There’s luxury, and then there’s Corinthia London: that rare breed of hotel that manages to be both majestic and modern, classic yet completely alive. Set in the former Ministry of Defence building just off the Embankment, it’s a hotel that doesn’t whisper sophistication, it announces it. With its grand proportions, crystal chandeliers, and one of the most indulgent spas in London.
Location: London at your doorstep
Corinthia’s location is pure gold. Step outside and you’re seconds from the Thames, with the Hungerford Bridge leading you straight to the South Bank : home to the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and Tate Modern. To the north, you’ve got St James’s Park and Covent Garden within walking distance, and Soho’s buzz just a short stroll away. It’s central London at its most cinematic. The trade-off? Expect the hum of traffic outside, but for anyone who wants to feel London rather than just see it, that’s part of the magic.
Style & atmosphere: Modern glamour meets historic grandeur
Originally opened as the Metropole in 1885, Corinthia London reimagines its grand heritage through a contemporary lens. More than a decade after its relaunch, the hotel still stands as one of London’s most visually stunning five-stars. Think marble floors, mirrored corridors, and a lobby that feels more like a gallery of light than a check-in area. The Crystal Moon Lounge, crowned by a dazzling 1,001-crystal chandelier, is the heartbeat of the hotel, where afternoon tea becomes theatre. Everywhere you look, fresh blooms bring drama and softness in equal measure, grounding the grandeur in something fresh and human.
It’s the kind of setting that feels cinematic. You half expect to see Bond glide past reception or a couture-clad guest sipping champagne beneath the chandelier. Corinthia’s magic lies in its ability to blend spectacle with intimacy: a place where glamour doesn’t feel distant, it feels personal.
Rooms: Opulent and comfortable
The 279 rooms range from Executive and Deluxe to Family and opulent suites. Even the entry-level rooms feel generously sized by London standards, with plush armchairs, marble bathrooms, and the kind of bedding that seems engineered to erase time. The Trafalgar Suite, with its forest-green velvet sofa and direct view of Nelson’s Column, is a standout, regal without being ostentatious.
Details make the difference here. ESPA toiletries, Dyson hairdryers, glass-bottled water, and curated coffee-table books (think Kinfolk and Tiny House) create the kind of calm elegance that feels both homey and haute. You won’t find a kettle waiting on the desk, but call down, and it arrives almost before you hang up. That’s the Corinthia way: discreetly anticipatory service that feels intuitive, never intrusive.
The spa: A destination in itself
Let’s be clear, ESPA Life is a sanctuary that could easily justify a visit all on its own. Descend into its glossy black-marble cocoon and the rest of London disappears. There’s a sleek pool shimmering under low light, an ice bath to jolt you awake, a glass-encased sauna, and a steam room perfumed with eucalyptus. Artificial fires flicker throughout, including in the changing rooms: small touches that make everything feel sensually cocooned.
The thermal floor features heated loungers and sleeping pods perfect for drifting between treatments. Therapists here are next-level, their expertise evident in every pressure point. The deep tissue massage borders on athletic (ideal if you’ve just flown in or clocked a 10k in St James’s Park), but for those seeking serenity, gentler options abound. ESPA’s tailored facials, detox rituals, and holistic programs are designed to nurture not just the body, but the mind, which is why this spa consistently ranks among London’s finest.
The only caveat? The main pool, while beautiful, isn’t quite Olympic-sized, and children are allowed at set hours (8–10am and 4–5pm), which slightly breaks the illusion of adult-only calm. Still, come outside those windows, and you’ll find yourself in one of the most peaceful corners of the city.
Dining: From fine to comfort dining
Corinthia’s dining scene is an elegant trifecta. The semi-outdoor Garden restaurant sets a romantic tone under greenery and soft lighting, while André Garrett’s Northall is the go-to for modern British fine dining. But it’s Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, that draws both guests and locals.
Expect a refined take on hearty British comfort food: think confit egg yolk with crab, mushroom and quail’s egg tart, and Cornish plaice with deep-fried anchovy rolls and a decadent tartare sauce. Each dish feels indulgent but deeply satisfying, the kind of food that commands conversation. The sparkling wine trolley adds a touch of theatre, while the service remains attentive without being fussy.
Breakfast at the Northall is another highlight, a polished buffet where house-made granola, honeycomb, focaccia, and smoked salmon steal the show. While some of the hot dishes can be hit-and-miss, the overall spread easily sets the tone for a luxurious London morning.
Amenities and service: Warm and Professional
Service at Corinthia is silky-smooth from check-in to checkout. Staff strike that perfect balance of warm and professional, you’re never left searching for assistance, but never hovered over either. The front desk and concierge are quick to handle requests, whether it’s a late checkout, a last-minute theatre booking, or simply directions to the nearest gallery.
Facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, valet parking, multiple bars, laundry, and high-speed Wi-Fi that never falters. There’s also Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese, an intimate champagne and cocktail bar that oozes decadence, all plush crimson seating and low lights, perfect for a late-night drink after a show at the National Theatre across the river.
For whom?
Corinthia London is made for those who demand polish but still crave personality. Business travelers will love its convenience; couples will find it irresistibly romantic; and families are surprisingly well catered for thanks to connecting rooms and a Family Escape package complete with child-friendly amenities. That said, this isn’t a place for budget-conscious travelers, rooms start around £750 per night, but for anyone seeking to experience the capital at its most indulgent, it’s worth every pound.
What to do around
You’re perfectly placed to explore London’s cultural heart. Walk across the bridge for a night at the Royal Festival Hall, a film at the BFI, or an exhibition at the Hayward Gallery. Stroll to Trafalgar Square, lose yourself in the National Gallery, then continue to Covent Garden for boutique shopping and alfresco dining. If you’re feeling regal, Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park are within ten minutes. Corinthia doesn’t just give you London: it puts you in the centre of it all.
Verdict
Corinthia London remains one of the capital’s top-tier addresses: a benchmark for contemporary luxury that never loses its soul. It’s a hotel that dazzles without trying too hard, offering an experience that feels both grand and deeply personal. Between its world-class spa, elegant interiors, and unbeatable location, it’s easy to see why it consistently lands on every “best hotels in London” list.
For anyone seeking an escape that blends opulence with authenticity, where each detail, from the floral displays to the marble floors, feels like part of a story worth living, Corinthia London is the one. Here, luxury isn’t just a promise; it’s a perfectly executed experience.
