The Corinthia is widely regarded as one of London’s finest hotels and we’ve had the privilege to have stayed on three occasions over the years with my husband’s work. Won’t you take a wander with me to find out what’s to surprise and delight, and yes it’s ultra-luxurious. However, what I love best about this hotel might surprise you…
AMBIANCE & GREETING: 8/10
UNDERSTATED POSH
A stellar location with a heritage building and contemporary unfussy styling greet you. Before you even get up the front steps you get a sense that this hotel is swanky, I’m sure with both the Prime Minister and the Queen in the ‘hood you’ll get that this is a prime London spot.
However, what I’ve always loved about Corinthia is that it is understated posh. It’s not ostentatious at all, well ok. some humungous chandeliers aside that would have cost a pretty penny.
VIP GUESTS
The day we arrive, the usually attentive doormen are lost amidst a throng of people milling around, and no, it’s not a fire drill. We know this means that there is a VIP guest because the barriers are in place to hold fans and paparazzi back.
Of course, the hotel is far too discreet to disclose which of their esteemed guests everyone is waiting for. The fans don’t care and I always ask ‘whose staying?‘ I mean it would be just plain embarrassing to be in the lift with Lady Gaga and not recognise her, wouldn’t it?
Actually to be honest I am always surprised to think that the VIP guest might actually be leaving by the front door? Surely they have their own lift to the penthouse floors?
On our last stay the crowds were waiting for Tom Cruise, this time it’s “Selena”, they reply when I ask whose coming? I’m none the wiser, ‘Gomez’, they say with a ‘what planet are you on’ expression? ‘Or Puff Daddy’ another adds. Of course, I nod knowingly…
CHECK-IN
The reception and check-in desk is discrete and tucked away from those arriving for their Champagne Afternoon Tea. It’s a no-fuss, almost perfunctory check-in. There is no welcome back, no knowing your name, no welcome drink, or cold flannel in one of the hottest weeks of the year. I think I’ve lived in Asia too long where these things are often found.
Northall Bar Corinthia London
Our room is not ready and we are escorted to a bar where everything is shiny and highly polished. It is almost a sin to order a coffee and an elderflower cordial at Northall Bar, one of the best-stocked in town, but it’s Tuesday at 1.30 pm. We stick with our orders.
These drinks, our welcome drinks by default, are on the house for waiting for the room, they arrive with a side of tempting nibbles, olives, etc. It’s the effortless hospitality that Corinthia does well.
Reception brings the room key to us, it’s a shock no one escorts us to the room. Not that this is the norm in the UK, it’s more that I can’t help thinking a room tour might help to highlight the room features and give a more personal check-in experience?
STYLE 8/10
The Corinthia style is Victorian heritage with a modern twist. It feels suitably grand without being too stuffy. Think London with the finest pedigree, and almost understated. Everything is high quality.
McQueens Flowers
The on-site florist McQueens is new since my last visit. Highly regarded as one of the world’s most admired and respected florists, I can’t wait to see their arrangements.
Guests are greeted by a massive collection of fresh flowers, and we’re not talking about carnations, dominating the entrance. It’s rather wild looking and some flowers are a little droopy. Oh, standards have dropped is my first thought. Don’t be unkind Wren, everyone is struggling in this heat.
Floral entrance at Corinthia London.
The previous floral arrangements were more structured. Which, to be fair, was in the days when floral oasis foam was never considered an environmental no-no. Gone are the stronger blocked colours that gave an immediate impact in the large high-ceilinged rooms.
Delicate seasonal flowers are found through out the hotel
I stopped by to chat with the McQueens staff to find out more. We talk about their floral storytelling and on closer inspection, it is true, the current floral displays are full of character and stunning flowers to be admired up close.
What started as a tad disappointing became a great example of how Corinthia has moved with the floral times.
Close up of a bunch of flowers I was given during my stay – stunning blooms
LOCATION: 10/10
What I love the most about this hotel is the SW1A location. It’s as top-notch as it gets. You either turn left at the end of the road to Downing Street or turn right towards The Mall where it’s a short clip-clop of a horse ride to Buckingham Palace, St James, and Green Parks. Trafalgar Square, the River Thames, and the Embankment and Charing Cross Tube are close by.
Returning from a visit to Buckingham Palace
SERVICE: 7/10
BBC DOCUMENTARY 2018
My last stay in the hotel was after the Corinthia had been featured in a BBC Documentary A Hotel for the Super Rich and Famous. It’s a fascinating insight into behind the scenes because as an ordinary guest you would have no idea, except perhaps until you get the bill for breakfast at nearly 50 pounds per person, ouch to us mere mortals.
There is a huge effort that goes into giving each VIP, a unique experience. There are no such stand-out wows or unique experiences with our stay… apart from the sheer joy of a stay here!
Afternoon Tea with the resident pianist
Our Experience
The staff are polite and are trained to be discrete, professional, and largely in the background. It feels to me that the things that are special with the Corinthia service come as a result of either their facilities or their processes. The piece that I feel is missing is that staff don’t appear to have the freedom to step outside the box and do those really special things that will linger in the memory of guests.
Some staff were new and less experienced than we remembered. Perhaps even the ‘would look good on your CV” Corinthia struggles to recruit staff in post-Brexit, post-pandemic days? It shows when you order a newspaper and it never arrives, at breakfast where the service is not as slick as remembered and eventually you jump up to find your own teaspoon! Or when a late check out is agreed and housekeeping knocks on the door on several occasions to check whether you’ve left. You could argue that if these are the issues, then get a life, Wren!
With a top cost comes high expectations and it is often things that don’t happen that are remembered.
Unusually no one has written post-stay asking for feedback. I’m not sure why, maybe with a corporate booking it’s not the procedure.
FACILITIES 9/10
The facilities are impressive particularly for the leisure guest although as I have already mentioned this is also a great hotel choice for business.
ESPA LIFE AT CORINTHIA
The ESPA Life at Corinthia is one of London’s finest award-winning spas. You’ll find endless black marble and mosaics at the hydrotherapy, and swimming pools. Each in-house guest is eligible for complimentary access as part of the stay.
ESPA Life at Corinthia
AMP GYM
The newly revamped AMP Gym was fabulous. A flyer in the room indicates a number of Group Personal Training times. I booked in for classes each morning and this was the absolute highlight experience of my entire stay.
AMP Gym, Corinthia London
BROMPTON BIKES
We very much enjoyed the use of the electric Brompton bikes to whizz around. As we passed Downing Street we stopped to see Boris Johnson leave for Parliament in his Range Rover.
Brompton Bike at Corinthia London
Somehow we ended up on The Mall when it was closed off to allow all the Queens guards to march and rendezvous with a royal VIP horse and carriage arrival at Buckingham Palace.
Having given my daughters a lecture on bike safety in London, we elected to mostly stay within the parks; St James’s Park, Green Park, and Hyde Park, although you need to check carefully which paths allow for bikes.
Buckingham Palace
EXECUTIVE KING BED GUEST ROOM 8/10
Executive King Bedroom
The bedroom styling is quietly sophisticated. I don’t walk into the slightly old-fashioned room with a squeal of delight, although I’m told there are some knock-your-socks-off decadent suites here… There is no fruit nor handmade shortbreads and union jack chocolates from the Executive chef to devour, like in 2018… But a knock on the door later that afternoon and a tart with a cherry on the top arrives, nice!
Instead, the experience grows, unlike the jar of lollies which I attempt to make a serious dent in throughout my stay, but like magic, my mini love hearts are always replenished!
Don’t mind if I do
The room size is generous for London and you find you have everything you need either in the room or at the end of the phone.
I’m all smiles dressed in the plush bathrobe and that TV at the end of the massive deep soaking bath is always fabulous. We always love the shoes returning with a gleaming shine wrapped in tissue paper like an inviting gift, and the turn-down service with white Corinthia slippers ready and a lavender bag with ‘wishing you Angel Dreams’ embroidered found on your pillow.
Ask for an outward-facing room otherwise, as some of the rooms face the internal courtyard although they do come with a small Juliet balcony.
Internal facing rooms with a Juliet balcony
FOOD & DRINK 9/10
With two world-class restaurants and a jazz-influenced bar, Corinthia is known for fine dining.
Breakfast
Breakfast is a highlight but makes sure you have time to make it a long lingering affair to try all that is on offer. You have two choices a Full English Breakfast or the Continental Breakfast.
This year we enjoyed the continental breakfast at 37 GBP per person. It is one of the most extensive choices I’ve ever come across and in my top 5 breakfasts the world over.
Each section offers a spectacular array of pots and pots of choice. From humous and veggie sticks to chia seed pudding, freshly squeezed juices, fruit, bakery, patisserie choices, and cute mini honeypots with a Corinthia bee label. Check out the lemon to squeeze on the smoked salmon wrapped up like a present.
Continental Breakfast at Corinthia
Crystal Moon Lounge Afternoon Tea
There is a reason this afternoon tea frequently tops the best afternoon tea in London lists. Under the Baccarat Chandelier, this afternoon tea is as popular in July 2022 as it was when I first enjoyed it in 2017. It comes with scones and jam and cream, fine sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.
VALUE FOR MONEY 7/10
Deluxe Room rates start from 1440 GBP this week, check out current rates here.
Q: The big question: is it worth it?
A: Yes, if money is no object for the top-notch location, facilities, dining, and the sheer experience of staying where the stars stay.
Full moon Baccarat Chandelier Corinthia London
OVERALL 8/10
There is much to enjoy about a stay at Corinthia London. However, whilst I always leave full of appreciation for the opportunity of staying, I doubt I would splash out myself, even for a special celebration.
I feel Corinthia London is a hotel for the rich and famous and is clearly loved by celebrities. They do not have the effortless ease with all guests that I’ve found in other five-star London hotels. Or perhaps it is fairer to say, I do not act with effortless ease when I am conscious of how much everything costs!
I would like to see more emphasis on giving every guest a VIP unique experience and not just those with a high profile or those staying in one of the seven penthouses.
My five-star London stays of choice remain with The Chesterfield, Mayfair, or The Rubens At The Palace.
THE DETAILS:
The Corinthia Hotel London has 283 rooms, including 51 suites and seven penthouses.
