The Dorchester Review

Location

Good, but not excellent. The hotel is by Tilney Street, towards the southern end of Park Lane – at times a noisy, mini-motorway. Hyde Park Corner Underground station is within walking distance and the many shops, sights and restaurants of Mayfair and Piccadilly lie to the east.

Style and Character

This is a glamorous five-star hotel with pedigree that attracts a wealthy clientele generally unconcerned with bills. One strength is its sense of the seasons – a whimsical afternoon tea for the Chelsea Flower Show, fabulous decorations at Christmas; another is its subtle pairing of tradition (doormen in top hats) with modern needs (time-saving two-course set menus at lunch).

Service and Facilities

Service is courteous, diplomatic and up to speed. Concierge facilities include a dedicated theatre desk manager. The Dorchester Spa features top brands such as La Prairie and Valmont and a treatment menu offering a choice of no less than 22 high-powered facials. The Ballroom is a key venue for black-tie events.

Rooms

The 250 rooms and suites rise to the ninth floor – 115 have a view to Hyde Park. Some are decorated in an opulent, chintzy style, but most have been redesigned with a smart, pampering look using restful prints and hues. Standard rooms start with the perfectly enjoyable Deluxe Queen category. Comfort levels are super-high and the bathrooms, glistening with chrome and white marble with deep baths, are among the best in London.

Food and Drink

There are four very different options. For memorable tastes matched with superb service, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester offers three Michelin-star French cuisine served in a hushed but enjoyable atmosphere. The flamboyance lies in the dishes, such as the signature “Saute Gourmand of Lobster” and “Baba like in Monte-Carlo” dessert with its choice of five rums; ask to see the kitchens, where 23 chefs beaver away in their smart white toques. Re-launched in November 2014 under head chef Christophe Marleix, The Grill is a delightfully elegant dining room renowned for its grilled meats and soufflés. On a lower floor, China Tang serves a high class Cantonese menu. The Promenade is a long, plush all-day venue that is good for breakfast and afternoon tea providing you don't mind the constant traffic of people passing by. The Bar is not worth a special trip – a better option for a pre-dinner drink would be the cocktail bar at China Tang.

Value for Money

Double rooms from £355 in low season; breakfast excluded. Free Wi-Fi. The atmosphere at The Dorchester varies – sometimes it is spiffing fun, at others somewhat sleazy. If you are planning to blow your hard-earned savings on a treat, be sure to choose the bar, restaurant or suite that will work for you.

Access for guests with disabilities?

There are two rooms specially adapted for the needs of disabled travellers.

Family-Friendly?

Yes – special features include dedicated 'Family Time' packages available on weekends with a complimentary second room for children plus treats.