At the intersection of heritage and modern luxury stands Corinthia London, one of the capital’s most refined addresses. At its helm is Charlotte Weatherall, the newly appointed General Manager whose journey to leadership blends global experience, emotional intelligence, and a deep love for hospitality. With warmth, clarity, and quiet confidence, Charlotte represents a new era in hotel leadership – one that balances excellence with empathy, and personal ambition with a meaningful life outside the boardroom.
In this edition of My Mini Interview, we sit down with Charlotte to trace her path from student athlete to hotelier, explore how motherhood has shaped her management style, and discuss why modern luxury is increasingly defined by emotion, memory, and thoughtful experience. From dinner in The Garden to the quiet satisfaction of marginal gains, Charlotte offers a rare look into what it means to lead with heart in one of London’s most iconic hotels.
Can you tell us about your career journey and what led you to take on the role of General Manager at Corinthia London?
I actually completed a sports degree at Durham University and it was in my final year, when thinking about a career, I applied to a number of hotel companies because I loved to travel and thought it would be a great industry to work in. I was accepted into the Starwood management trainee programme at the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh and never looked back. I worked several years in Scotland before moving to Dubai and taking my first Director of Sales & Marketing role to open a new Westin hotel on Jumeirah Beach, before returning to Scotland and transferring to London with Rocco Forte Hotels. I’ve always aspired to take the position of General Manager in a hotel and I am thrilled to be doing it with a company whose values I truly believe in, at such a beautiful hotel and with the most brilliant team.
Has becoming a parent shaped the way you lead or connect with your team and guests?
Without doubt, yes it has. I became a parent relatively late in life; we had Florence when I was 41 (Daphne at 43 and Edith at 45) and with that maturity comes an appreciation of how fast time passes. It also took a little while for my wife to become pregnant and she had two miscarriages, which adds a deep sense of gratitude when you do have a successful pregnancy. I think the perspective that I have because of our journey to have our children, and perhaps, a little because of my age, makes me more empathetic as a leader. I appreciate there are things outside the four walls of the hotel that are sometimes the priority for colleagues, and rightly so. I also want to create the best experience for our guests travelling with children because I understand the juggle that can be!
What do you think sets Corinthia London apart within the world of luxury hospitality?
At Corinthia London, luxury isn’t just about beautiful interiors or world-class amenities – though of course, we always like to have those in abundance. What truly sets us apart is the warmth and authenticity of our people and service delivery. There’s a quiet confidence in how we take care of people, whether it’s a couple planning their wedding, a guest celebrating a milestone, or someone simply looking for a restorative stay. We blend the grandeur of our historic building with a very modern, boutique sense of hospitality – intuitive, thoughtful, and entirely bespoke. Our team genuinely loves what they do, and I think that shows in the small moments: remembering how you take your coffee, anticipating what you might need before you even ask, or creating an experience that feels as individual as the people we welcome. Corinthia London is a place where luxury feels personal, not performative. That’s our signature, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
How do you find balance between the demands of hotel life and family life? Any advice for fellow working parents?
I try to think of balance in a broader context. Right now, my career is getting more of my focus, but 7 months ago when Edith was born, the balance of my focus was more on my family. If I were to try and balance every day, I would likely have a sense I wasn’t doing a great job, but if I think over a longer period, weeks or months, it allows for me to shift how I prioritise my time and show up for all the things that are important to me. Ultimately though, I trust my instincts on what feels right and when I am with my family, try really hard to be present and not distracted by thoughts of work.
What has been your proudest professional moment since joining Corinthia London?
Of course I have to say getting the role of General Manager. It’s rare for a first time General Manager to be promoted internally, a female and in such an iconic, luxury hotel. I feel extremely proud of that.
Are there any emerging trends in luxury travel or hospitality that you’re particularly excited about?
Definitely. One of the most exciting shifts we’re seeing is how luxury travel is becoming more experience-led and emotionally driven. Today’s guests, especially female travellers and couples planning weddings or honeymoons, are looking for more than just a beautiful setting. They want meaning, memory, and connection. Whether that’s through immersive cultural experiences, personalised wellness journeys, or beautifully curated celebrations, travellers are craving something that feels deeply personal and rooted in story. And amongst our female travellers, be it solo travel, a girls’ getaway, or a wellness-focused escape, women are seeking experiences that feel enriching, empowering, and tailored to their lifestyle – not just a beautiful room or five-star dining. We’ve really embraced that shift. Many of our female guests are incredibly well-travelled and curious; they’re looking for something that resonates emotionally. We’ve seen a real rise in women taking the lead on planning not just weddings, but immersive stays where self-care and celebration coexist.
Technology is also helping us elevate the guest journey in a quiet, seamless way, supporting personalisation without losing the soul of service. We’re moving beyond the traditional definition of luxury – it’s not just about opulence, but rather how something makes you feel. And importantly, sustainability is now more than ever, a huge part of the conversation around luxury. Our guests are increasingly conscious of the impact of their choices. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and we see it as part of what modern luxury truly means today. It’s such an exciting time to be in hospitality. The expectations are higher, but so is the opportunity to create something truly memorable and meaningful.
Do you have a favourite space or signature experience at Corinthia London that feels especially meaningful to you?
I stayed at the hotel with my family just before I started as Director of Sales & Marketing and we dined together at The Garden. The sun was shining, we were surrounded by beautiful, colourful florals and the team took such great care of us; we all loved the food too! It’s a memory I always think fondly of and an area I always recommend to guests.
What’s the best piece of leadership advice you’ve ever received?
The philosophy of constant improvement through marginal gains. If you can improve something by just 1%, consistently, then the impact over time is significant. Taking anything and just improving it a little doesn’t feel overwhelming but instead achievable and doing this consistently yields great results over time.
Finally, how do you like to unwind after a long day at the hotel and at home?
I have a 45-minute commute on the train and use this time to make sure there is nothing important from the day that I’ve not replied to. This means that when I walk through the door at home, I am focused on my wife and how her day has been and listen to stories about Florence, Daphne and Edith.
We usually have dinner together and then watch something together before bed. We are in the process of having our garage converted to a home gym so that we can workout together. Movement and training is important to us both and is often how I choose to relax when I am able to.
