London’s oldest railway hotel, The Grosvenor Hotel, marks the completion of its 18-month renovation this month with the opening of an opulent suite commemorating its most infamous former guest.The creation of ‘Courtesan’s Boudoir – The Cora Pearl Suite’ celebrates a significant moment in the hotel’s 150-year history, when the feted Parisian courtesan Cora Pearl was turned away from its doors.
Cora, who counted royalty among her illustrious clientele, made a rare visit to London in 1870. On arriving at Victoria Station – the gateway to London – she booked a suite at The Grosvenor Hotel only to be refused entry when stories of her hedonistic lifestyle surfaced.
The luxurious rococo-themed suite draws its inspiration from the French interior styling of the late 1800s.
Amid the glass chandeliers, feather trimmed lamps, damask wallpaper and silver finished French inspired furniture is a free-standing ‘infinity’ bath, elevated on a marble tile plinth – a replica of the personally engraved, bronze bath that Cora had specially cast for her in Paris and which she famously filled with vintage champagne in which to bathe with her suitors.
The Grosvenor Hotel’s general manager, Michael Parker, explained:
“Much of the work to restore the hotel has been in association with English Heritage. The incredible architectural features have all been fully restored – including the gold leaf finish on the lobby’s original white marble pillars. The hotel now truly captures the charm and grandeur of the era in which The Grosvenor Hotel first opened its doors, and we felt that to celebrate, it was fitting to mark one of the many rich stories from our history. Cora had an amazing story – rising from poverty to become one of the most notorious figures amongst the elite of her time. The suite is perfect for anyone who would like to discover the luxury and glamour of Victorian high-society.”
