The Dorchester London Luxury Hotel

Detailed Review

The Dorchester, one of the top hotels in the world, achieved legendary status almost from the day it opened in April 1931 for its exceptional facilities, exemplary standards of service and excellent dining experiences.

The Dorchester has become a "home away from home" in London for many of the world's Heads of State, celebrities and industry leaders. The highest level of personalized service, with three members of staff per guest room, combined with the latest technology, including plasma screens in all the rooms, make The Dorchester one of the most sought-after London addresses.

Following a major refurbishment programme ending May 2003, all bedrooms are individually decorated in a comfortably luxurious English Country house style. Each features an Italian marble bathroom, many enjoying natural light, with the deepest bathtubs in London. In addition, the hotel boasts an ideal location, overlooking the expanses of Hyde Park, yet close to prestigious shops and the theatre district.

Dining: Grill Room for traditional British cooking. The award-winning Oriental Restaurant for authentic Cantonese dishes. The Promenade for traditional afternoon tea. The Bar for cocktails and light Italian dishes.

Sports: The Dorchester Spa, health and fitness centre with state of the art equipment, steam rooms, sauna, whirlpool and a range of therapies including massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. Jogging and horseback riding in Hyde Park.

Additional features: meeting and banquet facilities for up to 550 people. Hairdresser, barbershop, limousine services. Theatre desk. EButler and Business services.

Press Quotes

"The place bustles in the early evening with businessmen stopping in for a drink before heading home to surrounding Mayfair and hotel guests having a quick martini before going out on the town." New York Times 06

Independent Reviews

The Dorchester
By Daniel Scott

Of all London’s genteel institutions, like the Savoy and Claridges, it is the Dorchester Hotel, surprisingly only opened in 1931, that above all, continues to cut the mustard. Recent refurbishments here have given a new sheen to its acres of gold leaf and marble. Staying at the Dorchester is predictably a pleasure, whether dawdling inside one of the 195 individually decorated guest rooms, that summon up an English country house, or venturing out further. Having Hyde Park, London’s most expansive splash of green, just outside is the Dorchester’s great bonus. Whatever the weather, this park is undeniably beautiful and on Sundays, Speakers Corner provides some of the Britain’s nuttiest free entertainment. Back inside the Dorchester, all is snug, with the Promenade, full of apricot-colored columns, swanky couches and glinting chandeliers, stretching away from the lobby. Staff here, who number 3 per guest, are a lesson to those elsewhere who think being haughty smacks of class. All in all, the Dorchester manages to achieve a delicate balance of being splendid yet cosy and imposing yet unstuffy.

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• The Dorchester
  By Caroline Major

  If you’ve been to the Dorchester in the last decade and been unimpressed by her frumpy old feel, it’s time for a re-evaluation. The grand old lady has just stepped out in a brand new frock, and she is now the chicest grand dame on the scene; definitely an old gal to take for a twirl. Sit in the smart lobby while you wait for your dinner guests before you go through to China Tang, the oh-so-Shanghai restaurant which has just opened in the basement. Full of knick-knacks and antiques with girls dressed in 1920’s style Shanghai Ci Paos’, it’s a fine spot to enjoy some credible Chinese food while checking out the celebs.
  
  If you’re after something a little more traditional, the Grill still serves up great English food albeit in a slightly Scottish themed room. It’s a great spot for a Sunday roast, still served by knife-wielding waiters from a trolley, though there are lighter offerings on the menu. Perfect if you’re holed up here for a girl’s weekend, which in our opinion is where the Dorchester excels. The modern English décor at this hotel feels somewhat like a glamorous grandma’s, yet it’s still homely enough so that you feel comfortable padding down to the spa in your dressing gown for one of the legendary Eve Lom facials.
  
  
  
  The rooms
  The Dorchester is in an excellent location on Park Lane directly opposite Hyde Park and the thrills on offer there, from jogging to horse riding and the crazy procession in between. By London standards the rooms are massive, and most have at least a glimpse of the park. If you’re lucky enough to get a full park view, it’s one of the best in London. Our room even had a view from the bathroom which was perfect because the fact that they have London’s deepest bath tubs, and are stocked with fine Floris bath products, means they are a great place to pass an afternoon. Girls, it really is a great idea to bring your girlfriends or your sister here for a weekend.
  
  The big rooms are filled with big beds and big armchairs stuffed with a lot of feathers and stacked with even more cushions. Think English country house décor but tasteful, modern and sumptuous. The look is completed with thick carpets, heavy curtains and nicely atmospheric lighting. These rooms are perfect for family groups and guests who want to feel cocooned. And when you can tear yourself away from the big old comfortable rooms at this house, there’s plenty of places to go within a stones throw.

  © Travel Intelligence. All rights reserved

• “A top grand dame option in London, the hotel offers prime views over Hyde Park with a desirable address right on Park Lane.”