Doused in luxury with a storied history, MOJEH discovers why the five-star bolthole should be on your wish list
A spellbinding city lined with world-class hotels, designer boutiques and masterpiece-filled museums, it’s no wonder London’s legendary reputation entices travellers in their millions – over thirty million visitors per year to be precise – but it takes a very special property to stand out in The Big Smoke…
A stone’s throw from the River Thames on Whitehall Place is where you will find Corinthia London. Housed within a grand Victorian building, the impressive property dates back to 1885, originally serving as the Hôtel Métropole. A hub for high society gatherings, opulent balls and the renowned ‘Midnight Follies’ cabaret evenings, aristocrats and royalty repeatedly frequented the hotspot under the glow of London’s moonlit sky.
The hotel is moments from Embankment underground station
Requisitioned by the British government in 1916, the hotel was transformed into administrative offices for the Ministry of Defence and was later used as the headquarters for MI9. It is believed that room 801 held the government’s records of UFO sightings.
Plush furnishings in soothing tones ensure a cosy night’s sleep
Since 2008, the building has experienced a detailed restoration to return it to its original function and former glory as a luxury hotel. Preserving many original features, the hotel’s designers have skilfully married decorative elements with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring modern expectations are met.
Radiating the elegance one would expect from a hotel of this stature, Corinthia London features 294 impeccably designed rooms including 51 suites and penthouses – some of which are located in historic turrets and include private rooftop terraces, spa rooms, grape cellars, personal drivers and a butler.
Spa-like bathrooms provide a tranquil oasis
The Royal Penthouse, at more than 470sqm and the largest two-bedroom suite in London, boasts unparalleled views across some of the city’s most recognised landmarks, including the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. Décor is chic and sophisticated and imbued with old-school glamour with high-end finishes and lashings of glistening marble.
Penthouses feature private terraces with sprawling views across London
If you can tear yourself away from the room, the hotel presents several impressive dining establishments; the Crystal Moon Lounge is the David Collins-designed beating heart of the property where Afternoon Tea is a culinary journey set beneath a two-tonne Baccarat chandelier.
The Crystal Moon Lounge transports guests into a world of timeless elegance, where delectable sweet and savoury treats take centre stage
The Garden, undeniably one of London’s best kept secrets, is an outdoor oasis offering interchangeable immersive dining experiences each season, and has recently been transformed into a cosy winter wonderland serving a hearty Italian menu.
Adorned with twinkling lights, crackling fireplaces and cosy blankets, The Garden is a must-try al fresco experience
Finally, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, the brainchild of renowned Michelin-starred chef, Tom Kerridge, where traditional British dishes based on the creative’s signature style are nothing short of genius – is the perfect spot for dinner.
The mood-lit ambiance of Kerridge’s Bar & Grill is ideal for a date night
Beyond its culinary options, Corinthia London is home to an exquisite award-winning four-floor spa, complete with a dedicated thermal floor featuring a silver steel swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain, marble heated loungers and private sleep pods. Clearly designed to bring a sense of calm to the mind, body and spirit, ESPA Life at Corinthia presents a huge variety of mindful and wellbeing-focused treatments to induce tranquillity and inner serenity.
Every detail of the spa has been thoughtfully considered to raise the bar on excellence
The hotel has also partnered with skincare expert, Dr. Barbara Sturm – who counts Gwyneth Paltrow, Bella Hadid and Emma Stone among her clients. Famous for her signature “Sturm Glow” the spa offers a number of results-driven facials incorporating Dr. Barbara Sturm’s innovative skincare and supplements collection…the perfect treat for post-flight pampering.
Indisputably designed for a fashionable clientele who appreciate privacy and high-end service, Corinthia London combines traditional grandeur with modern appeal and hits all of the high notes for a memorable retreat. Book now.
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