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The Cranley Report®: Renaissance Chancery Court
Renaissance Chancery Court, London
Hotel Address
252 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7EN
Contact Details
Telephone: +44 207 829 9888
Fax: +44 207 829 9889
E-mail
Email hotel's reservation Desk
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.
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 and 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
  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.