A few days ago I had the opportunity to visit the fantastic Corinthia Hotel in London, located in the prestigious area of Whitehall Place and founded by the Pisani family of Malta.
The Corinthia Hotel was designed by GA Designs and inaugurated only a couple of years ago. The renewal result of this historic site is a five-star hotel with a modern design and considered to be one of the best hotels in the English capital.
Corinthia HotelThe original built dates back to 1883 and holds great history within its walls. First, it was built as the glamorous Metropole Hotel, which hosted some of the most important personalities of the time; then, because of its proximity to the Houses of Parliament and the political hub in Whitehall, it was requested by the British government during the First and Second World Wars, and so began the building’s political life. Later, in 1936, it was taken by the Ministry of Defence and used as government offices until it was sold by Crown Estates in 2007 to Corinthia Hotel.
Its facade has been cautiously conserved and from the moment you climb the stairs of the entrance, you step into a world of luxury and sophistication. The beautiful creation of the French designer Chafik Gasmi – the “Full Moon” chandelier- will welcome you at its wonderful Lovi Lounge. This gorgeous piece of art was produced by Baccarat and it is composed by 1,001 crystal baubles suspended in the air, including a single red crystal in the centre that represent the heart of the chandelier. This area with white marble floors and high ceilings is a peaceful place to enjoy your afternoon tea or – weather permitting; you can enjoy it outside at the courtyard.
“Full Moon” Chandelier
The lounge is always array with flowers and if you follow the path of the scent of the flowers, it will take you to the unique flower boutique, were you will be equally delighted by the hotel’s own luxury Harrods shop. This is Harrods first ever hotel concession in London, and allows guests to do their shopping in comfort away from the bustle of the central London shop.
To get to the rooms, one of their five charming bronze lifts with carved leaves will take you to the heights to explore in the most exclusive parts of the hotel. On its walls lined with silk and wood trim, oil paintings and art photographs scattered throughout spacious hallways will accompany you to your room.
Corinthia Hotel has 294 spacious rooms, including 47 luxurious designed suites; all of them are very bright and have wonderful views to the London skyline or onto peaceful private patio.
I had the great opportunity to take a tour of some of their best charms rooms, the restaurant, conference rooms and the wonderful spa – which was awarded “Best Hotel Spa in UK” with the 2012 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Award.
At my first stop I lost myself in a blue world: River Suite. With a contemporary decor in colours of the sky, its large windows facing the River Thames that invited me to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of London’s architecture with a bird’s eye view. With a large living room, a Super King size bed and a spacious marble bathroom with ESPA amenities and consisting of a bath tub and a separate walk-in shower, your comfort is assured. This suite has the capacity for two adults and with the possibility to add an extra bed, but if you need more space, you have the option to book two of the adjoining Executive Rooms, which allows you to create a bigger space full of privacy.
River Suite
Whitehall Suite with a view to the Great Scotland Yard was the next stop – a big contrast with the previous one. Each suite has been given its own character; this one is known for its warmly-lit tones in chocolate and silk furnishings and equipped with all sorts of details offering comfort and innovation.
By Mr. Jones
