Athletic-Minded Traveler

As you arrive at this hotel for the first time, it's hard not to marvel at its historic architecture and wish that the walls could talk. The museum-like Rosewood will take you back several hundred years in the best of ways. The hotel's location in the Holborn district is between the more popular Covent Garden and City districts, but the Holborn Tube stop is just steps from the property's front gate.

While Rosewood public spaces are charming and historical, the 357 rooms are designed with 21st century amenities and conveniences. All guest quarters boast premium bedding, high speed internet ($ fee), marble baths with separate tubs/showers, and grandiose windows. The Victorian-ish décor is not overly impressive nor unique, however, the green and maroon color tones work well together. 24 hour room service is an added perk here.

This hotel does not receive our recommendation only for its slightly above-average on-site gym. The bright, green-toned fitness center is a mixture of newer Technogym cardio machines (with personal viewing screens), slightly aging strength machines, useful but not stellar, and a moderate assortment of dumbbells (up to 22kgs/~50 lbs.). Rosewood makes the grade because of its fortuitous proximity to the GymBox health club, located across the street. Admission to this convenient club costs 15 British Pounds, but it has everything you need for a sweat (except a pool). Bring your own towel.

Swimmers will have to look off-site to one of our lap pool options and runners should consider a trot along the river Thames.