Travel Review - The Dorchester

For sheer indulgence, luxury and pampering beyond belief, The Dorchester, as one of the world’s most iconic and prestigious hotels has to be experienced. It is perfectly situated in central London overlooking both Hyde Park and Mayfair and since opening in 1931 it remains the place to be in London, and is a favourite choice for celebrities, world leaders, royalty and high society.

Since 1985 the Grade II listed hotel has been part of The Dorchester Collection, a group of the world’s foremost luxury hotels, owned by the Brunei Investment Agency. It was completely renovated between 1988 and 1990 yet still retains its 1930s charm, furnishings and genteel ambience.

Each of The Dorchester’s exquisite guest rooms and suites are spacious and elegant with generous-sized beds, luxury linens, Aromatherapy Associates toiletries and the deepest baths in London reside in the white marble bathrooms. Each room also features specially commissioned fabrics and antique furniture.

The Oliver Messel Suite, designed in the Georgian Country House style and a celebrity favourite from Marlene Dietrich to Sylvester Stallone, is named after the theatrical designer who made a number of notable changes to the hotel’s interior in the 1950s by incorporating aspects of theatrical design. This stunning suite has a spacious terrace overlooking Mayfair, a separate sitting room, bedroom and luxurious bathroom plus all the little extras you would expect such as champagne, fresh flowers and butler service.

Forget calorie-counting here, The Dorchester boasts five restaurants each offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The Grill exudes 1930s glamour whilst diners can enjoy the best of modern British favourites. China Tang boasts the best Cantonese food outside China to the strains of live jazz within an Art Deco setting. The indulgent Spatisserie’s ethos is ‘a little bit of what you love is good for you’ is perfect for light lunches after a workout and since 1931, the opulent surroundings of The Promenade has been home to the most glorious, sumptuous Afternoon Teas.

The Dorchester’s jewel in the crown has to be ‘Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester’ one of the UK’s four 3-Michelin-Starred Restaurants. It offers contemporary French cuisine in a modern and elegant setting, consistently championing and enhancing seasonal produce, most of which is sourced from British and French suppliers.

For privacy from prying eyes, guests can reserve one of the private VIP dining areas, if they so choose, at the original Chef’s Table at The Dorchester and Table Lumiere at Alain Ducasse.

For shameless pampering look no further than The Dorchester Spa. Guests can take their fitness to the next level with one-on-one Yoga or Pilates sessions with one of The Dorchester’s fitness professionals or work out with personal trainer Simon Inman in the beautiful surroundings of Hyde Park or in the Techno-Gym. If relaxation is your goal unwind as therapists work their magic in a range of treatments from full-body massages to signature, break-through anti-ageing techniques and treatments from worldwide leading skincare experts.



Its close association with the rich and famous makes The Dorchester the perfect place for the discerning traveller with a taste for luxury and impeccable service.