It may be a new entry in London's register of luxury lodging, but Corinthia Hotel has inherited a long history. What began as a high-class hotel in 1885 was later commandeered by the British government during both world wars, serving as the first headquarters of MI9 and the think tank into which 'Operation Overlord' was born. Now the building, located along the River Thames near Trafalgar Square, has been returned to its original purpose – providing the city's well-heeled visitors with a worthy roof to sleep under.

Responsible for the current Corinthia aesthetic is London-based studio GA Design, who, charged with the task of re-packaging old English grandeur for a modern crowd, rose to the challenge. GA Design Managing Director Terry McGinnity shares his vision with CENTURION.

The hotel seems to be in harmony with its surroundings, for example framing views of the city and bringing natural light in. Was this interplay between hotel and the city outside a core aim of the design?
The unique and hallowed location of the hotel played a key part, not only in the story behind its identity, but also in helping to influence the design from beyond its physical boundary. To exploit its position, and its beautiful architecture, it was essential for the hotel to truly sing about its situation from wherever a guest happens to be in the hotel at any time. We were lucky in discovering a once lost internal courtyard, which we re-established, providing an enclosed outdoor space within the confines of the building. We made the most of the unique views from all the rooms and nearly all the bathrooms - whether it is of the internal landscaped courtyard, the River Thames or even Trafalgar Square – guests enjoy unrivalled access to the bustling life beyond the hotel’s walls.
 
Which characteristics make Corinthia Hotel London an intrinsically English hotel other than its location?
The brief for the hotel was to create a ‘21st Century Grand Hotel’ and the concept theme followed that of Grand English Homes. I believe the hotel has a very strong sense of place, and the use of English oak for the flooring, bespoke British wool carpets and rugs, together with the contemporary colour schemes and individually designed pieces of furniture makes for a very elegant, calming British affair.
 
Which other features of the hotel’s design are you most satisfied with and why? Are there, for example, any features of the Corinthia Hotel London that you had never previously attempted on a project?
I think most surprising is the result of the seven duplex penthouse suites which occupy the 6th and 7th floors. We had a very strong belief in the concept of these, following that of significant historical figures who may have been neighbours in times past. The Hamilton Suite takes its name from the lover of Lord Nelson. The suite is situated so that guests lying in bed are at the same height and enjoy a direct view of Nelson on his column in Trafalgar Square. Most of these penthouses have full terraces with unrivalled views over London; you know you are in the centre of London when you are out there.
 
The ESPA Life Spa was another important area for us. The scope of this area changed dramatically and resulted in us excavating another level out below the basement to achieve the ambition. The result is London’s largest, most luxurious spa experience.