Corinthia Hotel London

A Whitehall address necessarily carries with it a certain cachet, and on that score the Corinthia Hotel London doesn’t disappoint. Built in the 19th century as the Hôtel Métropole, this building later housed the Ministry of Defense. Now it’s back to its original purpose as an impossibly glamorous luxury hotel, complete with seven extravagant penthouse suites, a massive Baccarat chandelier in the lobby, a spa that expands over four floors.

Of course you don’t have to book a penthouse — even at the entry level the rooms come with king-sized Hypnos beds, as well as marble baths, rain showers, and underfloor heating. Nespresso machines are standard, and alongside the rooms’ classic good looks you’ll find impressively modern electronics, including thoughtful details like international outlets and in-room media hubs. They start out large enough and quickly expand, with suites ranging from 47 to over 100 square meters, and the themed penthouses are truly extraordinary — culminating in the Royal Penthouse, spanning two floors with a 180° view of the city and a terrace that looks directly at the London Eye.

The Corinthia’s massive spa happens to be ESPA’s flagship, and it’s difficult to imagine topping it. The fitness program, under the direction of Athletic Medical Performance, features a small-group personal training program originally devised for elite athletes. Nor are the restaurants given to half-measures; the Northall is the archetypal opulent British fine-dining restaurant, and Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge’s restaurant will open in the fall. Meanwhile the Crystal Moon Lounge serves an impressive afternoon tea under the lobby’s grand chandelier, and the Bassoon Bar features intimate live sets from jazz and pop artists, in an environment that evokes the atmosphere of the Twenties.