The Seven Penthouses of Corinthia Hotel London

The Corinthia Hotel London was, in the days gone by, known as the Metropole Hotel, a favourite haunt of King Edward VII and the other crowned heads of Europe. Located on a triangular site between Trafalgar Square and the Thames Embankment, the building was restored and relaunched in 2011. Today, it combines the building’s heritage with contemporary luxury and some of the best facilities in the city; epitomised by its seven penthouses and its cavernous spa burrowing four floors underground.

The seven penthouses are the crowning glory of the 283-room hotel, built within the soaring turrets of the grand Victorian building, offering two floors, an outside terrace and butler service. Conceived by GA Design International, each one is a masterpiece in style and decoration, with its distinct style and unique hand-crafted bespoke finishes and furniture. Each has a decor themed around personalities typically found living in an affluent London street: royalty, high society, explorers, actors, musicians, writers and politicians.

At 5,000 sq.ft., the Royal Penthouse is the largest two-bedroom luxury hotel residence in London. Overlooking the River Thames, its sweeping terrace complete with loungers and fire pit offers an uninterrupted 180-degree view: from the modern towers of the City to the heritage sights in Westminster. Interior highlights include an imposing entrance hall, an elegant panoramic living room and a high-tech study. A private butler’s kitchen and private wine cellar service the unique oval dining room, clad in faceted and bevelled mirrors. A grand staircase or a private lift takes guests to the grand bedrooms with king-sized beds, dressing rooms and bathrooms of honey onyx and Skyros marble. Guests can also indulge in the in-room ESPA Life treatment for a truly private and fully serviced spa experience.

With a direct view to Nelson’s statue atop Trafalgar Square, the Hamilton Penthouse is a tribute to Lord Nelson’s lover, Lady Hamilton. It is decorated in a stunning palette of delicate champagnes, ivories and creams, with bespoke furniture that includes a hand-made Italian table with jewelled mirror sides. Guests can relax in the vitality bath on the terrace.

A classic Steinway grand piano is the centrepiece of the Musician’s Penthouse dedicated to the hotel’s celebrated resident conductor of old. Musical influences are found throughout the space, from the state-of-the-art record playing deck to the musically inspired artwork and decorative features echoing the swirls of crotchets and quavers. Two vintage-style chandeliers are hung in the double-height lounge while French doors lead to the expansive terrace with dining area, gas fire and riverscape views towards St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Big Ben.

The Writer’s Penthouse is a literary retreat with a unique reading room with a custom-designed two-metre-long reading desk crafted from dark walnut with high leather inlay to the desktop. Over a thousand books adorn the walls. A secret roof terrace is accessed from the bedroom.

The Whitehall Penthouse is inspired by Sir Winston Churchill, who on Armistice Day 1918 stood at the window of the building, then used as his own Ministerial office, watching the crowds celebrate below. The living room and study have the genteel elegance of a refined gentlemen’s club while on the private terrace, with views towards Whitehall and Big Ben, is a giant chess set.

The Explorer’s Penthouse is a character pied-à-terre that evokes the elegance of the British Empire and the Belle Époque, creating a haven of comfortable opulence.

The Actor’s Penthouse is a glamorous and atmospheric London residence, designed as a London retreat for successful international actors.

The hotel’s award-winning spa – ESPA Life – is one of the largest and most exclusive in central London. It offers a holistic approach to wellbeing with an expert team of leading naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturists, herbalists, osteopaths, personal trainers and spa professionals. Starting this July, ESPA has announced a partnership with celebrity aesthetic doctor Barbara Sturm; one of the most sought-after skin doctors amongst the Hollywood elite, who travels worldwide to treat high profile patients and world-recognised for her non-surgical anti-ageing treatments and methods for rejuvenating the skin. Corinthia’s distinctive treatments include the signature Instant Glow Facial, Super Anti-Aging Facial, Darker Skin Tone Facial, Clarifying Facial, Brightening Facial and Men’s Facial. Guests can further benefit from the facials by adding micro-needling which stimulates the production of collagen.

Residents of UAE who appreciate the ethos of the Corinthia family of hotels have something to cheer, as the brand will be opening its first hotel in the Middle East in Dubai. Due to launch on October 2020, Corinthia Meydan Beach Dubai will be located on the prestigious JBR beachfront. Designed by American design professionals AE7, the 55-storey hotel will be home to 360 rooms and suites, 15 dining experiences, cascading infinity pools, and the region’s first ESPA Life spread across 5,000 square-metres.