Inside the Musician’s Penthouse at the Corinthia Hotel London

“The Musician’s Penthouse offers riverscape views towards St Paul’s Cathedral, the city, the London Eye, and Big Ben. We recently had a guest over New Year’s Eve and he had one of the best views of the fireworks in London,” explained Renaud Gregoire, General Manager of the Corinthia Hotel London. In an interview, we discussed the history, design and uniqueness of the Musician’s Penthouse.

One of the seven penthouses at the Corinthia Hotel London is named the Musician’s Penthouse. How did the idea of a penthouse dedicated to the international musician come about?
The Musicians Penthouse is named after the famed impresario Annunzio Paulo Mantovani, who was the resident conductor during the hotel’s former life as the Hôtel Métropole. Mantovani joined the hotel orchestra at the age of 19 in 1924 and was part of Emilio Colombo’s orchestra that was broadcast live every Friday at lunchtime. Mantovani’s big break was in 1927 when the BBC Radio Times magazine mentioned him by name as its leader. As well as his weekly broadcasts, Mantovani performed in the Metropole’s luxurious dining area, the Café Anglais salon, from 7 till 9 in the evenings. The spirit of Mantovani lives on through the Musician’s Penthouse.

In this special duplex space, how would you describe the design, decor and artwork?
Our opulent guest residences are built within the soaring turrets of this grand Victorian building and each one has its distinct style and unique hand-crafted bespoke finishes and furniture.  The Musicians Penthouse has been carefully orchestrated to create a harmonious living and entertaining venue. Every aspect of this penthouse has been though through from the classic Steinway grand piano to the credenza cocktail cabinet. There are further musical influences throughout the space, from the state-of-the-art record playing deck, to the musically inspired artwork and decorative features echoing the swirls of crotchets and quavers. At 2,475 sq ft, the penthouse features two vintage-style chandeliers hung in the double-height lounge and the staircase is illuminated by wall-lights crafted from iridescent glass spheres. Upstairs, via private internal lift, a two-meter wide bed with handcrafted cream leather headboard is covered by a luxurious blue silk throw.

The living room features a majestic Steinway & Sons piano, a top-tier multimedia center with an amp and turntables, as well as a specially curated collection of records. Have guests brought their own instruments to plug-in to the system, using the space to practice and play with others?
Some guests have previously brought their own instruments, however you often find that they just want to switch off and relax. The penthouse is used more as an area for ‘down time’ and has a calming effect. It inspires them to write music as they are surrounded by it.

One of the other unique features of this penthouse is the nearly 900 sq ft terrace on the roof, coupled with an extra-wide outdoor fireplace. What kinds of views can guests enjoy from the rooftop?
The Musicians Penthouse offers riverscape views towards St Paul’s Cathedral, the city, the London Eye, and Big Ben. We recently had a guest over New Year’s Eve and he had one of the best views of the fireworks in London.

What are your most favorite features of the Musician’s Penthouse, and how is it different from other ultra-luxury suites in London?
I think my favorite feature within the Musician’s penthouse is the terrace. The view are absolutely spectacular and there aren’t many hotels or even residences that can boast of such views. Also, I think it’s really special to have a fire place in London as it makes the room feel so much more homely and cozy. Finally the butler’s—we are so lucky to have such an amazing team here and they really look after you. If you stay in a penthouse you have the assistance of one of our charismatic butler’s to make your stay even more memorable.

Finally, if the walls in this penthouse could talk, what would they say?
As the hotel was originally built in 1885 and has been around to see some of the world’s greatest composers and musicians, I think the walls would sing along, rather than talk, to some of the best music from the 20^th and 21^st century. Artists from Benjamin Britten to Will.I.am would fill the room.

Rahim Kanani is the author of critically-acclaimed hotel management book and hospitality management book A Wealth of Insight: The World’s Best Luxury Hoteliers on Leadership, Management and the Future of 5-Star Hospitality.