Review: The Dorchester, Dorchester Collection

Why book?

Its walls were reportedly built to withstand practically anything that nature or man could throw at them, and the Dorchester’s reputation as a London institution is similarly robust.

What's the backstory?

Part of the Dorchester Collection (which also includes 45 Park Lane, Coworth Park and Le Meurice among others), this hotel is a grande dame that has remained utterly relevant. Located on Park Lane, overlooking Hyde Park, it’s as central as it gets.

Behind the scenes

Whether or not it’s entirely to your taste—one look at The Promenade just after you enter should be enough to make up your mind—there’s no denying this hotel’s wow factor. Everything here is scaled up: there are bouquets the size of hot-air balloons in the lobby, quilted-brocade sofas dwarf the loftiest of guests and marble-effect pillars tower over diners taking afternoon tea. The Grade II-listed building exudes old-school glamor; Prince Philip held his stag do here, Elizabeth Taylor had trysts with Richard Burton in the Harlequin Penthouse (where the pink marble bathroom was installed specially for her) and cabinet ministers holed up here during the Blitz.

The rooms

There is an impressive variety among the rooms—from the impeccable 1950s time-capsule apartments by Oliver Messel to classic chintz to smoothly contemporary. A number of suites overlooking Hyde Park have been designed by Alexandra Champalimaud; each has furnishings inspired by a cosmopolitan collection of influences, echoing the British fondness for filling homes with mementos from a lifetime of travel. With classic pieces from some of Britain’s best craftsmen, it adds up to an all-new luxury look. The one-bedroom Park Suites and Dorchester Suites (these can be linked with a further two bedrooms) have gorgeous green views and deliver a classic English stay at this classic English hotel.

The restaurant and bar

The Dorchester has two of the best restaurants in town (Alain Ducasse and the Grill), one of the most enduring nightspots (China Tang) and one of the best bartenders (the ageless Giuliano Morandin). Plus, there’s The Promenade, a great spot for afternoon tea (huge throne-like chairs and Chesterfields to sink into, a pianist gently tinkling away and the heady scent of lilies filling the air), a casual coffee or a late-afternoon cheeky glass of Champagne with oysters.

Who stays here?

Royalty, rock stars, Hollywood A-listers. It’s also popular with visitors from the Middle East, who decamp here for the summer with inconceivable numbers of designer suitcases.

The service

Among the gold-star concierge services, Martin Burrell, an Olivier Award-judging panellist and manager of the theatre desk, is legendary—if you want a ticket for a sold-out show he is the man to magic one up. And the spa inspires fanatical loyalty.

Neighborhood

In terms of proximity to London’s landmarks, the Dorchester’s Park Lane location is unrivalled: close to Mayfair, Bond Street, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and the museum mile. Explore the warrens of Mayfair, Burlington Arcade for leather and jewellery, Shepherd Market for lovely little restaurants such as Kitty Fisher’s and Mount Street Gardens for a hidden oasis right in the heart of London’s hustle and bustle.