Corinthia Hotels’ new flagship is a superlative five-star treasure in the heart of London, meticulously reconstructed from an imposing Victorian-era building on Whitehall Place.
“The project marks the culmination of an exciting journey,” says General Manager Matthew Dixon. “Corinthia Hotel London is an intricately restored grand hotel with a 21st century approach. Its modern elegance is defined by a blend of classic Victorian architecture with outstanding craftsmanship and contemporary art, mirroring the energy, style and history of the area. Guests are offered all the modern luxuries whilst enjoying an authentic experience in a hotel and location with heritage.”
Opened in April 2011, the property features 294 guest accommodations, including 43 luxurious suites. Seven signature suites, located inside historic turrets with terraces, overlook some of London’s most recognized landmarks, including the Thames and Trafalgar Square. Each of the seven is a distinctive design inspired by a great figure in British history including a musician, inventor and writer.
Sumptuously appointed guestrooms rank among the largest in their category in London’s luxury hotel market. There are no restrictions on check-in and checkout times, to provide guests ultimate flexibility.
Top talent touches
The blending of traditional elegance with splashes of modernity is seen everywhere. A Full Moon chandelier of 1,001 Baccarat crystal baubles created by Parisian designer Chafik Gasmi graces the dome in the hotel’s slick Lobby Lounge.
GA Design International handled the interior, including its spa, suites, public spaces and one of the two restaurants. Laid out over four levels, the pioneering ESPA Life at Corinthia has 17 treatment rooms, a private spa suite, indoor pool, vitality pool, amphitheater sauna, ice fountain, marble-heated lounges, private sleep pods, a state-of-the-art gym and Daniel Galvin hair salon. Exceptional therapists, naturopaths, acupuncturists, osteopaths and physiotherapists offer heightened service in this striking spa setting.
Award-winning David Collins created the hotel’s musically inspired bar, Bassoon, that serves both molecular cocktails and colonial inspired drinks from its boutique spirits collection. Chef Massimo Riccioli, celebrated owner of La Rosetta in Rome, in his native Italy, brought his fresh market style to the hotel’s Mediterranean specialty seafood restaurant, Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
Michelin star winner at three different establishments, Garry Hollihead is at the helm of The Northall. This outstanding restaurant celebrates the best of British artisanal produce, including Cumbrian short horn cattle, together with an extensive selection of organic and biodynamic wines.
The hotel additionally boasts a beautifully refurbished grand ballroom, with stunning original Victorian grand columns and majestic coving. Natural light pours in from three large windows, reflected in full-length, antique mirrors.
Located on the mezzanine floor are six state-of-the-art meeting rooms, conveniently linked through to the mezzanine dining area of The Northall for a private lunch or dinner. Five are fitted with a high-definition optical turnkey system that effortlessly allows total connectivity for media broadcasting, recording, editing and mixing.
Prior to its launch, Alfred Pisani, Chairman and founder of the Corinthia Hotel Group said, “Once again, the eyes of worldwide travelers are turning towards the business and cultural attractions of London. Whether to regular visitors, or first-time tourists from the newly emerging economies, London never loses its appeal. I am dedicating myself, personally and with great passion, to delivering to London a five-star luxury hotel, which will be amongst the best-of-the-best in the world. Corinthia Hotel London will be a true grand hotel for the 21st century.”
This London masterpiece certainly respects that promise.
Corinthia Hotel London, www.corinthia.com/london