Today Corinthia Hotels released further details of the five-star luxury hotel it is building in central London, which is due to open in early 2011. It will become the world’s ninth Corinthia hotel.

The hotel is being constructed within an imposing Victorian building, on a city block location between Whitehall Place, Northumberland Avenue and Great Scotland Yard, overlooking Trafalgar Square and the River Thames.

The grand Victorian exterior houses fully-reconstructed elegant and contemporary interiors set around an inner foyer and garden, two restaurants, a luxury spa, a concept cocktail bar, boardroom meeting facilities and a beautifully refurbished grand ballroom.

There will be 294 intricately designed guest accommodations, including 45 luxurious suites – some of which are located on duplex floors, inside historic turrets, and feature private lifts and terraces. A two-bedroom Royal Suite, at more than 470m2, will be the largest in London, and can be connected to adjacent rooms to provide additional accommodation. From these suites and their private terraces, Corinthia guests will enjoy unmatched views across some of London’s most recognised landmarks, including the Thames, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. The Corinthia’s individual bedrooms, averaging 45m2 in size, are also amongst the largest in their category in London’s luxury hotel market.

Some of the world’s top designers and architects are behind the project. Interior design is led by GA Design International, which is also creating the hotel’s 2,140m2 ESPA spa (set to be the first of its kind – laid out over four levels, with pioneering design and treatment offerings), as well as the suites, public spaces and one of the two restaurants. World-renowned luxury interiors’ designer, David Collins, is creating the hotel’s bar, Bassoon, and specialty restaurant. The interior design will aim to deliver a mix of sophisticated luxury and ‘residential’ style: a home-like approach that maintains an uncompromising standard for hospitality and service.

Chef Massimo Riccioli, celebrated owner of La Rosetta in Rome, in his native Italy, will introduce London to his fresh market style with a fish and seafood specialty restaurant at the Corinthia. The hotel will also provide for all-day dining with a new wave British restaurant.

With its central location near Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, a short walk to Buckingham Palace, the Southbank and the city’s leading theatres and museums, the Corinthia sits at the heart of London’s cultural scene, making it an ideal location for business, leisure travellers and Londoners, alike.

Alfred Pisani, Chairman and founder of the Corinthia Hotel Group said, “Once again, the eyes of worldwide travellers are turning towards the business and cultural attractions of London. Whether to regular visitors, or first time tourists from the newly emerging economies, London never loses its appeal. I am dedicating myself, personally and with great passion, to delivering to London a five-star, luxury hotel, which will be amongst the best-of-the-best in the world. Corinthia Hotel London will be a true grand hotel for the 21st century.”

For more information on Corinthia Hotel London visit www.corinthialondon.com