The Grosvenor Hotel's Courtesan’s Boudoir

Launched in February, the Grosvenor Hotel’s new Parisian-inspired suite promises Victorian glamour and extravagant luxury. Peggy Nuttall went to take a look.

A grand entrance

The recently refurbished Grosvenor Hotel, based in Victoria London, was built in 1862 and remains a bastion of old school hospitality. Impeccably mannered porters greet you warmly on arrival and are on hand to take you on a tour of vast space. A huge crystal chandelier looms over the open lobby and grand marble staircase leads to the hotel’s rooms.
The Courtesan’s Boudoir

On entry to the impressive Courtesan's Boudoir, you'll spot the large and imposing painting of one of the hotel’s most infamous visitors, and inspiration for the suite, Miss Cora Pearl. Miss Pearl made a visit to the hotel in the 1870s but was refused entry when stories of her illicit and hedonistic lifestyle surfaced.
Devil’s in the detail

Notorious for entertaining only the highest members of social standing, including royalty, Miss Cora Pearl and her decedent tastes are immortalised in the opulent neo classical style décor of the suite.

It’s all down to the detail – from the rich textural mix of the curtains, carpets and the silky bed sheets to the multitude of mirrored surfaces and feather-trimmed lamps.

A clever touch is the TV which, when switched off, doubles up as a framed mirror to maintain the veneer of another era.
More than a bathroom

The free standing bath, elevated on a marble plinth and surrounded by floor-to-ceiling mirrors, is a sight to behold. Yes, the plentiful mirrors mean there’s no hiding from yourself, but the intricate lighting system and candles make you feel better about it all. That and the complimentary bottle of champagne you are treated to on arrival (with delicious chocolate-dipped strawberries) .
And so to bed…

Onto the most important thing, the bed. It’s large enough to sleep four and utterly luxurious with soft cotton sheets, a generously-sized duvet, plentiful pillows, a white sheepskin top sheet and fluffy feather-trimmed cushions.

Shut the world out with the full embroidered curtains, dim the lights and you’ll forget you’re in busy hectic London in an instant.

Don’t make plans for the morning, you will not want to leave this bed.
The whole package

The Grosvenor Hotel is offering a two night Cora Pearl package for two for £1,862. Guests are treated to a glass of champagne on arrival in the Executive Lounge, a personal butler, a per-dinner cocktail at the Reunion Bar, and a sumptuous dinner at the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant Grand Imperial, and breakfast.

For details of the package or to book, visit www.guoman.com/cora_pearl
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