The Dorchester

My husband and I had afternoon tea at The Dorchester on 4 July 2017. I've always claimed that tea at The Dorchester is the best in London, and enjoyed the event several times during previous UK visits. We were aware of the dress code (especially as the email reminder went into great detail about the expectations) but were disappointed to see no enforcement of the rules. Once of the pleasures of taking tea is being in elegant surroundings with well-dressed people. So I was shocked and very disappointed to see women in jeans, leisure trousers (effectively pyjamas!) and men in polo shirts. We arrived a few minutes before our 3:45 reservation and were immediately shown to our table. However, nothing happened until the appointed time, despite there being many empty places. We were presented with a palate-cleansing floral tea, which was for later in the meal, and then the fresh but very ordinary sandwiches arrived. I would have appreciated a cup of tea at that stage, but apparently that is not their procedure. The scones were tolerable, but the "homemade jam" with which they were served was so runny it ran straight off the scone! Embarrassing! We chose the Wimbledon tea, which was a mistake. The cakes were designed with a nod to tennis, but they were just clever designs and not delicious food. For the money, this is absolutely not good value. There are many other London establishments which offer a far better tea for less. I think this hotel trades on its past name and reputation and it no longer lives up to either. I do not recommend this tea.

We enjoy an English afternoon tea and have visited many interesting places from country tea rooms to luxury hotels. The Dorchester rates as one of the best. Grand surroundings, service that made our anniversary celebration so special and afternoon tea at its best. Highly recommended........ We will be back.

I absolutely love this hotel and restaurant. The best quality evening meal and stay in a lavish place perfect for a cosy romantic dinner which my dear hubby always gets right!👌�have been a few times now...�

Went here for afternoon tea. Pleasant surroundings, but ... cold tea? How difficult can it be to get the most simple things right? Astonishing. Even when the refills came, the water wasn't properly hot. Ultimately the grandeur and pomp are lost when a place falls down on the basics. With standards having slipped like this, the impression remains that this is a place living on its past. Just another overpriced London 'experience', unfortunately.

Impossible to find something to criticize if money is not important. From the moment´you enter the parking lot to the time you leave, you feel like a very important gust. Luxury, but not in an uncomfortable way. Room was great, spa was great, and everything was great. Luckily enough, we paid with air miles. We hope to be able to return.