Arrival/Check-In: We arrived from Heathrow and were met by a courteous doorman who opened the car door and sheltered us from a sudden rain shower. Our luggage was taken from the boot and delivered to the suite within minutes. We were then guided to the check-in desk where staff efficiently processed our details. The lobby’s architecture made a strong impression, particularly the dramatic Baccarat chandelier. A member of staff escorted us to our suite and shared useful information about the property as we walked.
Guest Quarters: We stayed in Room 539, the River Suite, a spacious accommodation with semicircular windows overlooking the Thames. The views included the London Eye and the Millennium Bridge, and the curved design of the suite created a distinctive, elegant feel. The suite’s entry opened into a large living area furnished with a comfortable sofa, overstuffed chairs and several tables. A large flat-screen television sat between two windows, and built-in bookcases flanked the seating area, stocked with books and decorative items. A four-person dining table also served as a practical desk and featured a selection of convenient power outlets, including 110V for guests from the United States.
To the left of the living area was the bedroom, which featured a king-sized bed, end tables and a vanity. The circular layout continued into the bedroom, with windows around the exterior wall and ample curtains for privacy. The curtains required a bit of effort to open and close manually; powered drapes would have been a helpful addition, but the room’s comfort and quietness more than made up for this small inconvenience.
Services and Amenities: Housed in a building with a history as the former British Defense Ministry, the hotel blends period architecture with meticulous restoration. Service throughout the hotel was exceptional; when I asked for a city map and some directions, I counted a large, attentive team at the concierge desk ready to assist. Staff across departments were friendly and accommodating, and the restaurant teams provided attentive service at every meal.
Meals are served in Northall, which offers an impressive breakfast buffet with a wide range of options. For a memorable dinner, Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar is an excellent choice. I began with a Caprese of buffalo mozzarella and basil—delicate and flavorful—and continued with a veal filet wrapped in prosciutto and spinach that was outstanding. The waiter recommended a Tuscan wine that complemented the meal beautifully. From starter to dessert, each course was well prepared and presented; I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting London.
The Experience: The Corinthia combines elegant history, a prime central location and attentive service to create a highly recommended stay. The hotel is a short walk from Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square, and within comfortable walking distance of Old Bond Street, Hyde Park and Harrods. During our stay we enjoyed a long, leisurely walk that allowed us to take in those nearby sights and neighborhoods, making for an enjoyable day despite overcast skies.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Corinthia Hotel London
Whitehall Place
London SW1A 2BD
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7930 8181
corinthia.com