The history of the Corinthia Hotel's Victorian building dates back to 1885, when it opened as the Metropole Hotel in central London. By WWII, it was part of the Crown Estates, purchased by the Department of Defense and converted into a British Government building. In 2011, it reopened as a hotel, lovingly restored to a 5-star property with sumptuous glamor throughout its rooms, suites and penthouses. The hotel is also home to ESPA Life, a four-floor spa sanctuary with 17 treatment rooms, a private spa suite, nail studio, indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheater sauna, ice fountain, marble heated loungers, private sleep pods, spa café and 24-hour fitness center.