WHEN I was 10 years old, my parents took me for tea at The Dorchester on London’s Park Lane. To this day, I recall how I was captivated by the glamour of London’s iconic hotel all those years ago.
This afternoon, I arrive at the hotel’s grand entrance, flanked by two doormen attired in top hats and smart green livery, and as I walk through the revolving doors leading to the opulent marble entrance adorned with huge floral instillations, my heart still skips a beat.
Exterior
Opened in 1931, this newly transformed flagship hotel within Dorchester Collection has long attracted legendary guests, including royalty, political leaders and Hollywood superstars. To this day, its allure remains as powerful. Centrally located and directly facing Hyde Park, it’s next to Mayfair’s exclusive designer boutiques and art galleries, and a short walk away from Buckingham Palace via Green Park.
Lobby
The Promenade
My charming butler, Sean, welcomes me, taking my bags and leading the way to the Hyde Park suite. On entering, I’m immediately struck by the expanse of the living room, filled with its lush furnishings of blue velvet sofas with layers of plump patterned scatter cushions and squishy armchairs. A glass coffee table is piled with books, and the tonal deep-pile carpet leaves distinct footprints and there is a separate dining area.
Floor-to-ceiling doors open onto three Juliette balconies, offering elevated leafy green views over Hyde Park. The suite’s hallway leads to the pristine cosseting bedroom, with heavy patterned drapes and a padded headboard in front of a wallpapered focus wall. And the grey marble bathroom has a stand-alone bath with two vanity units and a separate shower room.
Hyde Park Suite
One of the best places to people watch is in The Dorchester’s high-ceilinged marble-pillared Promenade on the ground floor, where renowned champagne-fueled afternoon teas are served daily. Décor is quintessentially English with lavish furnishings, including chesterfields and polished glass-topped tables beneath glass lanterns.
The Grill at The Dorchester
In the evening the custom-made Lalique Vespa Bar behind the Promenade transforms into the perfect spot for a pre- or post-dinner tipple. For dinner, I head to The Grill at The Dorchester for an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere serving elevated British fayre from its open kitchen. I pair my butter-soft and delicious Dover sole, accompanied by asparagus and fries, with a glass of dry rosé. The more formal Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester offers three Michelin-starred French cuisine, while China Tang is known for its authentic Cantonese menu.
by Amanda Bernstein
Room rates start from £800 per night