The Dorchester
53 Park La., London, Greater London, W1K 1QA, England
Why We Like It
Approaching her centenarian age, multi-millions have been invested in preserving this grand dame’s timeless beauty whilst keeping up with a modern city. All who enter feel a million bucks too, no matter what they can afford. That’s whether you stay the night at a signature suite or just for a glass of bubbles at the crystal Artists Bar. You’re always VIP, baby.
Fodor's Expert Review
Few hotels this opulent manage to be as personable as The Dorchester, which opened in 1939 and boasts a prime Park Lane location with unparalleled glamour; gold leaf and marble adorn the public spaces, and guest quarters are awash in English country house–meets–art deco style. The entirety of the hotel's guest rooms and suites were recently refurbished under the watchful eye of superstar designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, with the more spacious, soundproofed accommodations sporting delicate designer floral headboards and soothing pastel tones to conjure an elegant sense of opulence. Three stunning restaurants include one exquisite three-Michelin-star spot, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, helmed by Ducasse protégé Jean-Philippe Blondet. Afternoon tea in the Promenade lobby is a classic, and a cocktail in the Martin Brudnizki-desiged Vesper Bar is a must, while the award-winning spa is popular with jet-set Londoners and in-house guests.
PROS
- Historic luxury in 1930s building
- Lovely views of Hyde Park
- Excellent spa
CONS
- Traditional look is not to all tastes
- Prices are sky-high
- So many drinking and dining options a short stay might not be enough
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Each room is generous in size and designed with a joyful personality. This may be the heart of a metropolis, but an English country garden palette blossomed by floral detail breathes serene air. Outside Hyde Park greens add to the tranquil boudoir, and come nightfall you’ll sleep like a (spoiled rotten) baby on their plush Vispring beds. Thanks to a recent renovation, every appliance is state-of-the-art new—leave those clunky travel adaptors behind.
Tip Butlers are assigned to rooms from Hyde Park Suite level and above. They’re trained to take care of every possible guest request, whether that’s unpacking and steaming clothing, or pulling together a detailed itinerary for exploration.
Bathroom
Bathtubs at the Dorch’s rooms and suites are unofficially the deepest in the city, and delicious Wildsmith Skincare amenities invite hours-long soaks surrounded by gleaming marble. Of course, we can’t talk about bathrooms at the hotel without mentioning The Harlequin Penthouse suite. This is where you’ll find the famed pink marble bathroom, the one where hotel regular, Elizabeth Taylor, received a history-making phone call offer to star in Cleopatra.
Lobby
Doormen-lined revolving doors lead guests to the tip of The Promenade, a dazzling catwalk for afternoon tea that acts as a spine to all the hotel’s food and beverage outlets. At the entrance, the check-in desk awaits with suited staff to escort guests to their day or overnight destinations. We told you this was fancy.
Spa
Meanwhile, directly under The Dorchester you’ll find a boutique spa in blush hues strewn with chandelier light. Treatments may be administered on cocooning MLX Quartz beds, and there’s also a hair salon and nail bar.
Gym
As with the pool, the gym is situated in front of the hotel at 45 Park Lane. It features 25 of the latest Technogym equipment, free weights, and personal trainers to book.
Dining
Overnight guests are likely to park at The Grill by Tom Booton. Helmed by the TV chef, expect a menu of modern British fare from breakfast to dinner. Locals are clad at the hotel’s other outlets, the forever hot tables comprising The Promenade for afternoon tea, China Tang for authentic Cantonese cuisine, and the three Michelin-starred restaurant of Alain Ducasse.
Drinking
The emerald-green Vespa Bar is one of the most likely places to spot a star. Parties get spicy into the early hours with DJs and the odd on-the-table antic. Meanwhile, The Artists bar, at the tip of The Promenade, is a more relaxed, crystal-illuminated affair.
Boutique
Led by designer florist Philip Hammond, you’ll notice colorful blooms throughout the property. The on-site Cake & Flowers boutique lets you take a bunch (and some pastries) to-go.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Park Lane is home to many of London’s most luxurious hotels, The Dorchester being its top stay. The area is safe to walk around on foot. Due to zone one congestion, driving is not advised. The Dorchester is within walking distance to tube stops: Marble Arch, Green Park, and Bond Street. The latter two are on the Piccadilly Line and the Elizabeth Line which link directly to London Heathrow Airport.
Restaurants
Mayfair is packed with upscale dining, especially if you have a taste for Michelin stars. Nearby you’ll find red plaques at Pavyllon, Umu, Benares, Ormer, and Sushi Kanesaka. Want to keep those sneakers on? Tuck into street eats at Mercato Mayfair, a church-turned-food hall.
Bars
Fancy a pint? Behind The Dorchester, on the corner of Mount Street is The Audley Public House. This neighborly pub thrives with after-work locals.
Photos
Quick Facts
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: No Meals
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