Cleaning Materials
Environmental Audits
Water Saving
Alternative Energy
Cranley Comment
Renaissance Chancery Court recognises the importance of good environmental practices and the hotel is committed to achieving and maintaining standards that will help to protect the local, regional and global environment. Complying with environmental legislation is regarded as the minimum acceptable standard and Renaissance Chancery Court will aim to exceed the legislation wherever possible. The hotel is Green Globe accredited.
Renaissance Chancery Court, London, Report Details
29 July 2007
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