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, 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 understatedly posh. It’s not ostentatious at all. Well, okay 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, ‘Who’s staying?‘ I mean, it would be just plain embarrassing to be in the lift with Lady Gaga and not recognise her, wouldn’t it?
To be honest, I am always surprised to think that the VIP guests 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 for 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 p.m., so we stick with our orders.
These drinks, our welcome drinks by default, are on the house while waiting for the room. They arrive with a side of tempting nibbles, olives, etc. It’s effortless hospitality that Corinthia does well.
Reception brings us the room key, but 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 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, has been 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 had an immediate impact on the large high-ceilinged rooms.
Delicate seasonal flowers are found throughout 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, the current floral displays are indeed 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 its 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, Embankment, and the Charing Cross Tube are nearby.
Returning from a visit to Buckingham Palace
SERVICE: 7/10
BBC DOCUMENTARY 2018
My last stay in the hotel was after the Corinthia was 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.
A huge effort 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 is polite and trained to be discrete, professional, and largely in the background. It feels to me that the things that are special about the Corinthia service are the result of either their facilities or their processes. The piece I feel is missing is that staff don’t appear to have the freedom to step outside the box and do those 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 on 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 teaspoon! Or when a late checkout is agreed upon, and housekeeping knocks on the door several times to check whether you’ve left. You could argue that if these are the issues, get a life, Wren!
With a top cost comes high expectations, and things that don’t happen are often remembered.
Unusually, no one has written post-stay asking for feedback. I’m not sure why; maybe it’s not the procedure with a corporate booking.
FACILITIES 9/10
The facilities are impressive, particularly for leisure guests, 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. The hydrotherapy and swimming pools are lined with endless black marble and mosaics. 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, which was the absolute highlight experience of my entire stay.
AMP Gym, Corinthia London
BROMPTON BIKES
We very much enjoyed whizzing around on the electric Brompton bikes. 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 Queen’s guards to march and rendezvous with a royal VIP horse and carriage arriving at Buckingham Palace.
After giving 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. However, you need to check carefully which paths allow 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 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 on your pillow.
Otherwise, ask for an outward-facing room, 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 make 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 a 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 encountered and is in my top five breakfasts worldwide.
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 and 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 London
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, it is as popular in July 2022 as it was when I first enjoyed it in 2017. It comes with scones, jam and cream, fine sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.
VALUE FOR MONEY 7/10
Deluxe Room rates start at 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, while I always leave full of appreciation for the opportunity to stay, 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 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 unique VIP experience, not just those with a high profile or those staying in one of the seven penthouses.
My five-star London stays remain with The Chesterfield, Mayfair, or The Rubens At The Palace.
THE DETAILS:
The Corinthia London has 283 rooms, including 51 suites and seven penthouses.
