Sometimes it’s easy. But sometimes it’s not. And in London, it’s not. How do you proclaim that thus-and-such hotel is the one ScheckTrek Pick in a city where there are so many world-class properties from which to choose?
For example, if you'd like to feel like the Queen of England on your trip, stay at The Ritz, and you just might. If you like hotels that quintessentially reflect their place, your favorite London hotel might be The Milestone. But the hotel that I keep coming back to in my mind, now almost a year later, is Corinthia London. So you know that is saying a lot!
The former Metropole Hotel, built in 1885, was quite often depicted in James Bond comic strips as MI6 HQ. In real life it came to house MI9 during World War II. (Wonder what secrets its walls and padlocked tunnels hold?) Previously, in World War I, Winston Churchill was officed in what would, a century later, become Corinthia Hotel London—but not before a massive $490 million facelift. James Bond would feel quite at home now in this setting. And as for guests, it's a good place to spy out the real-life rich and famous, who quickly took note of Corinthia London.
One of the first things visitors to the hotel will notice is the lobby’s one-of-a-kind, full-moon chandelier, made up of 1,001 spheres of Baccaret crystal. No one has yet told us how much of the $490 million had to be earmarked for this beauty!
Corinthia has wonderful public areas (including what is one of the very best spas in London) that are full of that little something extra. Take the Bassoon Bar, for example. Have you ever seen a real piano bar? This 23-foot-long one gives new meaning to the term “grand piano”!
For a completely different atmosphere, here's the Northall Bar with its gold-leaf ceiling. These are just two of multiple dining options at the hotel.
Photo courtesy of Corinthia London
My daughter Ashley and I had the opportunity to spend a couple of nights as guests of the hotel last September. One of the things that appealed to us was that the average room size, not counting suites, is almost 500 square feet. If you know London, you know how rare that is—and how much it is appreciated.
We had booked a beautiful, twin-bedded Executive Room and were really looking forward to it. However, the hotel had an even better surprise for us. We were upgraded to the 1,745-square-foot Whitehall Penthouse Suite!
Because we don’t often have the opportunity to see what a £7,000/night (US $9K-10K) penthouse suite is like in a 5-star London hotel, I thought it might be fun to share that with you.
For those who like floor plans, this might help you to visualize it. (These and the exterior photo above are courtesy of Corinthia Hotels.)
All of the penthouse suites vary not only in size—ranging from 1,075-4,973 square feet—but also in décor. This one has some darker woods. By contrast, the Hamilton Penthouse is done up in creams and ivories.
This was our entry. Notice the beautiful herringbone floor.
To the right of the entry is our elevator, modeled by lovely daughter Ashley. (She said that when she was shown to our penthouse, she was really glad she’d dressed up that morning!)
Next to the elevator was a powder room behind a ‘bookcase’ door—perfect for my book-loving daughter!
Across the hall was the living room, which had already been made up with a bed for Ashley. In the same room was a large desk with a beautiful fresh-flower arrangement and large bar/credenza area. A bottle of champagne was chilling when we arrived!
Ashley and I were even impressed with the way the light reflected on the foil outline on the restaurant menu that was waiting on the credenza.
Upstairs (I’m saving the terrace and incredible view for last), there was my room, which had a chaise and a rather amazing ceiling.
The huge, beautiful bathroom was outfitted with lots of full-sized ESPA Spa products. (I was told, “Take them with you when you leave.”) Notice that the herringbone tile pattern matches that of the wood floors.
The dressing area had a spacious closet behind those beveled mirrored doors.
And the pièce de résistance: our terrace and view, which included Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.
A couple of months after our stay, I got a marketing email from Corinthia London, which included a photo of Oprah and Al Roker on Ashley's and my terrace! That's okay. We don't mind if they want to borrow it.
I leave you with the following video, which shows more of the terrace itself, with the bells of London pealing in the distance.
We hope you've enjoyed the tour!
If you would like to experience Corinthia Hotel London for yourself (whether or not in a suite), ScheckTrek Travel can provide the following complimentary amenities for 2018 & 2019:
Buffet breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
85 GBP Hotel Credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full. Excludes Kerridge's Bar, Florist/Gift Shop)
Guaranteed flexible check-in/check-out (must advise time of arrival/departure in advance to ensure room availability)
Complimentary Wi-Fi
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