Guoman Hotels' The Grosvenor Hotel has revealed its past connection to one of the most risqué residents of 1870s London, with the launch of its opulent 'Courtesan’s Boudoir'. The Parisian-inspired Suite has been tenderly created in homage to one of the grand railway hotel's most infamous visitors - the scandalous courtesan, Miss Cora Pearl.
A lady notorious with entertaining only the highest members of social standing, including royalty, Cora Pearl was one of the most feted courtesans of her time. In the 1870s, Cora made a rare visit to London and, after arriving at Victoria Station (the gateway into London at that time), booked a Suite at The Grosvenor Hotel, only to be immediately refused entry when stories of her illicit and hedonistic lifestyle surfaced.
The Grosvenor Hotel's 150th anniversary year sees the hotel uncover the glamour and overindulgence of the courtesan's lifestyle by opening the doors of the specially-designed, rococo-themed Suite for the very first time.
Unveiled On February 23rd - the date of Cora's birthday - the 'Courtesan’s Boudoir – The Cora Pearl Suite', has drawn its inspiration from the opulent French interior styling of the late 1800s. Found on the second floor where the most expensive rooms were originally located, the spacious room features a stunning two-foot high oil painting of Cora herself, glass chandeliers, feather trimmed lamps, an overstated dressing table, custom made floor fittings and silver finished French inspired furniture.
The focal point of the Suite is a free standing 'infinity' bath, elevated on a marble tile plinth. The bath tub is a replica of the personally engraved, bronze bath that Cora had specially cast for her in Paris which she famously filled with vintage champagne in which to bathe with her suitors.
Katie Hickman, historian, novelist and author of the bestselling biography 'Courtesans', collaborated with Guoman Hotels to ensure the true spirit of Cora was depicted within the creation of the Suite.
Katie believes the 'Courtesan’s Boudoir' embraces the extravagance of high-class social circles of the time and reflects absolute Victorian glamour. She commented: "I'm very confident Cora would have loved the idea of a Suite created in her honour. It gives her the limelight she truly deserved and brings to the foreground a time in women's history where barriers of class, sexuality and independence were challenged. With all its lavish finishes and close attention to Cora's passions, the Suite certainly represents the hedonistic lifestyle Cora herself enjoyed."
Marking Cora's date of birth and to coincide with The Grosvenor Hotel's 150th anniversary, the hotel is opening the 'Courtesan's Boudoir - The Cora Pearl Suite' suite on 23 February 2012.
Further details and booking information can be found at www.guoman.com/cora_pearl.
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About Guoman Hotels
Guoman Hotel Management Limited operates two hotel brands within the UK market; Guoman Hotels, an exclusive collection of deluxe hotels in London and Thistle Hotels, a chain of quality full service hotels in the UK's major cities.
Guoman Hotels in the UK consists of four landmark properties; Charing Cross, The Cumberland, The Royal Horseguards, The Tower and the newest addition, The Grosvenor in Victoria. Whilst each of the luxury hotels in the portfolio is different with its own unique identity and style, each provides the very highest levels of comfort and service to its guests.
Guoman Hotel Management Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GuocoLeisure Ltd, part of the Hong Leong Group which has hospitality and leisure businesses across the globe with hotels in Europe, USA, Australasia and Asia. For further information please visit www.guoman.com.
Natalie Eales, Siren Communications, Room on the Roof, Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, London, W6 9RL, 020 8237 1210, www.guoman.com
