The Dorchester Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in the world. A long history of providing high quality accommodation, excellent service and luxurious surroundings has kept this venue at the forefront of travellers minds for years. You don’t survive for 80 years on Park Lane without being something special.
The façade is still Art Deco, and has fresh flowers, plants and a fountain outside to raise the ambience. The lobby is an amazing space. It’s full of chairs, tables, more fresh flowers and a quiet hush that supports that high-class atmosphere it creates. When art deco is done well, it can look amazing, when it’s half-done, or done on the cheap is shows immediately.
There were no such worries at The Dorchester, it was elegance, par excellance.
Once into the building you’re faced with reception. It can get busy, but the staff are friendly and capable. We were served with a smile and on our way in no time. We were shown to our deluxe room by another member of staff, our bags following later. When shown into the room we were offered tea, which was a nice touch.
The room itself was a decent size for London standards. The Art Deco theme continued in the room, which was nice. Angular lines, bold furniture, and artwork all go to create a feeling of going back in time. The soft furnishings, printed wallpaper, plentiful pillows, cushions, and thick curtains added a feminine touch to a somewhat masculine room.
There were the usual LCD TV, Bang and Olufsen though, a Bose sound system and Wi-Fi. Despite being very modern appliances, they looked comfortable in the room.
The bathroom was vast and attractive, with a deep bath , separate shower, and Floris toiletries. There was also a bathrobe, slippers and the usual accompaniments you would expect from somewhere like this. The marble and mirror combination added a real touch of class, and set the scene for our stay perfectly.
The bed was huge. We only realised how so when we got in it as the room is to scale. It must be king or super-king sized at least. It was firm, supportive, yet comfortable, and gave me one of the best night’s sleep I have had in a London in years. There are more pillows that you could ever need, the quilt was thick and warm, and the sheets had that unmistakable hotel feel to them. Deliciously crisp and clean.
The service at The Dorchester is exactly what you would expect. Polite, efficient and nothing was too much trouble. We ordered a snack sent to the room and it appeared, piping hot, 15 minutes later. We had a drink in the bar, which was served by a very friendly barman who made time to talk to us and answer our questions even though he was obviously busy.
Service at breakfast was equally good. We were met, shown to our table, and talked through the menu by a waiter. I would say that we were very well looked after for our entire stay. People stay at hotels like these to feel special. The hotel seems to appreciate that and goes out of its way to make you feel welcome.
The food was fresh, hot and there was as much as we could eat. It was a great way to start a day and put us in a good mood for the rest of it.
Overall, The Dorchester is the hotel industry at its best. Service is great, attention to detail is exemplary and the accommodation is very comfortable. You do pay a premium to stay here, but you really do get what you pay for.
The Bill: £495 per night
