LONDON ISSUE 190 Dec 2009

Set in the vibrant heart of London's shopping and entertainment district, the Courthouse Hotel is a classic fixture on the ever-changing city skyline. Steeped in history and intrigue, the hotel premises were formerly the Great Marlborough Street Magistrates Courts, and since 1912, a number of famous and infamous faces have passed through its polished chambers in the name of justice.

Artfully re-invented as a contemporary five-star hotel in 2005, the Courthouse provides exceptional guest services and a truly boutique accommodation experience throughout 112 well-appointed rooms and suites.

The building's colourful past has been incorporated into its current design: original Robert Adams fireplaces, prison cells reinvented as funky private VIP rooms in The Bar, and Silk, the hotel's Michelin-recommended restaurant, is in fact the old Number One courtroom.

The Sanook Spa offers a peaceful and pampering escape from busy city life and includes a heated in-door swimming pool, sauna and gym. With a diverse range of locations for filming and photo shoots the hotel also offers a roof terrace bar and a 94-seat private deluxe cinema, which can be used for movie screenings, premieres, weddings or corporate events.