Miniview: Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard by G.A Group

Long considered one of Bucharest’s most treasured properties, the Corinthia Hotel du Boulevard is a landmark 19th century building that has recently undergone a transformation to become an intimate 30-key all-suite hotel.

With a design by G.A Group, the Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard has had its soul restored. “While rooted in the architecture’s rich history, this project invited a confident, expressive response,” said Terry McGinnity, Executive Design Director at G.A Group. “At times unapologetically lavish, the design embraces spectacle where it serves the narrative.”

Image credit: What The Fox

From arrival, the global design studio has set the Corinthia‘s tone with curved stone mosaic floors that lead into a listed rotunda space. There, a Venetian glass chandelier by Sogni di Cristallo and gold-leafed plasterwork offer grandeur. Bespoke artworks by artist Simon Casson honour the building’s rich history and long lineage of notable patrons, such as Queen Marie – the last queen of Romania – and King Ferdinand I.

Stepping into the residential reception, the scene is framed by an embroidered Jude Cassidy tapestry, crafted with more than 10,000 hand-sewn pearls and traditional Romanian scarves. Once checked-in, guests move through a working florists to access the public areas and guest bedrooms – the journey is not just a feast for the eyes but olfactory senses also.

Heading into the hotel’s Heritage Bar, one will find a tale of travel and texture. Positioned along a busy boulevard, the Heritage Bar is a defining feature of the hotel’s social heart. Light filters across Pierre Frey silks and Zoffany Half Silver-painted walls, while intimate corners offer respite and reflection.

Rooted in Bucharest’s legacy as a stop along the Silk Road, the bar space is layered with curiosities and global artefacts: a whisky library, bespoke joinery, and Calacatta oro backbar with antique mirrors form a richly textured backdrop. While a working Calacatta Viola stone fireplace, flanked by mirrored art, anchors the timber-lined snug – conceived for private conversation or a romantic retreat.

The Ballroom of the Corinthia Bucharest – once the host of royal dances – is now an elegant breakfast and events space with a skylit ceiling. Original mouldings in terracotta and blue have remained and are now mirrored in a bespoke botanical carpet, designed by G.A Group.

The design studio has executed poetic storytelling and architectural sensitivity most expertly in the 30 guest suites, which each uniquely draw inspiration from Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu’s Floare Albastră (Blue Flower) poem.

Image credit: What The Fox

A fusion of blues, gold and soft creams throughout, the rooms are layered with romantic references to calligraphy, music and traditional Romanian craftsmanship.

Original architectural features shape every room – from cupola, domed ceilings to curved walls and abundant natural light. Here, no two stays are the same. Handcrafted tapestries, bespoke joinery and bathrooms finished in Fior di Pesco stone elevate the experience, while generous walk-in wardrobes and freestanding bathtubs echo the hotel’s residential tone.

Step up to the rafters of the hotel however and you will now find a spa and wellness space inspired by the Carpathian Mountains. Complete with two treatment rooms, a salt sauna, hammam and Technogym-equipped fitness area are set within the original cupolas.

“From the outset, our vision for Corinthia Bucharest, inspired by our partners at Niro Group, was to create something deeply personal – a place where heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary luxury could exist in harmony,” said Simon Casson, Corinthia Hotels CEO.

“With G.A Group, we found the right design partner to bring this vision to life. Their thoughtful approach has not only honoured the soul of this historic building but elevated it. The result is a space that resonates deeply with our guests – intimate and full of character, comfortably bespoke. It’s a true reflection of what Corinthia stands for and the essence of a Grand Boutique Hotel: timeless elegance, local authenticity, and a meaningful collaboration.”

What is G.A Group?

G.A Group is a dedicated design studio, who have been specialising in luxury hospitality design for over 30 years. With offices in London, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur and Budapest, the team is united by a shared passion for ground-breaking design, wherever the brief takes them; the driving philosophy is one of Restless Curiosity.

G.A clients include the likes of Corinthia Hotels, Harrods, Rosewood, 1 Hotel, Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and American Express. Some of our most notable projects include Atlantis The Royal, Corinthia London, Palace Hotel Tokyo, and the more recently launched Rosewood Schloss Fuschl.

Main image credit: What The Fox