The ultimate in R&R for the Dad’s Armymob
CONTINUING our occasional series looking at the hotels and resorts where A-list celebrities hang out, we visit London’s Corinthia Hotel.
STAR QUALITY: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Daniel Craig, Jennifer Lawrence, Edward VII, Rihanna, Benedict Cumberbatch, Meryl Streep, Keira Knightley.
VITAL STATISTICS: Once home to real-life spies, spooks and military types, these days the Corinthia cossets fictionalised versions by hosting opening parties or pre-release events for some of Hollywood’s biggest films, most recently Spectre and Dad’s Army. THE STARS’ FAVOURITE ROOM: The Royal Penthouse, which has 180-degree views from St Paul’s to the London Eye – Rihanna is among those who’ve hung out on its wraparound terrace. The suites with Thames views are always snapped up fast. But all 294 rooms are cool, with guests routinely emailed before they arrive to check if they have any special requirements, from fresh fruit to hypoallergenic bedding.
First opened in 1885 as the Metropole; Edward VII made full use of the hotel when a playboy prince. Reopened as the Corinthia in 2011, there are two restaurants. Massimo is Italian-influenced while the Northall provides carefully sourced food from Britain including Porthilly oysters and meat from the Lake District.
The courtyard at its centre has a humidor overseen by Manu, a cigar sommelier.
The 24-hour gym means jet-lagged superstars can hit the treadmill whatever the hour, while deep relaxation takes place in the ESPA spa; there are 17 treatment rooms as well as a wellbeing complex with ice caves, sleep pods and indoor swimming pool plus hydrotherapy area.
LOCATION: The hotel’s fin de siecle grandeur lies between Trafalgar Square and Whitehall in one of London’s most low-key but powerpacked corridors. The Playhouse Theatre is around the corner, the Thames flows a couple of streets away. When it was requisitioned in the Second World War by the Ministry of Defence, Operation Overlord was planned here.
KEY ATTRACTION: A serene slice of luxury that regularly tops the TripAdvisor rankings. If you want to see celebrities act like civilians, search out Bassoon; a small, wood-panelled bar where the famous go to relax. Last month Catherine Zeta-Jones and husband Michael Douglas cosied up in one of the leather banquettes, unnoticed by other guests.
IN THE NEWS: The hotel has an annual artist-in-residence scheme; this year an opera was performed around the hotel. There’s also a new partnership with Goodwood; guests can fly by helicopter to the famous Sussex racecourse and speed track.
GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE REST
OF US? Afternoon tea, including rare Chinese white teas as well as Earl Grey, costs £50 a head. Spa packages start at £205pp, a threecourse pre-theatre menu is £28. AND THE BOTTOM LINE: Room-only from £495 (corinthia.com, 020 7930 8181).