Looking across the soft green swathes of Hyde Park, The Dorchester is one of the most desirable places in the world to stay. A luxury Mayfair hotel of great repute, it embodies the highest of traditional values, with spacious rooms and suites of great charm, glorious dining and entertaining, and a spa of exquisite indulgence. For over half a century the hotel has remained a pinnacle of luxury and ease. Superbly located in the heart of London's Mayfair on Park Lane, between Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner, The Dorchester is close to exclusive London shopping in Bond Street and Knightsbridge and is within easy access of many London attractions including Buckingham Palace, West End theatres, the Royal Albert Hall and the National Gallery.
Historical Highlights at The Dorchester The reputation of The Dorchester, among the great hotels of the world, is unique in having established itself within a few months after the hotel's opening in 1931. Ever since, The Dorchester's combination of elegant luxury, sumptuous decor and unrivalled standards of personal service has made it more than a constant venue for the famous and influential - for many it has become a regular 'home from home'.
Royalty and political leaders, both British and foreign, have been frequent visitors. Princess Elizabeth, the present Queen, attended a dinner party at The Dorchester the day before her engagement was announced on 10th July 1947, and it was here that Prince Philip celebrated his stag night on the eve of his wedding. He has subsequently been a regular guest of honour and renowned after-dinner speaker at events and charity functions held in the hotel, and on 26th October 1990, unveiled a plaque commemorating the reopening of The Dorchester after a two-year closure for refurbishment.
During the Second World War, several members of the government as well as service chiefs moved into The Dorchester on a semi-permanent basis. General Eisenhower, then occupied with the planning of the Normandy invasion, set up headquarters in the hotel in 1944.
Early on, The Dorchester became a haven for figures from literary and artistic circles. In addition to the famous Foyles Literary Luncheons, beginning in the 1930s, the hotel has also welcomed writers and artists such as novelist Somerset Maugham (a frequent guest up to his death), the poet Cecil Day Lewis and the painter Sir Alfred Munnings. In more recent years, Jack Higgins and Jackie Collins have been frequent guests.
The list of visitors to The Dorchester from the entertainment world is of prodigious length. To name but a few: Danny Kaye, who originally appeared in cabaret at the hotel for £50.00 a week in the 1930s, became a lifelong regular guest... Elizabeth Taylor, always occupying a suite, came with a succession of husbands... Sir Ralph Richardson, who tended to arrive by motorcycle, bringing his crash helmet into lunch... Alfred Hitchcock, who viewed The Dorchester as ideal for a murder given the scope for burying bodies in Hyde Park across Park Lane.
In the last decade, prominent guests have included Dr Mandela, Woody Allen, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Glenn Close, Karl Lagerfeld, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone and many, many more. Glamorous patronage of The Dorchester is only part of the legend...
The hotel has also been celebrated for: The exceptional quality of its cuisines. The Grill Room specialises in the best of British cooking, whilst China Tang at The Dorchester, offering Cantonese cuisine, is the most sought after Chinese restaurant in town. Leading chefs have been responsible for The Dorchester's culinary renown. The current Executive Chef is German Henry Brosi. His predecessors include the internationally famed Anton Mosimann, fellow Swiss chef Willi Elsener, Eugene Kaufeler and Jean Baptiste Virlogeux. One of the great chefs of his day, Virlogeux's inventiveness was severely tested during the Second World War both by food rationing and the government-imposed maximum price restriction of five shillings for a three-course meal. Outstanding decor and design. Some of the key glories of The Dorchester were only added in the 1950s by the theatrical designer Oliver Messel. The luxury apartments on the 7th and 8th floors were his creation, and his name lives on in the world-renowned, architecturally 'listed' Oliver Messel Suite. The London Plane tree in the front garden was named one of the 'Great Trees of London' by The London Tree Forum and The Countryside Commission in 1997. It was deemed to be 'a memorable sight in London's Park Lane and a tree to give directions by'. In the year 2000, the BBC dedicated an entire programme to the tree, as part of its series Meetings with Remarkable Trees.
Nor are more basic comforts forgotten: Afternoon tea to live piano music in the glittering setting of The Promenade has long been an institution among Londoners. In fact, The Dorchester was named London's top 'Afternoon Tea Venue' by the Tea Council of Great Britain in August 2000 and 2003. From the beginning, soundproofing at The Dorchester was of exceptional quality. Bedroom floors and ceilings were lined with compressed seaweed and outside walls with cork. The most recent refurbishment programme has reduced external noise levels still further, particularly through the introduction of double glazing throughout and triple glazing on the Park Lane side. The Dorchester Bar is one of London's leading meeting points. When the bar was rebuilt in 1938, Harry Craddock, one of the most famous barmen at the time, produced three of the most popular cocktails of the day - the Martini, Manhattan and White Lady - and sealed them in phials, which were set into the wall of the bar 'for posterity'. When the bar was reconstructed in 1979, the cocktails, scroll and recipes were found to be in excellent condition. The almost three to one ratio of staff to guest bedrooms has few parallels among the world's great hotels, and is backed by superb training. The resultant quality of personal service is one of the features of The Dorchester most frequently commended by its guests.
Writing in The Dorchester's Renaissance magazine, television personality Alan Whicker mentioned 'the warmth and welcome of The Dorchester and its incomparable staff'; according to actor Charlton Heston, 'The butchers and bakers, the clerks and porters, the maids and flower ladies, the bellmen ARE the Hotel'; Clarissa Mason, widow of the actor James Mason, viewed the uniqueness of the hotel as 'its "Family", in other words, its staff'.
The Dorchester maintains the best of traditional values while continually introducing new service standards and the latest technology as befits the modern world. Guests have the assurance of friendly and highly professional staff combined with the advantage of all the latest business and entertainment systems, in rooms and throughout the hotel.
Guest Services * 24-hour Room Service * Air conditioning and heating throughout the hotel, all individually controlled * Barbershop * Car parking: limited space within hotel; close proximity to three public car parks * Direct line fax machines * E-Butlers * Hairdressing: Charles Worthington at The Dorchester Spa * Handicap accessible rooms * In-house florist * In-suite check-in * ISDN lines * Laundry, dry-cleaning and valet; same day service * Luxury car service * Medical service * Mobile telephone rental * Modems * Multi-line telephones * Non-smoking rooms * Power supply; dual voltage sockets * Rooms / suites for guests with disabilities * Rooms / suites for non-smokers * Safe-deposit boxes * Shopping gallery * Theatre desk
The Dorchester welcomes children and families. Upon arrival families are given 'The Dorchester Kids' pack, which contains ideas for families on days out in London. Children have special amenities in the room upon arrival, and babysitting can be arranged should you require it.
The Dorchester's personal chauffeur team, Rolls-Royce Phantom and fleet of 7 Series BMWs are standing by to take you wherever you desire. Start and end your stay in style; travel to and from the airport in the discreet luxury afforded only by a Rolls-Royce.
The Dorchester is the place to meet and celebrate. Any event assumes a special distinction - a grand banquet or less formal luncheon, business meeting or conference, private party, dinner or wedding. Whether for 5 or 500 people, the organisation combines detail and imagination to ensure that every function is well remarked and happily remembered.
As well as being some of the most beautiful banqueting & meeting rooms in London, The Dorchester also offers the latest technology including state-of-the-art Wi-Fi. Available for up to 50 connections at one time, Wi-Fi can be arranged by the hotel's dedicated team of e-butlers.
The Dorchester has grand dining, less formal eating, award-winning afternoon teas and a variety of distinctive private dining rooms. Expert service and elegant surroundings ensure a memorable experience. The dress code at The Dorchester is smart casual, however we do request that guests refrain from wearing baseball hats, shorts and training shoes.
With many favourable reviews and a loyal following, 34 year old Head Chef Aiden Byrne showcases all of the culinary talents that have previously won him Michelin stars. Passionate about putting British food back on the map he uses only the best of British ingredients sourced directly from top quality suppliers.
Signature dishes include roasted Cornish scallops with white truffle and white chocolate risotto, & braised chicken with potato mousse truffle and Parmesan sabayon. Equally popular are modern interpretations of traditional British dishes and old classics such as Scottish smoked salmon and Roast Rib of beef also remain on the menu.
To ensure a perfect experience is had by all, wine professional and head Sommelier Jason McAuliffe is on hand to expertly pair and suggest wines to best compliment each particular menu item.
Guests entering The Dorchester are greeted with the stunning vista of The Promenade, which stretches the same length as the London landmark, Nelson's Column. Refurbished in 2005 by Thierry Despont, The Promenade is a series of rich, warm, intimate spaces culminating in a stunning, oval leather bar at the end of the room.
Very much the heart of the hotel, The Promenade is open all day for informal dining serving breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and a light supper menu. Guests can recline on comfortable, high-backed, tufted divans while enjoying a traditional afternoon tea that was once again named the best in London by the British Tea Council in 2007. The delights of cocktail hour have returned to London with the re-opening of The Bar at The Dorchester in June 2006. Quickly established as one of the places in the capital to see and be seen, The Bar is renowned as much for its rich, opulent interior as for its menu of new and classic cocktails.
A rich palette of black, browns and aubergine combine with luxurious materials such as lacquered mahogany, mirrored glass and velvet and signature features such as dramatic, red, glass spears. A long, sexy, curved bar boasts one of the finest selections of spirits, champagnes and wines in London and a menu of elegant tartines and indulgent caviars. The Bar also offers its very own chic Afternoon Tea. Conceived by David Tang, the founder of China Clubs in Hong Kong, Peking and Singapore, as well as the life-style brand, "Shanghai Tang", China Tang offers some of the best and most authentic Cantonese food outside China. Menus do not compromise on classical recipes and all dishes, including its signature Peking Duck are prepared with the freshest ingredients and traditional spices and flavouring (no MSG).
The rave reviews won by the food have been matched by the sumptuous interior, which is designed to evoke a romantic sense of the art deco of the Thirties. As well as an abundance of chinoiserie, and quirky objets d'art, the restaurant showcases a collection of both traditional and contemporary Chinese art, all personally chosen by David Tang. In addition to the restaurant, China Tang features an exquisite bar that offers a list of classic cocktails, made to perfection, which can be ordered to accompany the dim sum menu that is served all day. For special occasions, the restaurant also offers diners 3 private dining rooms - Ping, Pang and Pong!
The Krug Room is without doubt one of the most exciting dining rooms in London. Located within the hotel's master kitchens, it is the original 'chef's table' and was first opened in the 1940's. Renovated in 2003, it is now a sleek, stylish and contemporary space with a wall of opaque glass that becomes transparent at the flick of a switch. Diners descend into one of London's largest kitchens and can marvel at the spectacle of watching some of The Dorchester's 100 chefs at work from the comfort of a private dining room. The Krug Room can seat up to twelve guests on deep-red leather chairs around a specially commissioned glass table while they enjoy a menu designed specially for them by the hotel's Executive Chef, Henry Brosi. Whether it be a 3-course lunch or a 10-course degustation dinner, The Dorchester will also select wines to match including champagnes from the world renowned champagne house, Krug with some unique vintages available upon request. The famous chef's private dining room, originally opened in the 1940s, has been transformed into a magic gem of contemporary glass and red leather. Menus are personally prepared by Executive Chef Henry Brosi, who is on hand to discuss the philosophy and preparation of the meal.
The hotel provides the finest cuisine and wines in some of London's most impressive private dining rooms. Planning and service are always reassuring and professional. The Dorchester offers a variety of rooms in different styles, allowing exactly the right ambience for your event or party.
The Dorchester offers rooms of exceptional grace and comfort, all providing views over Hyde Park or the hotel's landscaped terraces. The suites range in size from the Junior and Stanhope Suites to the generous Dorchester Suites and the famous Oliver Messel Suite. Bathrooms are welcoming and capacious, offering an exceptional combination of style and function, and are believed to have the deepest baths in London. They are predominantly made in Italian marble and designed in the classic art deco style - echoing the hotel's 1930s origins.
195 king / twin / queen-bedded rooms, 49 suites, four roof garden suites All the rooms and suites offer: * 24-hour Room Service * In-suite check-in * Rooms / suites for guests with disabilities * Rooms / suites for non-smokers * Individually controlled air conditioning * E-butler services * Multi-channel TV (42" plasma screens in 90 rooms) * High-speed Internet access * UK and US modems * DVD and CD connections * Printer, fax, scanner, copier * Microsoft Office applications * Video and music on demand * Internet radio * Multi-line telephones * Dual-voltage power supply
Single Perfect for single occupancy, these rooms have comfortable queen-size beds and all the latest amenities. Delightfully furnished and fitted to The Dorchester's high standards, the rooms quietly overlook the hotel's landscaped gardens and Mayfair.
Superior Single These rooms have full facilities and luxuries and a queen-size bed. They are larger than the Standard Single, very comfortably furnished and fitted, and perfect for single occupancy. The rooms are quiet, overlooking Mayfair and the hotel's landscaped gardens.
Deluxe Single These rooms for single occupancy have all the luxuries of Superior Singles, but are larger, have more storage and are suitable for the longer stay. With their queen-size beds, they are furnished and fitted to a high standard with all the latest amenities. The rooms look out over the glorious green of Hyde Park.
Superior Twin / Double Overlooking Mayfair and the hotel's landscaped gardens, the twin rooms have side-by-side beds and double rooms have king-size beds. They are all spacious and luxurious; some of the doubles also have walk-in showers in the bathrooms. All the Superior Twin / Double rooms can be connected to another twin or double room.
Deluxe Twin / Double With twin or king-size double beds, these are large, elegant rooms with plenty of space for luggage and suitable for double or single occupancy. They have views over Hyde Park or Mayfair. The en suite marble bathrooms are generous and well appointed, and several have walk-in showers. Rooms can be connected to make combinations for family accommodation.
Executive Deluxe Double With views over Hyde Park or Mayfair, these are the largest of the double rooms. There is plenty of closet space, and several rooms have walk-in wardrobes and king-size four-poster beds. They all have generous bathrooms with deep baths and walk-in showers. A comfortable and spacious working area makes these rooms ideally suited to the business guest.
Junior Suites In striking art deco style, each Junior Suite consists of one large room with a garden view. Heavy silk curtains divide the room into a sitting area and bedroom. There is also a small dressing room and distinctive bathroom in black marble.
Stanhope Suite Overlooking Mayfair, the Stanhope Suites have separate bedrooms and sitting rooms. The bedroom can be king or twin-bedded and is adjoined by a marble bathroom. The sitting room is like a study, well suited to a business stay with its writing desk and its own guest bathroom.
Belgravia Suite These all have views towards Hyde Park Corner - many have French windows opening onto balconies. Favoured by celebrated guests, one of the suites was famously used by Dwight D Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander, during World War II.
Mayfair Suite These suites look east across the rooftops of London's Mayfair. They have very spacious sitting rooms with charming seats in the projecting window bowers. Many of the bedrooms have twin beds. Each suite has two bathrooms, and a further bedroom may be added.
Park Suites The eight Park Suites are popular as London pieds-à-terre for longer stays. They have French windows and balconies overlooking Hyde Park. The sitting and dining rooms are divided by classical columns and panelled in rich, dark wood hung with oil paintings and tapestries.
Dorchester Suites The 15 spacious Dorchester Suites occupy the corners of the hotel and have large square rooms with views down Park Lane and over Hyde Park. Sitting rooms and bedrooms are wood panelled and sumptuously furnished. Favoured for entertaining, the suites can be extended to include one or two further bedrooms.
Oliver Messel Suite This magical suite on the top floor has been favoured for half a century by illustrious guests such as Marlene Dietrich, Noel Coward, Bob Hope and Sylvester Stallone. Created by Oliver Messel, the famous theatre designer, it has an ante-room, sitting room, double bedroom and bathroom - a further bedroom may be added. There are wonderful views across the rooftops of London from the spectacular private terrace.
Audley Suite One of the three ‘roof suites’ refurbished by Alexandra Champalimaud in 2007, this one bedroom suite consists of a sitting room, cocktail bar, study, dressing room, ensuite master bathroom and an outside terrace. A hallway lined with nickel and leather leads into light, airy rooms decorated in a gentle palette of pearls, dove greys, platinum and buttery creams with accent colours of turquoise and pumpkin. The new furnishings blend seamlessly with the original, working fireplace in the living room flanked by Macassar ebony cabinets, a concealed custom French walnut panelled wet bar and a high-tech Bang & Olufson flat screen television. The centrepiece of the master bedroom is a modern four poster bed, designed by Christian Liagre and walls lined with a delicate, pleated silk. Leading off the bedroom, French walnut doors open to reveal a dressing room panelled with sycamore, which features a pumpkin coloured dressing table upholstered in shagreen. This in turn leads into a bathroom with a heated floor of Trani Bronzetta marble, a decadent Tea For Two bath, Aquavision TV and a Big Rain shower. From the large balcony of this delightful retreat high above Mayfair guests can see right across London to Westminster, the dome of St Paul's and beyond to Canary Wharf.
Terrace Suite For the design of the Terrace Suite, designer Alexandra Champalimaud was inspired by the interplay between the exterior and interior spaces. This one-bedroom suite is made up of a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and dressing room, a dining room, living room, bar and large outside terrace. The Terrace Suite also has some unique features such as a bathroom that links directly to the terrace, a master bedroom that extends into a private conservatory and the pièce de resistance, a high-ceilinged octagonal dressing room. The suite is decorated in a palette of smoky greys and yellows with touches of framboise and sea green to add colour. Sumptuous leather-panelled walls in the inner hall contrast with the more delicate pearl-coloured Venetian stucco in the living room, which features a working fireplace made of Calacatta Oro marble. The master bedroom boasts a private wardrobe fully panelled in figured sycamore, and the bedroom itself showcases luxurious furnishings such as cut-velvet curtains, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets by Frette and a lacquered chest of drawers made of ebonised oak. The master bathroom features a Kohler Chromatherapy Riverbath tub set in black moonstone, which can accommodate two. Privatelite windows in the bathroom can be made either opaque or clear for privacy or views onto the private terrace while 37 fibre optic lights above the tub change colour to make bathing an experience to remember. The terrace, overlooking Hyde Park towards Knightsbridge, features a Zen stone water feature, dramatic topiary and atmospheric lighting in the evening.
Harlequin Suite The largest of the three roof suites, The Harlequin is made up of a master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and dressing room, a dining room, living room, bar and large outside terrace overlooking Hyde Park. The rooms are arranged en filade with American walnut floors throughout, giving the suite an elegant, stately flow. The living room has walls upholstered in ivory silk, chaises upholstered in buttery leather, emerald-parchment clad case pieces and a bespoke wool and silk rug from The Rug Company, specially woven in Nepal. Two sets of French doors curtained in gold silk from Thailand lead onto the terrace and flood the room with natural light. It was in this very room that Elizabeth Taylor received the news of her record-breaking, multi-million pound deal to star in the epic Cleopatra and the suite still glows with Hollywood glamour. The dining room seats eight and the walls are lined with a stunning silver wallpaper which reflects the light from the bespoke crystal chandelier by Metalarté, echoing the fabled diamond collection of Ms Taylor. Emerald and apple-coloured drapes and roman shades dress the master bedroom’s window. A master dressing room is lined in sycamore panels and has ample closet space with two walnut semainiers and an emerald shagreen-upholstered dressing table. The luxurious master bathroom features black Nero Marquina floors with under-floor heating, walls of book-matched white Arabescato Oro marble slabs, white onyx vanities and a large freestanding bath with polished chrome contemporary tap ware and a state-of-the-art shower toilet by Geberit. The Harlequin Suite is available as a two-bedroom suite and the second bedroom still has the original pink marble bathroom that was installed for Elizabeth Taylor.
The Dorchester Spa In the prestigious 2008 Conde Nast Traveller Spa Awards, The Spa was named as the 3rd best UK Day Spa with a special commendation for the service and staff. The Spa at The Dorchester is a calm and peaceful retreat with relaxation facilities including steam rooms and spa baths. The Spa provides an extensive range of beauty, grooming and therapeutic treatments for women and men. The Spa has fully equipped gymnasium for the use of hotel residents and Spa Day guests and personal training is available by appointment. Charles Worthington's Hair Salon and the Barbershop provide hairdressing services to women and men. The Spa welcomes non resident clients for treatments, Spa Days and hair services. Please see links for further information. Personalised gift vouchers are available for a treatment, combination of treatments, Spa Days or for monetary value.
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