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Mike Yardley: A night at The Dorchester

Author
Mike Yardley ,
Publish Date
Tue, 27 Dec 2016, 1:46PM

Mike Yardley: A night at The Dorchester

Author
Mike Yardley ,
Publish Date
Tue, 27 Dec 2016, 1:46PM

The catchphrase that emblazons their souvenir coffee mugs sums it up in a mouthful.  “I’d rather be at The Dorchester.”  A word perfect phrase that encapsulates the sense of escapist grandeur and pampering, far removed from the hum-drum of the daily grind. Yes, the illustrious London establishment at 53 Park Lane is a singular experience that will absolutely elevate you to cloud nine, even though you know you’d expect nothing less given the price-tag.

This landmark grand dame in Mayfair, considered by many as the ultimate bucket list hotel destination, rightly warrants its gilt-edged reputation. And the history that suffuses this glorious hotel is equally alluring. The Dorchester has enjoyed an enduring relationship with the House of Windsor, since its doors first opened in 1931. Lording over Hyde Park, the Queen and her cortege dressed for her wedding at the hotel, in 1947, while Prince Charles famously threw his bachelor party here. If you really want to add some fairy-dust to your London getaway, even though it costs an arm and a leg, splash out on a night at this starry-eyed establishment.

It’s such a magical venue to celebrate a special occasion or an anniversary. The hotel recently undertook a multi-million dollar makeover to its guestrooms, an exercise in designer ballet, whereby the timeless glamour is preserved and fused with contemporary touches – without going completely gadget-crazy. Flouncy and frumpy furnishings have given way to lighter, more airy spaces, channelling the English country living aesthetic. I spent a night in a recently refurbished Park Suite, a glorious expanse of luxury, now much lighter with the previously dark furnishings stripped back.

Accommodations undeniably exude a country house meets art deco style. Luxuriate in Irish linen sheets on canopied beds, acres of brocades and velvets, and Italian marble and etched-glass bathrooms with exclusive toiletries created by Floris. Yes, the bathrooms are undeniably are extravagant work of art – I’m sure I had to scrape my jaw off the floor. The 21st century flourishes are discreet, not showy – like drench showerheads, sophisticated thermostats and touch phones.

The masterly attention to detail is exceptional.  I admired how the doors are painted with flowers, while the fittings are decorated with acorns and oak leaves. Three top-floor suites even have wallpaper with beaded-glass accents. I cheerily drunk in all the artistry, from the hotel’s majestic carpets (each floor sports a distinctive colour), to the divine Art Deco clocks by the lifts. The Dorchester boasts some headline dining experiences, which you are most welcome to enjoy, even if you’re not staying in-house.

Three Michelin star Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester celebrates French dining in excelsis, while China Tang offers traditional Cantonese cuisine. Opened a decade by Hong Kong restaurateur, Alan Tang, this enchantingly exotic restaurant is done up in a 1930s’ Shanghai style. For hearty, inventive British cuisine, head to the boldly-decorated The Grill, while The Bar is a escapist cocoon of seduction, complete with private booths and a staggering menu of bespoke drinks and mixology.

But my favourite public space is the sweeping opulence of The Promenade, the central living room of the Dorchester, enlivened with coral-coloured silk draperies and gold-framed mirrors. Breathe in the glamour and the grandeur in this people-watching paradise while partaking in one of the five daily sittings of Afternoon Tea.  While sipping beautiful tea and noshing on delectably designed morsels, an unexpected thrill was a spontaneous pop-up performance by members of the English National Ballet Company. 

Also in The Promenade, there’s the inviting champagne bar and a pianist tickles the ivories in the evenings.  If you’re in the mood for some bodily panel-beating and pampering, in equal doses, The Dorchester Spa comes highly recommended, with its own light-dining restaurant, The Spatisserie – another artfully designed picture of elegance. It’s a fiendishly trendy haven for more tea and cake.

Despite being such a seriously posh property, The Dorchester is anything but stiff.  I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the staff, who are pleasingly disarming and personable – no matter who you are. Unfailingly welcoming, engaging and attentive – this hotel embodies the highest service values.  From royals, rock stars and passing glitterati to travellers seeking a taste of the holiday high-life, 53 Park Lane is quite simply one of the finest hotel addresses in the world offering unforgettable encounters. www.dorchestercollection.com

Mike Yardley is Newstalk ZB’s Travel Correspondent on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.

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