Some hotels are so iconic, they’re virtually tourist attractions in their own right. The Dorchester is one such place.
This is a hotel so world-renowned it even has a nickname (‘The Dorch’), while its curved white stone exterior and fairy-lit trees outside are instantly recognisable. Designed by Scottish engineer Sir Robert McAlpine as “the perfect hotel”, The Dorchester opened in 1931 after being built in record time over 18 months at the speed of a floor a week. Overlooking Hyde Park from its location on Park Lane in Mayfair, it quickly became the glamorous go-to spot for the rich and famous, with guests including everyone from Marlene Dietrich and Elizabeth Taylor to Ernest Hemingway and Frank Sinatra. Prince Philip even spent the night before his wedding to the future Queen here.
It was named after and built on the site of 18th century home Dorchester House which went on to be used as the American Embassy. These days, the five-star hotel is still one of London’s great grand dames, known for its excellent spa, popular daily afternoon tea and legendary restaurants including China Tang and the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.
The Vibe
Upmarket elegance yet surprisingly unstuffy. Arriving feels as impressive as you’d hope, with top-hatted doormen, oversized displays of fresh flowers and a lobby of show-stopping proportions with revolving doors, glossy marble floors, chandeliers and gold leaf flourishes. The whole area buzzes with activity all day as well-dressed guests come and go, often welcomed by name by staff who have worked here for years. The Promenade stretches beyond the lobby for all-day dining and prime people watching to the sound of clinking champagne glasses and live music played on a piano once owned by Liberace.
The Rooms
Every one of the hotel’s 241 rooms has been recently renovated with interiors designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon and are now lighter and brighter. Soft spring-like colours of dusty pink, pale green and lemon have been used, with upholstered floral headboards, gold fittings and grey and white marble bathrooms stocked with The Dorchester’s own products. Some of the hotel’s grandest suites have been made even bigger during the renovation – The Dorchester Suite that I stayed in is now the size of several London flats, with a huge living and dining area, a window seat for watching over Park Lane, a separate dressing room so big it has space for an armchair and a vast bathroom with a standalone tub and a heated Japanese toilet. There are coffee table books on London and David Hockney, bouquets of pale pink roses everywhere and Dom Perignon in the mini bar.
The Food + Drink
Book well ahead if you’re hoping to score a table at three-Michelin starred modern French Alain Ducasse or the richly decorated China Tang, which serves Cantonese cuisine in a beautiful art deco room. However, you won’t feel like you’re missing out if you opt for the recently renovated The Grill at The Dorchester, a glitzy space with red leather booths lit by tabletop lamps, mirrored walls and an open grill stretching the full width of the room where chefs flame grill excellent steak and lobster. Don’t go straight to the mains: the prawn toast with chilli jam, parmesan, pecorino and black pepper churros and crispy duck salad with blood orange are all outstanding. Afterwards go for the sticky toffee pudding with whiskey ice cream served in individual-sized cast iron Cocotte dishes or the affogato, drizzled in piping-hot espresso tableside before you eat. The Vesper Bar, named after regular guest and Bond author Ian Fleming who invented the Vesper Martini, is perfect for a nightcap. Breakfast is served in both The Promenade and The Grill, but The Grill is best if you’re feeling greedy as you can plunder the countertop of glossy pastries and also order perfectly cooked Burford Brown eggs, Jersey cream porridge and Portland crab benedict.
The Little Extras
Guests staying in certain suites receive a range of bonuses from butler service to use of the hotel’s Bentley and a complimentary session on the Welnamis relaxation beds in the spa, which use binaural vibro-acoustic technology to induce deep relaxation. The spa also has a Carol Joy London hair salon, a gym and an ever-changing roster of wellness experts including eyebrow artist Any Khapung and celebrity facialist Natasha Clancy. If you fancy a swim though, you’ll need to pop next door to sister hotel 45 Park Lane. A boutique led by designer florist Philip Hammond sells lavish bouquets and even more lavish pastries that can be eaten outside on the tree-shaded terrace in summer.
The To-Do List
A real-life Monopoly board is right outside, from busy Park Lane to pricey Mayfair with its narrow streets, traditional pubs and hidden 18th-century square Shepherd Market. Buckingham Palace, Marble Arch and Regent Street are all less than 20 minutes’ walk away and Hyde Park is directly opposite with its green spaces, playgrounds and boating on The Serpentine.
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