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The Dorchester isn’t just a luxury London hotel, it’s an icon. Sitting within a stone’s throw of Hyde Park and a short stroll from some of the best shopping in the city, this property puts its guests in the most enviable location in the city. Staying here affords you a key to the best of London, and you don’t even have to step out your front door. Within its tower walls lies some of the most incredible rooms, delicious dining venues, a stunning spa and the most gorgeous and delicious cocktails around – but that’s not all. The Dorchester’s service is remarkable, and unbeatable in London.
I stayed at The Dorchester for two nights and that was a mistake. I should have stayed longer. Leaving was the hardest thing I had to do all month, but the two days spent here were pure bliss. I was welcomed after landing at Heathrow and making my way into the city early in the morning. The staff did all they could do to be sure my room was ready for my arrival – and was it ever ready. I was lead almost instantly after walking through the front door, helped-in by the lovely doormen wearing The Dorchester’s unforgettable green overcoats, to a Dorchester Suite. The palatial living room with sweeping views of Hyde Park and fireplace gave way to a stunning marble bathroom and a bedroom fit for a king, literally.
The lovely room couldn’t have gotten any better before I rounded the corner and saw a welcome fruit basket and gin and tonic setup waiting for me, which was a lovely touch. The hotel boasts 250 rooms and suites, but each moment created throughout the halls, the opulent public spaces and in each corner of the bars and restaurants screams intimacy. For two days, I was able to experience first hand why this beloved hotel has been loved for so long and I can tell you it’s not just the rooms.
The Dorchester offers a slew of dining venues to choose from. You can start in the lobby’s long corridor for breakfast, tea or take dinner at The Grill, which I did, or at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. The Grill is fabulous and offers a delicious menu that showcases seasonal dishes, made with fresh local and international ingredients. China Tang is perfect for those who have a hankering for dim sum. Every night, spending an hour or so in the bar is a must with their expertly crafted cocktails and libations.
Really, each drinking and dining venue here are above par, which is not often said about every hotel in the city.
Those who are looking for a little down time after shopping or running around town can pop into the spa. The spa at The Dorchester offers a wide range of massage, facials, body treatments, nail care and more – so you don’t have to bother sourcing this from other places in London. It’s all right here. There is a beautiful gym, steam room, experience showers and other facilities to take advantage of as well.
The service at The Dorchester is impeccable and truly makes the hotel. This isn’t just said about the dining venues but in every part of the customer experience, which includes housekeeping, front desk, doormen and more. There really isn’t anything they won’t be willing to help you with and they will do everything within their power to ensure a comfortable stay.
Over my two days at The Dorchester I spent a good deal of time within the hotel. I did venture out, of course, to do some shopping, have a few meetings and enjoy the pleasant weather London was seeing at the time of my visit. It was the perfect two days, in my opinion, one where you don’t try too hard to jam in everything, but actually just enjoy where you’re at.
The Dorchester is the perfect place to base yourself in London no matter what your plans. It’s not just a luxury hotel, it’s home. It really has that magic that allows you to feel wrapped in luxury, but relaxed and easy – as if no one is really watching you. But, when you need someone, they’re a heartbeat away. You cannot miss a stay here in 2019.
