The Dorchester

Finishing up a multi-night stay at the legendary Dorchester... Plusses - Great location - Class and $$ pervade at every corner (a fleet of luxury vehicles surrounds the front entrance) - Attendants at seemingly every turn wishing you a "cheery" good day - Room very nicely appointed with high quality furnishings (four phones?) Negatives - Some carpeting and other areas looking a little tired - Work out area highly outdated (small, cramped, no windows, but decent equipment) - Had breakfast, twice. English Breakfast way overpriced at 34 pounds. On the second time, literally NOTHING ordered was brought correctly. Couple next to us was to the moon with frustration on timeliness and quality of service. Really quite amazing at how bad it was. It is breakfast for goodness sake, and at 34 pounds, at a place like the Dorchester, it should be more than right.

June the 3rd was my wifes 60th birthday, so i and 2 friends this treat for her. This is our story. We pulled up in a taxi which a friend of ours owns, on arrival the door is opened for you and you are ushered into the main foyer. It is amazing like something from the 1930.s. Those of you who have seen the Poirot series will know what i mean. In fact you almost espect to see him appear. You tell one of the attendants reason for your visit and then you are ushered to the Afternoon tea reception desk. Our time was for 4.30 pm but we arrived early but that was no problem as a table was waiting or us. to which you are taken. It is a long room amazinf flower arrangements various size tables are laid out. We had a 2 seater sofa and 2 enormous armchairs. Settled in a tea menu is produced, so many to choose from. We settled for their own mixed blend plus breakfast tea. Our waiter was a young Malay gentleman i forget his name but he was brilliant, had not been working there that long. There are plenty of others in attendence, they seem to glide not walk.Further down a piano is playing. Tea is severd in lovely cups each with its own strainer. Yoy start off with various finger snadwiches, if you look on their website menu it lists them, anything you dont like just mention in advance and they will change it. Next comes 2 large warm scones plus stawberry jam and one other.Gorgeous. They also bring a large glass i would say jar of hot fruit tea which you drink between courses ithink it was peach but i stand to be corrected, this clears the pallet for the next course. It is beautiful. Then come the selection od pastries heaven. As it was my wifes birthday they also provide a small birthday cake and when it is bought to the table the pianist plays Happy Birthday. She did this on at least 6 occassions whilw we were there. It is great for people watching we saw no one famous that day but just to watch is great. Drtess is smart casual and some of the outfits were amazing. We had all bought new items to wear. That is part of the fun of it. You are not disturbed but the staff are there if needed,as i said before they just glide. The rest rooms are awesome , i cannot speak for the ladies bur the gentlemens are 1st class. During the course of the afternoon the tea is served again all with fresh cups. You have a 2 hour time slot but unless it is really it is not rigid. We were there from 3,45 pm until just after 6 pm. On leaving the doorman asks if you would like a taxi, we did and he just raises his hand and a taxi that is waiting just pulls up and takes you away. I was and i think the others a bit should i say nervous about going here, i have been to good hotels but nothing like this. No need to worry all those you meet put you right at ease, they are 1st class. This is the place to go for those special days. We had the traditional afternoon tea which is £55.00 plus 12 and a half percent service charge. Well worth it. You for extra have Champagne which i think is another £29.00 though i stand to be corrected on this. Go on give it a try, you will not be dissapointed.

This is one of the best/most up-scale hotels I've ever stayed in. Be prepared to be amazed. The service is top-notch, food excellent, and entire staff over the top. The hotel itself is gorgeous with beautiful flower bouquets as soon as you enter, plush carpets on the floors, and intricate woodwork throughout. The beds and bedding extremely comfortable (imagine cloudlike and make-you-want-to-sleep in!). They have outlets for US plugs as well as European making the stay very convenient. I would go back to this hotel in a heartbeat. Within walking distance to many shops and restaurants.

I had the highest expectations on this five star property. Sadly the priority went to the International arrogance who paid the same dollars as I. Example - elevator was blocked waiting for some sudo important person - problem is they only have two elevators - Oh My Gosh! The property is older and I'm sorry just not worth the cash.

My husband (and sometimes me) stay here a couple of times a year for business travel. The Dorchester is such an interesting place to stay - a confluence of British formality with international guests. Expensive, but worth the price. Strong international clientele with great people watching in the promenade. Rooms are decorated in English formality and could use an update, but very tasteful and comfortable. Great restaurants located within the hotel and hotel staff provides the best service one could ask for. On a recent stay my husband became ill and the hotel was able to have a Dr. see him almost immediately. That is a small example of why this hotel is worth the cost. If you expect excellence when traveling, this hotel will not disappoint.