Corinthia Hotel London

Glamorous, old world, excellent spa

Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD

44-20-79308181

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At a Glance

Housed in a historic Victorian building, this grande dame offers every amenity for the modern traveler, including spacious rooms, one of London’s top wellness facilities and multiple dining venues that range from classic to trendy.

Indagare Loves

  • The dramatic penthouse suites, each with two floors and unique design schemes
  • The massive ESPA for a relaxing spa getaway in the midst of central London

Review

Entering the palatial Corinthia Hotel, where the top hat-clad doormen greet guests with a warm “welcome home,” your eye is quickly drawn to the lobby’s centerpiece: a sparkling chandelier of 1,001 Baccarat crystals. This showstopper embodies the hotel’s sense of Old World grandeur, but the property, though undeniably opulent, never feels stuffy or overly precious: The spa offers the ultimate indulgences for adults, yet it still has children’s hours, and the dining options feel chic and sophisticated while remaining accessible and embracing new trends.

The Corinthia occupies an entire block along Whitehall Place: a central address within walking distance to most of the city’s theaters, as well as such famous sites as Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and the Churchill War Rooms. The building dates back to 1885, and a rich history ensued: The property was commandeered by Winston Churchill during World War II thanks to its strategic location near the river and 10 Downing Street, served as a government office building for several decades following the war and opened as The Corinthia hotel in 2011. Though the historic façade was preserved, the interiors were fully refurbished: One of the hotel’s unique strengths is its ability to honor London’s long legacy and traditions while still delivering contemporary amenities and experiences tailored to today’s sophisticated travelers.

The bright, welcoming corridors are lined with 283 rooms of particularly generous proportions (the average room size is a spacious 485 square feet). Every room has a rainfall shower and a full bath with an over-the-tub television screen, and most have double vanities. Those traveling with a larger wardrobe (or planning to take advantage of London’s top shopping scene) can also request rooms with large walk-in closets. Parents traveling with children might consider the Family Room option, with two double beds and the ability to connect to an additional room, as well as interconnecting suites for maximum space and privacy. There are seven categories of spacious suites, including the newly opened London Suites, which feature a living room, a large dining table, a walk-in wardrobe worthy of Carrie Bradshaw and complimentary butler service. Though all suites are plush and pampering, there are key differences among the categories (for example, some have guest bathrooms and some come with butler service). *Contact Indagare to find the best fit for you.* 

The most coveted rooms are the seven duplex penthouses, all with 24-hour butler service and designed according to a unique theme, such as the Writer’s Penthouse, which has a custom walnut writing desk, or the Musician’s Penthouse, which comes with a Steinway piano. Undoubtedly one of London’s top hotel accommodations, the Royal Penthouse is a 5,000-square-foot apartment with a master bedroom, guest bedroom, private study, 10-seat dining table, walk-in wine cellar, massive bathroom with a gas fireplace, en-suite spa treatment room, full kitchen and a terrace with unobstructed views of the Thames and London Eye, illuminated nightly. The two floors are connected by both a spiral staircase and the penthouse’s own small elevator.

The four-story ESPA is a highlight of the property, encompassing 17 treatment rooms, a high-tech gym, a hair and nail salon, a spa café and a thermal floor with a sauna, steam room, showers, a pool and heated loungers. There are even dedicated “sleep pods,” which are kept warm and quiet for those emerging from the post-treatment haze and wishing to relax or doze. Treatments are also available for those under 16 years old, and there are specific children’s hours at the swimming pool.

Though the hotel is located within walking distance of many top London restaurants, the on-site dining options are plentiful. The Northall serves an elaborate breakfast spread as well as classic British fare at lunch and dinner, with The Northall Bar at its center. Afternoon tea is taken in the elegant Crystal Moon Lounge, underneath the Baccarat chandelier and accompanied by live piano music. The Garden Lounge, an al fresco option in the hotel’s inner courtyard, offers an all-day menu in addition to an extensive collection of cigars available to guests looking to relax with a whiskey and a Cuban *puro*. Inspired by the New Orleans Jazz Age, the sophisticated Bassoon Bar showcases an excellent menu of cocktails curated by the team behind London’s trendsetting bar Sager + Wilde. The hotel is also home to Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, the buzzy restaurant from *Michelin*-starred English chef Tom Kerridge, who is known for his fish and chips and rotisserie meats.

Who Should Stay

Couples and families looking for top-notch room product and a large property with myriad amenities and facilities. First-time visitors to London will appreciate the Corinthia’s central location near many of the city’s main attractions, while spa enthusiasts will be enamored with the multi-level ESPA.

Written by Nikki Erlick

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