Angela Beitz discovers true grand luxury right in the heart of the British capital at the renowned Corinthia London…
As Samuel Johnson once quoted: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is to London all that life can afford.” Apart from the great city itself, London offers so much in the way of hotels that it’s hard to make a choice that you know is going to be just right. There are just so many options to choose from and so many great areas to pick that it ,can be quite the dilemma in knowing where to stay.
The Corinthia London in Whitehall Place is the perfect choice and captures both style and substance for its guests. Built in the late nineteenth century and situated at the end of Northumberland Avenue directly across the Thames and from the London Eye, this hotel is the perfect location to discover all of this vibrant city. Everything is well within reach with Oxford and Regent Streets just a short walk away and and even shorter walk to Trafalgar Square and The National Gallery. Whilst staying here, all the must-visit spots are literally on your doorstep yet inside the hotel you feel relaxed and a world away from all the hustle and bustle of the busy city.
While the hotel is truly opulent, it also manages to mix elegance and character giving off the vibe of a stylish boutique hotel with both warmth and history. You won’t be able to avoid the stunning Baccarat chandelier in the lobby lounge with its 1,001 crystals sparkling overhead in the Crystal Moon Lounge where traditional afternoon tea is served. This area is buzzing with both hotel guests and people here for meetings and high tea and it boasts a great atmosphere. This is a truly beautiful part of the hotel with a quaint florist off to one side of the entrance selling the exact floral arrangements that are dotted around the hotel. Staff are sophisticated and welcoming and nothing seems too much trouble; our check in and baggage was handled brilliantly and they were very helpful in giving us any directions or help necessary.
The Corinthia’s 294 rooms, including 40 suites and seven two-storey penthouses, are decorated in gorgeous, contemporary hues with high ceilings and large windows and are simply some of the smartest looking hotel rooms we’ve seen. There is so much attention to detail put into the rooms and the décor; we especially love the small touches. The rooms are tastefully styled in warm tones mixed with bold hints and provide the perfect balance between the history of the hotel and the modern feel of today. Space is abundant in even the smallest room which is a novelty for a London hotel.
The marble bathrooms are a real feature of the hotel and are spacious and luxurious with a built-in TV at the foot of the bath and high-end ESPA branded toiletries are replenished daily. There is also a huge rain shower, and heated floor and towel rack for the chillier months. This is the perfect place to rejuvenate and to take a long hot bath after walking around the city all day.
The hotel has many great dining venues and there are four bars and two restaurants in total. The Northall celebrates the Great British kitchen showcasing the breadth of Britain’s culinary strengths. Breakfast is served here also and it is a real treat with excellent service. The menu focuses on seasonality, sustainability and traceability through close relationships with artisan producers. The breathtaking dining room is adorned with glittering mirrored panels and expansive picture windows, while two private dining areas offer ultimate seclusion for special celebrations and corporate events. The Northall Bar is the home of chic socialising in London. It’s the ideal place to meet for a glass of bubbly or classic cocktail, and it offers a lunch and dinner menu for casual occasions. Bassoon Bar is also an excellent venue, designed by David Collins Studio, Bassoon is a London destination bar with attitude. Combining a relaxed and intimate ambience with a stimulating dash of theatre, Bassoon pays homage to the arts of the finest bartenders in the capital.
The absolute must-try is the high tea at Crystal Moon Lounge; illuminated by the spectacular Baccarat chandelier and decorated with effortless flair, the Crystal Moon Lounge is the perfect venue for afternoon tea. Tantalising cakes and fancies are inspired by each season, served alongside a selection of teas and the finest bubbly. Eclectic seating teamed with bespoke Richard Brandon’s fine china tea sets and Baccarat crystal glasses set the scene for what’s bound to be a delightful afternoon. This is a really lovely experience and something you will remember as a decadent treat.
ESPA Life at Corinthia London is one of the largest and most exclusive in central London and has been quoted to be one of the best in the city. Offering a holistic approach to wellbeing with an unrivalled choice of spa, alternative therapies, fitness, beauty treatments and a Daniel Galvin Hair Salon, the expert team of leading naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturists, and herbalists, osteopaths, personal trainers and spa professionals, promote optimal health and wellbeing through personal lifestyle programmes. The spa is stunningly designed in cream and black marble with several modern fireplaces adding to the serene atmosphere. This grand historic property turned opulent hotel, is not to be missed.
Visit The Corinthia London (@CorinthiaLondon), Whitehall Place, London. Call +44 207 930 8181 for reservations and more information.