CORINTHIA LONDON, EMBANKMENT
Ahandful of hotels in our capital are icons, steeped in luxury and decadence. The Corinthia London is one – originally opened in 1885 as the Metropole, frequented by King Edward VII, then used as government offices during both world wars. It reopened 12 years ago as the Corinthia London, restoring opulence and elegance to the Embankment and reclaiming its reputation as an A-list destination. Indeed, Beyoncé and Jay-z were guests last year. And no wonder! This is an unrivalled hotel experience, with no five-star corner unturned. From the moment we check in to the impeccable staff – for whom nothing is too much trouble – to the swooping architecture, every detail has been executed through the prism of luxury. We visit as a family and stay in a London Suite with two adjoining spacious bedrooms, a living room, study, dressing room and two marble-clad bathrooms, both with underfloor heating, TVS inset into the baths and a view across Whitehall Place. Besides the opulence, it’s the attention to detail that stands out – our daughters’ bedlinen has been replaced with fairy-print sets and they have mini dressing gowns and slippers.
If there weren’t already enough reasons to visit, ESPA’S Restorative Wellness at ESPA Life, where the focus is on both metal and physical wellbeing, adds another layer to the five-star experience. I try the two-hour Reflect and Regenerate Ritual, which includes a hot stone massage and LED light therapy. When my amazing therapist tells me she enjoyed working with my energy, I also feel a connection that transcends the treatment table. Plus, there’s the Thermal Floor with swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain and private sleep pods.
Food here is equally sublime – one can enjoy afternoon tea in the twinkling winter garden, cocktails in the sumptuous Velvet bar and fine dining at The Northall. We opt for Kerridge’s, the bar and grill from Tom Kerridge, which specialises in preordered rotisserie meats and fish or à la carte favourites such as pork belly and fish and chips.
Whether you stay a night, visit for a spa day, splash out on dinner or even pop in for a cocktail, this is a London destination everyone should experience at least once. SARAH TOMCZAK
ROOMS FROM £852 A NIGHT. CORINTHIA.COM/LONDON