A New Kid-Friendly Hotel Favorite: Corinthia London

In some cities, it all comes down to just one or two locations that are regarded as the “best” places to stay for an optimal family experience. In London, the opposite is true. There are many distinct neighborhoods that make a phenomenal home base — so much so that the hotel planning process is overwhelming, even for those parents who know London well.

I stayed at the Corinthia London en route to Malta in September, as I loved the idea of staying at a Maltese-owned brand on my first trip to this small island nation. I had not experienced the brand before, but it was love at first sleep.

Family-Friendly Hotel Review of the Corinthia London

Location

Located right off the Thames River, adjacent to some of London’s most beautiful parks, the Corinthia is an excellent base for active families with kids of all ages. Families with toddlers can walk right outside the door to play. Families with older kids will love the riverfront location with easy walking access to age-appropriate attractions on both sides of the Thames. Examples include Whitehall, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St. James Park, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Hyde Park. And if the weather is not behaving, a tube station is right across the street.

Design

The Corinthia occupies a former British government building near Whitehall. The grand bones house a stylish, fresh and modern interior. The ambiance is elegant but approachable, which makes it a dream for parents who don’t want a stuffy environment where they feel the need to shush their children.

There is a visual treat around every corner at the Corinthia. I’m a flower girl, and the floral designs at the Corinthia are off-the-charts stunning. Colorful arrangements made by the talented in-house flower team are everywhere. The also hotel showcases over 400 contemporary works of art throughout the property.

Guest Rooms

The 294 guest rooms (including 47 Suites and seven Penthouses) at the Corinthia London are thoughtfully appointed to maximize comfort. Soft tones and rich fabrics make them warm and welcoming, while large windows make them light and bright. Lucky guests who stay in one of the suites may have a panoramic view of London’s iconic riverfront skyline.

Bathrooms include deep soaking tubs and separate rain showers. Connecting rooms and suites are optimal for families. The Royal Suite is the most decadent guest room I’ve ever seen, with spectacular communal indoor and outdoor spaces. The bathroom alone in this suite is larger than your average London hotel room!

Families can fit into rooms with two double beds, connecting rooms, and suites.

ESPA Life Spa at Corinthia

The onsite ESPA Life Spa at Corinthia is dreamy, with an elaborate hydrotherapy area featuring an array of soaking pools of various temperatures as well as a state-of-the-art relaxation area that includes heated marble lounge chairs. Once you get in one of these chairs, you may not want to leave.

The main lap pool has kids’ hours for sightseeing breaks. I didn’t have time to do a treatment, but the spa offers 17 treatment rooms and a dizzying array of signature treatments. There’s a good reason the Corinthia London’s spa has won a long list of awards.

Fitness Center

The Corinthia offers an exceptional 24-hour fitness center for a city hotel, with the latest equipment and personal trainers who offer their services on request.

Onsite Dining

There is a surprising number of dining possibilities given the boutique size of the property. A light-filled, dramatic atrium lounge is open all day for tea and snacks, and there’s a buzzy café, an Italian restaurant and their signature gourmet British restaurant, the Northall. I can’t forget about the cozy Bassoon bar, where I tried my first-ever bubble gum martini.

These spaces are special and inviting enough that you’d come to the hotel just for them, even if you weren’t a guest. And they are appealing enough that, after a long day of exploring, there is no pressure to go out.

Service

The service throughout the hotel is attentive but not intrusive. The main reception area is always well-staffed with people who can answer essential questions.

Family-oriented special packages are available at the Corinthia London. Rates start at £630 for a family of four. Put the Corinthia in your London little black book!

Want More Information and Help Booking a Holiday at Corinthia London?

We can help! Our Family Vacation Consultants can reach out directly to the hotel for availability and pricing, or work with you to plan a fabulous London family vacation from start to finish. Request assistance on our Connect with a Travel Advisor page.

Relevant Links:

Best family hotels and things to do in London

Review of Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tour

Discovering literary London with kids

Best family-friendly restaurants in London

72 hours in London with kids: Day 1

72 Hours in London with kids: Day 2

72 Hours in London with kids: Day 3

Editor’s Note: The Corinthia London offered Ciao Bambino a media rate to review the property for families. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy except where noted.