The Dorchester

Recently went for the first time for afternoon tea at the Dorchester. To be honest, considering the price, I was underwhelmed. I have only ever had afternoon tea in lounges that were exclusively for afternoon tea; the setting at the Dorchester is beautiful, but to be sharing the area with guests eating cooked food such as burgers and chips and fish, was very off putting; i didn't expect to have that smell wafting over my table; we passed a grill on the way to our table, shouldn't this food be in there? The people on the table closest to us appeared to be constantly complaining about their food which was also quite irritating; staff appeared to be trying to resolve issues but it was never ending. A small child on the table opposite was constantly running around in front of the service doors until a member of staff pointed out the danger, only then was she seated. I was disappointed the sandwiches came out on a plate on their own, I expected the classic 3 tiered stand, the cakes did come out on a 2 tiered stand. We were presented with a bill despite having already paid online, not acceptable. The worst part; we asked to take the uneaten cakes and scones home, I also had a small chocolate 'happy birthday' which I hadn't eaten so I put it with the cakes, got home, no scones, no chocolate, extremely disappointed. Staff are attentive, room is beautiful, piano player good, food okay, won't return though.

We went for afternoon tea to celebrate a family member's birthday, great selection of teas and coffees, sandwiches, cakes, and pastries, but also great service from the staff, especially Michelle who went the extra mile towards making our visit a memorable one. Even offered us extra sandwiches after we finished - I'm not sure if that is standard but it was a great touch!

My husband and I have traveled all over the world staying at luxury hotels, and we were really looking forward to our stay here. Unfortunately, the Dorchester pales in comparison to others in its’ class for a variety of reasons. First- If you’re looking to stay at a place where staff seems to cower and apologize for simply coming across you in the hall, this is the place for you. What is happening here?! In short, this hotel feels like a massive scene (think Dubai, Miami, Monaco), and is unbelievably stuffy. All flash and no class. The room was nice, though nothing particularly special for the price point, and the dining prices were outrageous by any and all London, NYC, or Côte D’Azur standards without any quality to back it up. We are quite willing to spend when the quality meets the price, though did not feel that was the case here at all. The staff, when not seeming to be watched by some sort of terrifying overload, were absolutely lovely, though the overall culture of the hotel was frankly awful. Not a comfortable stay due to this, and didn’t get at all the luxury feel one usually does when staying at an establishment that this one purports to be. Would not stay again or recommend.

We had a truly wonderful afternoon tea with exceptional service from our waiter Anwar and the rest of the staff. The room was beautiful and flowers amazing

What a disappointment. Total waste of 9k. Check in ladies are fine. Our room was a million miles from the elevator. Check your mini bar items immediately. We had a have eaten box of chocolates. Had i not checked right away we would be on the hook. Housekeeping is the weakest link. Came into our room to find that Housekeeping had placed a bag of garbage and rags on top of my open suitcase. Absolutely horrific. I felt to violated. Such disrespect for guests belongings. I always suspected Housekeeping did unsanitary things while guests not present. This hotel is packed with people NOT STAYING. it's an absolute circus. Mostly middle eastern. Don't think a single person working there is British. Do not recommend at all. Shame on you Dorchester Hotel for a horrible experience. You did not care one bit about our experience.