London hotel puts Corinthia 'on the map'

Corinthia Hotels director Simon Naudi has revealed how the opening of its new £305m flagship property in London earlier this year will help shape the company's global expansion plans.

Talking to Leisure Management (Issue 3, 2011), Naudi said Corinthia Hotel London "will give us a different platform of visibility" and put the group "on the global map". Located in the heart of the capital, the 294-room is housed in a building previously occupied by the Ministry of Defence and includes a 3,300sq m (35,521sq ft) ESPA Life spa.

ESPA Life is the new spa concept from management and skincare group ESPA and offers a holistic wellness facility alongside a luxury spa experience. Facilities also include Massimo Restaurant and Oyster bar headed up by Massimo Riccioli; a British-inspired eatery run by Garry Hollihead; and the Bassoon bar.

Following the London launch, Naudi told Leisure Management that Corinthia Hotels' growth will be at a "measured" pace: "No-one is pushing us to open 100 hotels," he said. However, Naudi has revealed that the company's focus may now change: "In the early days, [founder] Mr Pisani followed the real estate opportunities and our brand followed.

"As we grow, we are becoming more brand driven to drive occupancies and especially to drive the rate." Read more of Simon Naudi's interview with Leisure Management (Issue 3, 2011) pp 30-33: www.leisuremanagement.co.uk/a.cfm?a=z6N5t