EXPERIENCE THE CRAFTSMANSHIP OF CARE AT THE CORINTHIA LONDON

I was recently in London for leisure after a family trip in the countryside. I usually stay around Chelsea or Mayfair when I am in London, but for this trip I stayed in Whitehall Place at the Corinthia Hotel London. Rated among London’s finest 5-star luxury hotels, it features 294 rooms, including 40 suites and 7 penthouses. Corinthia London is the ninth of Corinthia ’s Hotel Collection of five-stars hotels, the flagship chain of founding group Pisani Family Malta.

Many travellers from Asia may not be familiar with this chain but that ought to change. When we visit 5-stars hotels in Europe we don’t usually expect service as warm and personalised as we are accustomed to receiving at equivalent 5-stars hotels in Asia. This is not the case with the Corinthia. The service exceeds expectations. From the moment you arrive at the front and get out of the car, one feels at home even if this is your first visit. The craftsmanship of care is luxuriant. The porter, for example, calls you by your last name before you even check-in and informs you that your luggage will be sent to your room. This kind of attention to detail -with the well-trained staff checking the airline luggage tag name was refreshing. The check-in was also smooth and fast.

The hotel boasts the largest room sizes in London; I stayed in the Executive King Room with an average size of 45 sqm. Beyond the size itself, the immaculately maintained room felt grand and spacious, and included a walk-in wardrobe. There was also a welcome note waiting for me with a beautiful arrangement of fresh flowers.

The en-suite bathroom is generous arranged, with beautiful marble tile and underfloor heating. Big bathrooms are always a delight, and this one simply amazed at every level, including the bathtub with built-in LCD-TVs, the separate huge rain shower and the ample for make-up and personal accessories. Luxurious bathing products are provided by ESPA brand.

The room continued to impress with lovely touches of a lavender bag, sleep spray and custom chocolate on turn down service. My sleep was deeply restful on their special made Hypnos beds.

The next morning I ordered a simply elegant a la carte breakfast in my room. You can choose what time you want your breakfast to be served.

Even time spent in the halls of the hotel is lovely, as beautiful floral arrangements abound, gracing your every moment with the delicate fragrance of fresh flowers brought in every day. Unique artwork adorns the walls and public spaces around the hotel. You will also find a unique collection of contemporary art, by both emerging and established British artists that will transport you to an art gallery and provides a stimulating and visually rich environment that elevates creativity and imagination.

The spa has four floors of marble luxury, and you will happily feel lost in the lavish sanctuary with serenity as you pamper yourself and unwind. Facilities including a vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, private sleep pods and marble heated loungers are bound to transform this place during winter into a warm and relaxing destination. As for the massages, the therapist was superb and professional. After treatment, guests are free to hang out and relax in the lounge or take a nap in the sleeping pod. Lying on the heated marble beds with the fireplace in front, relaxation came easily, and light, nutritious refreshments were at your finger tips. An oasis of tranquility in Central London, this spa stands out as one of the best hotel spa facilities in the world.

When it comes to Food & Beverage, the hotel has two fine-dining restaurants. The Italian-fine dining restaurant MASSIMO was the first evening’s venue. The atmosphere was formal and beautifully decorated. The first course was Agnolotti Limone- homemade Agnolotti stuffed with fresh ricotta, lemon and parsley, parmesan and extra virgin olive oil, and it was refreshing and very delicious. For the main course, I had the roasted monkfish wrapped in parma ham, accompanied by peperonata and tomato sauce. The fish had a well-balanced taste and was perfectly cooked. The wine list here is also impressive, especially the fine selection from Italy.

The second night featured the Northall restaurant, where British cuisine is prepared with high quality seasonal ingredients. You can sample dishes such as Grilled Dover Sole with Pickled Lemon and Maple Glazed Goosnargh Duck Breast, Poached Rhubarb and Horseradish Jus. They also do Sunday Champagne Brunch with Live Music.

After dinner you can hang out at Garden Lounge, an executive outdoor space with a bespoke cigar humidor and terrarium style bar.

The cigar sommelier, Adam Lajca, is not only knowledgeable about cigars but a qualified conversationalist as well. His passion for cigars is reflected by the selection on the cigar menu, the limited edition and quality puros from the best suppliers to ensure they are delivering you THE BEST OF THE BEST. Another bar in the hotel is Bassoon, with a relaxed and intimate ambiance featuring bespoke cocktails from the finest bartenders in the city and live jazz music.

Service from the staffs set the Corinthia apart from European and other US luxury hotels. The service was prompt, caring and professional, and leaves you feeling extremely well looked after. Everyone makes you feel welcome without being intrusive, and impeccable attention to detail is ubiquitous. From check-in to check-out, the staffs go above and beyond to accommodate. The only thing this hotel will make you feel that you are lacking is time to stay longer.

For more information on Corinthia Hotel London, please visit www.corinthia.com/london