It was no coincidence that film director Wes Anderson checked into the Corinthia before shooting The Grand Budapest Hotel. Its ornately mirrored lifts suggest the splendour of a bygone era while also rekindling memories of favourite scenes from the endearingly quirky movie. So, too, does the brasserie and atrium with its lofty vista, and the baroque-style grand ballroom.
There are other parallels with the film, not least that the Corinthia's predecessor on the site, the Grand Hotel Royal, was a luxurious establishment frequented by the great and good, who enjoyed the courteous attention of some colourful, long-serving staff. It latterly operated in less lavish mode until the new owners embarked on a massive restoration, prior to its 2003 reopening. The result is a pleasing amalgam of old and new. The "Royal" insignia remains on the entrance doors and marble floors; there's the aforementioned six-storey atrium and an epically sweeping staircase.
Marble fittings are also a feature of bedrooms and suites, offering the most modern of creature comforts. The top-end accommodation has abundant living-area space, seating to sink into, elegant ornaments, multiple TVs and weighty coffee-table reading material. But all rooms have a separate bath and shower, as well as the expected cavernous comfy bed, plentiful cupboard space and complimentary hot drinks and quality toiletries.
The staff of the city-centre hotel would uniformly pass muster with Monsieur Gustave, the fastidious concierge portrayed in the movie by Ralph Fiennes. On our first night, they pointed us in the direction of some buzzing nightlife within a 10-minute stroll. On day two and three, they came up with excellent cultural and shopping options. The Corinthia is also within easy walking distance of the must-see Jewish Quarter, with its shuls, monuments, restaurants and street food.
Dining within the hotel, we had to try out the brasserie, if only for the skyward view. But the food was exceptional and the presentation compelling. At breakfast, the salmon, herring, cheese and fruit went down a relatively healthy treat before we gave in to the temptation of the Hungarian pastries. Guests in the executive rooms can take advantage of the more intimate executive lounge for free all-day snacks, sweets, tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks.
To de-stress even further, you can take a treatment in the spa, or road test the 15-metre pool. Sadly, time constraints prevented us calling on the services of Corinthia's tea sommelier. But I'm sure Monsieur Gustave would have approved of the option.
