The chic sleep: Corinthia London

This is the London of postcards. From the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square and the neon-shot energy of theater-land, they’re all on the doorstep of this great, late-19th century monument of a building, which straddles an entire block on the River Thames. In its previous incarnation, it was the Ministry of Defense office, and the imposing weight and heft of that heritage can still be seen in the bold interior design; cathedral-height ceilings are tethered by status chandeliers, including the extraordinary ‘Full Moon’ Baccarat chandelier – the biggest of its kind – which hangs in the domed atrium salon; there is miles of wood paneling in the wide and generous corridors, and acres of sparkling black marble on the four floors of the Espa Life spa. If you want some of the most incredible views London has to offer, book a penthouse suite – the largest and most requested of their kind in the capital, with enormous terraces and views over the river and city rooftops. Traveling with the family? The new London and Garden suites have transformed from previously pokey corners of the hotel into lavish apartments, with family-friendly, open-plan dining areas and up to three connecting bedrooms. corinthia.com

The Corinthia’s new restaurant, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, is already a destination, with a friendly, celebratory vibe, offering traditional classics like fish and chips and mushroom risotto taken to an exquisite new level. There is also a rotisserie, a great list of English wines and statement artworks covering the walls.