Dorchester Hotel - Definitely one of the best in London

Dorchester Hotel - Definitely one of the best in London

Many readers will already be aware of the historic Dorchester Hotel as it maintains a prominent position on Park Lane, across from Hyde Park.

There has been a grand house on the site since before 1792 when the Earl of Dorchester bought Dorchester House.  This was replaced in 1853 by Robert Holford, with a grand Italian palazzo-style mansion.  In 1910 it becomes the American Embassy, and was used as a hospital during World War 1.  However it was demolished in 1929.

A replacement was opened on 18 April 1931, being the first hotel ever to be built using reinforced concrete.  In 1981 the hotel was given official Grade 11 listed status, indicating that the building is of special interest.  And in 1990 the hotel was fully refurbished, and reopened by HRH Prince Philip: a commemorative plaque can be viewed in the lobby.

Many distinctive and famous people have stayed at the Dorchester over the years.  These have included Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Dwight D. Eisenhower who stayed and worked there for the latter part of World War 2, Ernest Hemingway, and many other celebrities.

 The hotel is on the western edge of Mayfair, one of the most prestigious (and expensive) parts of London.  Although it isn’t possible to directly cross Park Lane to Hyde Park, it will only take a few minutes to find your way over there.  The Serpentine, a long curving lake, along with many water birds, is a particular attraction of the park.

It is only 4 or so minutes to walk to Marble Arch underground station (Central Line), or 8 minutes to Hyde Park station.  At Marble Arch you are at one end of Oxford Street, a couple of miles (3.5 km) long, lined with shops from one end to the other.  The prestigious department store Selfridges is not too far along Oxford Street.  Mayfair has many smaller shopping streets, with numerous high-quality restaurants as well.

Also within walking distance from the hotel is Green Park, with the extensive walled gardens of Buckingham Palace on the other side of the road.  If you walk just a few minutes you will come to the front of Buckingham Palace where you will be able to watch the Changing of the Guard at 11am each day.  

You have an exceptionally good range of rooms to choose from at the Dorchester.  You can start with the Deluxe Queen Room, primarily intended for single stayers, queen-size beds, with rooms measuring around 30 square meters, and views over Mayfair.  The Executive King Room measures between 36 and 48 square meters, much more spacious than almost anywhere else, again with views over Mayfair or else the Courtyard.

There is also a range of suites to choose from, of increasing size and obviously cost.  For instance, the Stanhope Suite has a separate Sitting Area, measuring altogether around 51 square meters.  The Park Suites have a view over Hyde Park, luxurious furnishing (as in all the Dorchester rooms), and measuring an amazing 92 square meters in total.  Admittedly you need to be prepared to pay several thousand pounds per night.

And if you really want to go all the way, what about the Eisenhower Suite?  It was here that General Eisenhower planned the Normandy invasion, and the room even has a King Size Four Posters bed.  You even have butler service, and a complimentary bottle of Krug Grande Cuvee NV Champagne.  What’s more, you have complimentary chauffeured transport to or from London’s airports and main train stations.  There are various luxury penthouses available as well.

For a start, the Dorchester has an excellent choice of places to eat and drink.  You have The Grill, Alain Ducasse, The Spatisserie, The Promenade, and China Tang.  The Alain Ducasse really stands out as it is one of the UK’s four 3-Michelin-starred restaurants.  And the traditional Afternoon Tea is a virtual institution at the Dorchester, having been served every day since the opening in 1931.  It is served at 5pm, either in The Promenade of the Spatisserie.

There is one aspect of the Dorchester that makes it pretty much unique as a hotel and that is the availability of luxury cars for use (at an additional cost) by guests.  These can be used for transfers from London airports or major train stations.  Or some guests might like to treat themselves to a special sight-seeing trip, or for making a grand entrance when the aim is to impress.

All of the cars are distinctive in their own ways. There is the 1964 Rolls-Royce Phantom V Limousine in Midnight Blue Metallic, once owned by Princess Margaret and gifted to actor friend Richard Harris.

The 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud 3 was a final edition of the range designed for high-speed and comfortable riding.  This car actually was shipped to California in 1977 for 40 years, with a single caring owner, but has now been brought back to London.

There is also a 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud 1, surely one of the most distinguished cars made by Rolls-Royce.  It was built by hand, featuring an opulent red leather interior, and is the oldest car in the Dorchester fleet.

And then you have a 1990 Daimler 4.2 DS420 Vanden Plas, looking dignified in a Westminster Blue finish.  This model is particularly popular with the British Royal Family, and the Queen Mother owned several.  This model actually featured in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, where the car was involved in a memorable pursuit at speed.  This car is popular with many Dorchester Guests.

So there you have it.  If you are ever in the Mayfair area for whatever reason, it is worth passing by and gazing up at the walls and windows of this magnificent London hotel.