Checking in with Charlotte Weatherall, Corinthia London's new General Manager

Walpole: Congratulations on your new role. What was the first thing you did as General Manager that felt like a real step-change from your previous role as Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel?

Charlotte Weatherall: There have been so many exciting things over the last few weeks, all different to my last role that it is genuinely hard to single out just one, but perhaps getting immediately immersed in the plans for Corinthia London's new restaurant, Mezzogiorno by Francesco Mazzei, that will open later this year. From visiting design studios and testing prototypes of furniture for height and comfort, to overseeing contractors building new kitchens, I certainly feel I have hit the ground running.

What has been your professional journey to this role? 

I completed a sports degree at Durham University and it was in my final year, when prompted by my father to think about a career, that I applied to several hotel companies because I loved to travel and thought it would be a great industry to work in. I was accepted into the Starwood management trainee programme at the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh and never looked back. I worked several years in Scotland before moving to Dubai and taking my first Director of Sales & Marketing role to open a new Westin hotel on Jumeirah Beach, before returning to Scotland and transferring to London with Rocco Forte Hotels. I’ve always aspired to take the position of General Manager in a hotel and I am thrilled to be doing it with a company whose values I truly believe in, at such a beautiful hotel and with the most brilliant team. 

What is your vision for the hotel and what are your measures of success?

I want Corinthia London to be the talk of the town. A hotel full of happy and engaged colleagues who come to work feel valued, inspired, and empowered to be creative and deliver meaningful moments for our guests. Restaurants and bars with tables you need to book in advance and a spa with wellness concepts that genuinely make you feel better. Success will be measured in several ways, but ultimately, by the following factors: whether guests choose to return; what guests, press and the industry say about us; and how engaged our colleagues are. 

What is it that you think sets Corinthia London apart from its peers in the capital?

At Corinthia London, luxury isn’t just defined by elegant interiors or fabulous amenities – though of course, we take immense pride in offering both to the highest standard. What truly sets us apart is the soul of the place: the warmth, intuition, and sincerity with which we welcome and care for our guests. Our unique selling point lies in how we blend timeless grandeur with a modern, lifestyle boutique approach to hospitality, making us what we have coined, 'London’s Magical Grand Hotel'.  We are housed in one of London’s most beautiful historic buildings, but it’s how we bring that setting to life that makes the difference. There’s a quiet confidence in our service; never overstated, but always attentive. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration or a guest needing respite from a busy day in the city, our team is committed to creating experiences that feel deeply personal and emotionally resonant.  Our people are the heart of the hotel. Our colleagues’ passion and consistency shine through in every interaction. That authenticity can't be taught; it comes from a genuine love of hospitality and a deep sense of pride in our craft.

What distinguishes us is not just what we offer, but how we offer it.  It’s in the small, thoughtful touches, like remembering a guest’s favourite corner of the spa, or the exact way they like their martini at Velvet.  It’s the seamless attention to detail that allows guests to feel immediately at ease, as though the hotel is an extension of their own home.

We’re also constantly evolving while staying true to our core values, whether through new culinary collaborations (like our soon-to-open Italian restaurant, Mezzogiorno), enhanced wellness offerings at our spa, or curated cultural partnerships that connect us more closely to London’s vibrant arts scene. We’re always looking to elevate the guest experience in meaningful, memorable ways. Ultimately, Corinthia London is a place where luxury feels human; considered, heartfelt, and never formulaic. That’s our signature, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud to continue building on with my exceptional team.

What do you think makes a great hotel circa now?

I believe a great hotel is built on its people. You can feel the spirit of genuine hospitality and a desire to want to deliver meaningful and memorable guest experiences from the heart. I also feel that a great hotel today is defined by authenticity, in service, design, and experience. Guests are increasingly seeking meaningful connections: with people, with place, and with culture. We believe true luxury lies in being genuine – meaning thoughtful hospitality, intuitive service, and a sense of belonging that can’t be manufactured. It’s about creating moments that feel real, personal, and rooted in where you are.

What’s something that your guests are increasingly demanding from a stay that you think will only get more important as we move into the future?

One of the most significant shifts we’ve seen is the desire for greater intentionality behind every stay.  Today’s guests are increasingly looking for experiences that are not only luxurious, but meaningful, restorative, and aligned with their personal values. There’s a growing expectation for hotels to provide more than just beautiful rooms and excellent service – our guests want to feel better when they leave than when they arrived, physically and emotionally. That could mean a bespoke wellness programme tailored by our expert spa team, or a discreet digital detox weekend where they can truly unplug. It might be a one-of-a-kind dining experience that tells a story or connects them to local provenance in a deeper way.

Sustainability is also no longer a ‘nice to have’; it’s a baseline expectation. Guests are increasingly conscious of how and where they travel, and they want to know that the brands they choose reflect their own environmental and ethical priorities. We’re committed to operating responsibly, from reducing waste and sourcing locally, to supporting the wellbeing of our team and surrounding community.

And finally, there’s a real demand for personalisation; not just in the amenities we provide, but in the way we shape each stay. Guests don’t want a one-size-fits-all experience; they want their preferences known, their time respected, and their individuality celebrated. Technology can support that, of course, but at its core, it’s about human intuition; the art of anticipating needs and making people feel seen.

As we look to the future, I believe the luxury hotel experience will be defined less by formality and more by feeling. People will increasingly seek places that offer a sense of connection - to themselves, to others, and to the world around them. That’s where Corinthia London is focused: delivering deeply personalised, purpose-driven hospitality that evolves with our guests’ lives.

From your experience speaking to guests, what is the key to London’s enduring appeal as a destination for HNWIs? 

London’s enduring appeal to HNWIs comes down to its unique ability to effortlessly blend tradition with innovation. From my conversations with our guests, what truly captivates them is the city’s rich history and cultural depth, paired with its dynamic, forward-looking energy. London offers an unparalleled diversity of experiences – world-class arts, theatre, dining, fashion, and shopping – all within a city that still feels intimate and walkable. For HNWIs, this creates an incredibly rich tapestry of opportunities to explore, engage, and invest their time in ways that are as varied as their interests.

London is a global hub of connectivity and influence, making it an essential destination for those who want to be at the crossroads of business, culture, and innovation. It’s a city that never stands still, constantly reinventing itself, while honouring its past. This balance of stability and excitement is deeply reassuring and endlessly inspiring for travellers. From a hospitality perspective, guests appreciate that London offers a level of sophistication and service that respects their desire for privacy and individuality, while still providing access to the vibrant pulse of the city. The discreet luxury, the historic landmarks, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere all contribute to an experience that feels both exclusive and inclusive.  In short, London’s appeal to HNWIs lies in its ability to provide a sense of belonging anywhere – from the grandeur of Mayfair, to the creative energy of Shoreditch, and our position at the intersection of some of the most historically important and culturally relevant London landmarks – combined with the assurance that whatever their passion or purpose, the city will meet and exceed their expectations every time they visit.

It would be remiss not to mention something we benefit from greatly at Corinthia London – in large part, owing to our location: how much our American guests love the feeling of quintessential Britishness in London, and the buzz, excitement and access to the pomp and pageantry close by and that a stay here brings, particularly during the British summer social season: Ascot, Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon.  This is something we really play on as well.

What’s the next big trend in luxury hospitality (and how are you embracing it)? 

One of the most exciting shifts we’re seeing is how luxury travel is becoming more experience-led and emotionally driven. Today’s guests, especially female travellers, are looking for more than just a beautiful setting. They want meaning, memory, and connection. Whether it's through immersive cultural experiences, personalised wellness journeys, or beautifully curated celebrations, travellers are craving something that feels deeply personal and rooted in story. And amongst our female travellers, be it solo travel, a girls’ getaway, or a wellness-focused escape, women are seeking experiences that feel enriching, empowering, and tailored to their lifestyle. We’ve really embraced that shift. Many of our female guests are incredibly well-travelled and curious and they’re seeking something that resonates emotionally.

We’re also moving towards a deeper focus on authenticity and craftsmanship, where guests crave experiences that tell a story, connect them to a place, and celebrate artistry in every detail. At Corinthia London, we embrace this by positioning the hotel as a true celebration of British craftsmanship through our imaginative collaborations across food and beverage, fashion and interiors, tableware, amenities, florals, and more. We work closely with British designers to bring unique, handcrafted elements into every aspect of the guest experience – for example, our exclusive Richard Brendon afternoon tea china, our handmade Feldspar amenities, our entirely bespoke Begg x Co cashmere signatures in our suites, and more; each detail has been thoughtfully curated to showcase creativity and tradition, and to enrich the guest experience by grounding it in genuine, tactile quality and a sense of place.

Technology plays a supportive, but unobtrusive role – we use it to anticipate needs and streamline the experience, supporting personalisation without losing the soul of service. We’re moving beyond the traditional definition of luxury – it’s not just about opulence, but rather how something makes you feel.  Ultimately, luxury hospitality is moving towards (or back to) being more human, more thoughtful, and more immersive.  

What, in your experience, really matters to the luxury customer?

In my experience, what truly matters to the luxury customer is uncomplicated authenticity and simplicity. They seek spaces and experiences that feel effortless, yet considered, where service is intuitive, not intrusive, and quality speaks quietly for itself. Today’s luxury is about feeling genuinely cared for, not overly curated.