The Corinthia
Whitehall Pl., London, SW1A 2BD, England, London, England
Why We Like It
Why do we like it? Because there’s nothing not to like about a hotel that works the swanky, sophisticated look to a tee. Service is excellent, there’s an embarrassment of amenities and the West End location right on the river is the cherry on top.
A grand historic property turned opulent, modern luxury hotel, the Corinthia London on the banks of the Thames is not to be missed. Giving the best Grand Dame properties in the city a run for their money, the hotel is swanky in the extreme, with swinging Baccarat chandeliers here and palatial columns there, leaving well-heeled guests blinded with bling. Aside from the usual tip-top service that you’d expect from a solid five-star dream stay, the Corinthia’s spa is a highlight to luxuriate in. Oh, and there are some fairly spectacular London views.
room
Tastefully styled in warm tones, rooms combine touches of the hotel’s historic grandeur with contemporary furnishings to arrive at the perfect balance. Space is abundant in even the smallest rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows let in swathes of natural light and tech capabilities are taken care of with an in-room media hub.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Bear in mind that only some rooms come with river views that take in the London Eye, others face the hotel’s pretty inner courtyard—still pleasant, but not the river.
bathroom
While the bathrooms at the Corinthia don’t eclipse the rooms for style, they give it a good go. Covered in marble, the tranquil spaces come with walk-in rainforest showers and tubs complete with built-in flat screen TVs for catching up on your soaps while you soak.
lobby
The grandiose lobby imposes the hotel’s opulence on arriving guest with its array of marble archways, shimmering chandeliers and luxurious furnishings. Buzzing with people—both guests and non-guests streaming to the restaurants, bars and rooms—it’s a lively start to your stay.
pool
Part of the ESPA Life Spa, the indoor heated pool is yet another example of the hotel’s exceptional style. Bronze detailing and black marble glow in the dim light and when you’re done with lengths in the gorgeous pool, find some time to take a break and relax on the poolside banquets.
spa
Hands down one of the best spas in London, the Corinthia’s ESPA Life Spa fills four stories with everything a guest will need for a pampered escape from the city. Along with assorted massage and treatments, there’s the sauna, steam room, Experience showers and an ice fountain for the brave.
For those in need of a pre-dinner makeover, the Daniel Galvin Salon has you covered.
gym
Not just a gym—although there is a solid range of cardio machines and free weights—the fitness space within the ESPA Life Spa can take care of a range of needs from nutrition to personal wellness programs.
dining
While the Crystal Moon Lounge offers the opportunity to partake in afternoon tea below the space’s impressive Baccarat chandelier, the hotel has two main restaurants for formal dinners, the Northall and Massimo. While Northall specializes in fine dining with a focus on British produce, the art deco Massimo showcases a menu of exceptional Italian delicacies. Dress for the occasion, whichever you choose.
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LOCATION
Getting Around
Not only is the Corinthia a perfect example of a luxury five-star hotel, it has the perfect location from which to flex its charms. Nestled next to the Embankment on the north side of the river, the hotel is ideally positioned for walking. Theatreland, Covent Garden, Soho and the South Bank are all within a ten-minute radius of the front steps so guests should forgo the cabs and explore on foot. Minutes away, Embankment and Charing Cross stations provide convenient transport links should you wish to explore more distant neighborhoods.
Restaurants
For views as good as those you’ll find at the hotel, head for the South Bank and the Royal Festival Hall’s Skylon Restaurant (8-minute walk). After the fancy fine dining of the Corinthia’s restaurants, visit Simpsons in the Strand (9-minute walk) for a spot of wholesome British dining. Think hefty roast dinners, steak pies and oysters.
