Review of Corinthia London

Corinthia London is located in Whitehall - on the corner of Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall Place. This imposing building faces the River Thames and sits next to the Hungerford & Golden Jubilee Bridges. The view from the hotel entrance is always entertaining - especially as darkness falls and the lastminute.com London Eye lights up the South Bank skyline.  

Whitehall itself is the home of British politics. The area is dominated by government ministry buildings and 10 Downing Street - the British Prime Minister's official London residence is just a 4-minute walk from the hotel.

The hotel is situated moments away from Trafalgar Square (Nelson's Column), Westminster (Cathedral and Houses of Parliament), Covent Garden (Royal Opera House and Market), the West End (plays and musicals), Leicester Square (cinemas) and Soho (Chinatown and fun!). 

Westminster and Charing Cross underground stations are a few minutes walk for speedy services throughout London … & beyond!

Eurostar and St Pancras International Station are around 20 minutes journey time by either car or tube whilst Paddington Station for the Heathrow Express and Victoria Station for the Gatwick Express are both around a 15-minute car ride.  By car, London Gatwick Airport is around a one-and-a-half-hour journey time whilst London Heathrow Airport is a little closer at just around a 60-minute drive, depending on traffic. If you are flying from the Continent we suggest using the excellent London City Airport which is just a 30-minute drive away…

With 225 rooms and 58 suites, Corinthia London offers guests a full menu of accommodations. The Penthouses (Royal, Hamilton, Musician's, Writer's, Whitehall, Explorer's and Actor's) are spectacular in every way - views (River or Whitehall - but always oodles of sky), bedrooms, bathrooms and personal service. The Suites (River, London, Trafalgar, Whitehall, Garden) - including Deluxe Suites and Junior Suites - are smaller in area but still extravagant in every way and finally Family Rooms, Executive Rooms, Deluxe and Superior Rooms which are among the     best-in-class in London.

The Royal Penthouse is one of the most desirable 2-bedroom suites in London. At just over 5,000 square feet (465 square metres) in area, it's main draw is an amazing private roof terrace that boasts commanding views of the South Bank of the River Thames - including The Eye and The Shard. There are two guestrooms - both exquisitely & tastefully furnished - with views, a spa suite, powder room, private lift, study, kitchen with wine cave, dedicated Butler and Driver services, unpacking/packing facilities and stunning marble bathrooms- complete with underfloor heating & separate rain shower and a plethora of ESPA products. 

Seeing is believing … and see it, you must!

The other named Penthouses share the opulence, just more tailored - The Musician's Penthouse features a Steinway Model O piano, The Whitehall offers an outdoor giant chess set - on its own terrace overlooking London … oh, the list goes on.

The Suites are as divine as the Penthouses - just without the outdoor space and are of course, smaller. Bathrooms, bedrooms, living room, powder rooms - all magnificent. With deep, deep bathtubs with their own built-in television sets, a Suite is an ideal place to unwind after a day in the most magnificent city in the world!

Even if you book an entry level Superior Room, do not expect that the service or finishings will be any less than that of The Royal Penthouse. Expect Nespresso machines, ultra-hi-definition televisions, refrigerated mini-bars, magazines and all-consuming amounts of peace. One of the highlights in all the guestrooms - from a Penthouse to a Superior Room are the beds. Whether sporting a Hypnos or Hӓstens mattress, you can expect a super night's sleep surrounded by soft, fluffy pillows. My advice is to order a wake-up call via Reception - as being hugged for hours by a warm cuddly bear - i.e. the Corinthia London bed experience - will gift you delightful and indeed extra-long, sleep!

The real worth of a luxury hotel can be seen in the most “basic” room. If the attention to detail is equal to that of the premier Suite, then the hotel is truly one of luxury. Corinthia London is such a hotel …

Corinthia London is set over 7-floors. 4 of them are home to ESPA Life at Corinthia. At 3,300 square metres in area, it is the largest hotel spa in London - with an equally big personality.

The ESPA brand was created in 1992 by the hospitality legend Susan Harmsworth. From her kitchen table, she created potions & lotions all aimed at holistic wellbeing. Corinthia's flagship hotel is home to the most famous spa brand in the world. 

The spa boasts 17 treatment rooms which offer every kind of treatment from facials to massages and reflexology to acupuncture. All are administered by a team of highly-trained aestheticians. Anti-ageing is a big thing in the spa world and specialised Dr. Barbara Sturm products are used to help with the process.

From the moment you arrive at the spa Reception to the moment you depart, your mind & body enters a kind of stasis where peace & tranquillity reign.

There are sleep pods, relaxation areas, a vitality pool with bubbles galore, a chilling ice fountain, open rain showers, steam rooms … and undoubtedly the most amazing amphitheatre sauna this reporter has ever seen. Think hotel open kitchen - but instead, a sauna. Seeing is believing! The main pool is not too hot, not too cold … just right. Accompanied children can enjoy the pool for an hour in the morning and evening.

One can also enjoy a jolly tasty Afternoon Tea in the Spa Lounge ... with bubbles (Champagne, of course) a welcome extra.

For those looking to work out, the fitness centre includes a state-of-the-art gym, Pilates studio - with added yoga shala - and a private training studio. 

The hotel offers a Daniel Calvin hair salon.

My favourite room in the whole hotel is FLOWERBX. It is floral heaven-on-earth. FLOWERBX is undoubtedly the finest florist in London and the hotel has its own boutique dedicated to everything florid. Expect all your senses to be tickled - the sight of gorgeous stems , the scent of spring & summer, the delirious cacophony of stems being snipped by trained florists, the texture of the freshly purchased stems - some with with velvety leaves and the taste of Charbonnel et Walker Champagne truffles - if a box happens to be open!

Corinthia London also features a fully-stocked Business Centre, six meetings rooms (with all the required tech) and a superb Ballroom - ideal for weddings, dinner & dance or a 350-person cocktail party!

A stay at Corinthia London is akin to visiting to a contemporary, sartorially elegant, understated but classically classy, affluent, sensitive but ebullient, colourful and character-filled relative.

The exterior is very much London-historic but inside it's London-refined.

From the warm welcome at the front door, to the cheerful & conscientious room attendants, no request is too small or too big. 

Note the look & feel of Corinthia London. Swathes of fine marble, sturdy wood furniture, shiny metals, plush carpets and elegant drapes. 

The hotel's interior is wonderfully dominated by art, flowers and books! The floral arrangements - especially in the Main Lobby - are colourful and co-ordinated. The artwork - in the public spaces and guestrooms are all carefully chosen, mostly bespoke and there are books - design, art, travel - splattered around the hotel. Knowledge is power. 

There is a place for everything and everything has its place…

If you are lucky enough to be resting your head in a Penthouse Suite, you can expect your coffee or tea served every day with your wake-up call - personal Butler Service at its best. The Suites and Rooms feature Nespresso machines - although room service breakfast is an option and an easy way to start the day.

After a gentle jog around Whitehall (!), guests can head to The Northall for a stunning breakfast. Offering à la carte or buffet, Corinthia London offers a plethora of choices. Cakes, croissants, breads, cheeses, cold meats, yoghurts, sliced smoked fish, eggs, juices, infusions, honey, hot meats (of every variety), breakfast cereals - and of course, coffee and tea of all blends are available. A Corinthia breakfast will last you until lunchtime!

Service is swift but not rushed or overbearing.

Alternatively, head to the The Crystal Moon Lounge - under THE chandelier - for a morning coffee & croissant. 

Lunch is served either in The Northall or The Garden. As the name suggests, The Garden - open during Spring & Summer - offers al fresco dining from midday to midnight. Enjoy pizzette, a succulent steak, fresh fish, soup or tiramisu. It's very Italian! The wine list is superb - the 2020 Tignanello is particularly dreamy . Off-peak times, you can smoke a cigar and quaff a flute of fine Champagne in The Garden. A true pleasure …

The Northall lunch (including a sumptuous Sunday lunch) is extremely popular. The menu is more traditional - with Devon Lamb, Caesar Salad, Salmon and Oysters as highlights.

The Crystal Moon Lounge is home to the Corinthia London “Afternoon Tea” - a must-do when staying at the hotel. Sup Billecart-Salmon Rose or Cristal while munching on turkey, ham or egg & cress sandwiches or a gâteau, chocolate cake, cookie … or even Caviar … ! There is a bespoke tea menu - including the delicious Copenhagen sparkling tea.

Dinner is served. 

The Garden is open until midnight, The Northall is available on certain days for homely, hearty meals but the main draw is (Tom) Kerridge's Bar & Grill. Kerridge is renowned for his two Michelin-star pub - The Hand and Flowers - and his single star The Coach. He is - simply put - one of England's greatest chefs.

In Corinthia London, Kerridge has an international clientele that is treated to diverse dishes that include Lamb Cutlets with Morels, Wagyu Burger and North Sea Cod Bouillabaisse. Expect a treat! He includes a vegan menu, children's menu (very smart move) and bar snacks for those enjoying a glass of English sparkling wine - there are a surprising number on offer.  

To cap an evening - The Northall features a delightful bar but Velvet is the hotel's Champagne and cocktail bar - that is rivals any bar in any city in the world. Velvet is the brainchild of The Maestro - one of the world's top mixologists - Salvatore Calabrese. 

Yes, you can enjoy an aged whisky or a flute of fine Champagne anywhere in London but there is only one location that offers you cocktails that mirror the Kings & Queens of the People - from Lady Gaga to Oprah and Coco Chanel to Maya Angelou. 

I have known Salvatore for over 25 years and no-one can mix a cocktail like he can. The “Whistle While You Sip” (Walt Disney) - vodka, St Germain, apple, sencha tea and Eve Mediterranean Liqueur is akin to unicorn tears - out of this world!

Special acclaim to the hotel's Pastry Team. The treats they create are truly amazing … the memories of the cakes and cookies last much, much longer than the time it takes to gobble them up!

KERRIDGE'S
Bar & Grill

RESTAURANT
Monday to Saturday, 12noon - 2:30pm, 5:30 - 10:30pm
Sunday, 12noon - 9pm

BAR
Monday to Saturday, 12noon - 11:30pm
Sunday, 12noon - 10:30pm

THE NORTHALL

BREAKFAST
Monday to Friday, 6:30 - 10:30am
Saturday and Sunday, 7 - 11am

LUNCH
Wednesday to Friday, 12noon - 2:30pm
Saturday, 12:30 - 2:30pm
Sunday, 12:30 - 4pm

DINNER
Wednesday to Saturday, 5:30 - 9:30pm

THE NORTHALL
Bar

Daily, 12noon - 12midnight

VELVET
by Salvatore Calabrese

Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm - 1am

Live music:
Tuesday to Saturday, 9pm - 12midnight

THE GARDEN

Lunch & dinner
12noon – 12midnight

Last food order: 10:15pm
Last drink order: 11:30pm

Non-smoking hours: 12noon - 3pm, 6 - 9pm

THE CRYSTAL MOON LOUNGE

Monday to Sunday, 8am - 12midnight

AFTERNOON TEA
Monday to Friday, 2 - 6pm 
Saturday to Sunday, 1 - 7pm

** There are private dining rooms in The Northall and Kerridge's Bar & Grill

Corinthia Hotels has a Group-wide policy - that is adopted by each property.

Corinthia London is contributing to a greener and more sustainable hospitality industry, and has a comprehensive sustainability policy in place that showcases its dedication to operating in an environmentally conscious and socially responsible manner.

Its policy reflects its commitment to minimising environmental impact and promoting responsible practices; prioritising energy efficiency by implementing measures such as LED lighting, efficient HVAC systems and smart controls. Waste management is a key focus, with efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle waste materials. Corinthia London hotel actively engages in water conservation through efficient fixtures and guest education initiatives. It also emphasises sustainable sourcing, supporting local and ethical suppliers.

Corinthia continued its sponsorship of Just a Drop (JAD), an international water-aid charity which aims to contribute positively to the reduction of child mortality caused by poor sanitation and unsafe water by actively reducing the numbers of people without access to clean water. Working with local partners at a grassroots level, JAD provides a local, clean water supply through appropriate engineering solutions to some of the poorest communities in the world.

This year Corinthia contributed towards a project in Cambodia. In the past years, it has supported JAD projects in Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda and Kenya. These projects have brought life-changing clean water to over 45,000 children and families over the past four years.

The Corinthia team in London raised funds prior to Covid lockdown for the Sepsis Trust following the loss of one of their colleagues due to septicaemia.