A Glamorous New Chapter: How The Dorchester is Redefining Luxury in London

Well-heeled global travelers are likely to be fans of the Dorchester Collection, a group of luxury properties famed for their impeccable service, refined style, see-and-be-seen spots to dine and imbibe, and amenities such as destination spas. Each has a distinct personality, from the legendary Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris with its facade of red flowers to The Beverly Hills Hotel with its Polo Lounge, a favorite of the Hollywood set.

In London, the competition among high-end properties is stiff. I’ve had the good fortune of staying in some of the best, but based on a recent experience, I can tell you The Dorchester is a standout.

Though The Dorchester opened in 1931, dated it’s not, and the property recently unveiled a significant renovation that makes it even more relevant. Pierre-Yves Rochon, the sought-after design firm, has reimagined the interiors to reflect a fresh perspective on 1930s glamour. Shades of gold, green and blue are prevalent, as are an abundance of fresh flowers and soft wood finishes.

Hyde Park Suite / Photo: Courtesy of Mark Read

The 241 spacious guest rooms and suites evoke apartment-style living. Taking their inspiration from an English garden, they feature leaf-green and pink colorways (some suites have hand-painted headboards). All offer roomy desks for working, comfortable chairs for lounging, and large windows that allow plenty of natural light to filter in.

In addition to being redesigned, the accommodations have been enhanced with soundproofing, state-of-the-art technology and upgraded air conditioning. If I hadn’t been in London, a city I can’t get enough of, I would have happily stayed in my large suite overlooking Hyde Park, changed into the cozy oversized bathrobe and enjoyed a well-executed room-service meal followed by a long soak in the white-marbled bathroom tub. The space was truly a retreat, and other aspects of the property were equally on point.

Let’s start with the five restaurants and three bars. The impressive lineup includes the three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester; The Grill by Tom Booton, serving modern British food under the helm of the eponymous talented chef; and the art deco-inspired Cantonese spot China Tang at The Dorchester.

The Dorchester restaurant / Photo: Courtesy of Dorchester London

The Promenade, a hallmark of the hotel since its inception but now completely redone, is the place for high tea or a casual lunch and a prime venue for people-watching. I ate a delicious salad with grilled chicken here, surrounded by fashionable Londoners who were clearly repeat diners based on their familiar interactions with the staff.

Speaking of the staff, no matter whom I encountered, everyone was warm, genuine and ready to help with any request. Vesper Bar, a glamorous watering hole designed by Martin Brudnizki, features an outstanding list of cocktails, wines and spirits. A new addition to the property is the Lalique-crystal-decked Artists’ Bar. For hard-to-resist pastries, cakes and gorgeous bouquets, there’s Cake & Flowers, another post-renovation debut

The Promenade / Photo: Courtesy of Dorchester London

As a spa junkie, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention The Dorchester Spa, which has a fantastic gym, of-the-moment features such as quartz beds, relaxation loungers aimed at reducing stress and increasing awareness, and an expansive list of treatments from facials to massages.

The Dorchester’s general manager, Luca Virgilio, says that wellness is “a big priority” for the hotel. He also emphasizes how business-friendly it is: The property has ten spaces for meetings and events, and the concierge team can loan guests computers and provide office supplies.

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