Corinthia Hotel, London

 

The Actor’s Penthouse
The Actor’s Penthouse evokes the Belle Époque and has a fully operational fireplace for warmth and ambiance.

 

When the Corinthia brand reached London this past winter, it was an instant game-changer. But we say the hotel’s seven unique Penthouse suites just may be the best detail of the property yet.

Each suite covers two floors, served by its own internal elevators, and has terraces with views across some of London’s most iconic landmarks. If top views are in order, The Royal Penthouse has a 688-square-foot roof terrace with 180-degree view of River Thames. The Whitehall Penthouse has views of St. James’s Park, Whitehall and London Eye, while The Actor’s Penthouse looks over Big Ben. The 5,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Royal Penthouse can seat 10 in its dining room (great for small groups and families), and has its own den, spa treatment room, private gym and walk-in wine cellar. Other touches we love: the two-story crystal chandelier, the ultra-dramatic spiral staircase and the fireplace in the bathroom. The terrace, meanwhile, has its own fire pit, perfect for outdoor entertaining on cool London nights.

The one-bedroom Whitehall Penthouse, designed to look like a classic London gentlemen’s club, also has an exterior fireplace on the terrace, a sitting room and study, a Savile Row-styled dressing room (especially useful if one has, in fact, been shopping on Savile Row) and a dedicated whisky bar. The Actor’s Penthouse, meanwhile, evoking the Belle Époque, has private roof terraces and a whisky-vodka bar.

The Whitehall penthouse
The Whitehall penthouse looks like a classic London gentlemen’s club. We say Bertie Wooster would feel right at home.

Guests needing a bit more room might want to book The Writer’s Penthouse or The Musician’s Penthouse, which can connect to an additional bedroom. (Bonus: The Musician’s Penthouse has its own Steinway grand piano—perfect for musically inclined guests.) Ladies on girlfriend getaways will appreciate the decidedly feminine one-bedroom Hamilton Penthouse, named in honor of Admiral Nelson’s beloved Emma Hamilton. The suite can connect to two extra bedrooms, and has a pink champagne cocktail cabinet, a two-story crystal chandelier, and a roof terrace with a heated vitality pool.

The hotel’s spa, ESPA Life, is huge—spread over four floors and with 17 treatment rooms—but we hear that reservations should be booked at least 10 days in advance to guarantee prime times. The three-hour Private Spa Suite therapy sounds fantastic: a customized experience that includes a Rasul Healing Mud Ritual, 30 minutes of relaxation time and a two-hour treatment of the guest’s choice. Ayurvedic and Shiatsu treatments are also available, as are deep muscle and sports massages. Contact Sales and Reservations Manager Michelle Smith ([email protected]; 011-44-20-7930-8181) to book treatments.

Foodies will want to try The Northall, which offers seasonal British dining, and Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar, headed by Italian Chef Massimo Riccioli. Massimo has plenty of traditional dishes, but we’re intrigued by some of the unique seafood creations like tuna black pudding with fish skin crisps and baked cod liver in balsamoka with sautéed spring onions and porcini cookies.

Head Concierge Jennifer Steain ([email protected]; 011-44-20-7930-8181) can arrange just about anything for guests, from organizing a private guide to show off the quintessential English countryside in a Bentley or an exclusive personal shopping trip with limousine pickup, private in-store suite with refreshments and a consultant stylist for their every need.

Luxury travel advisors should contact Director of Sales Marianne Kassapian ([email protected]; 011-44-20-7930-8181) with any questions.