The Dorchester

It’s very hard for famous hotels not
to disappoint. The Dorchester’s reputation precedes it, but if I
was expecting to be underwhelmed, I was in for a surprise.

As the concierge showed us around the
Park Suite, it was impossible not to be impressed by the opulence of
the bedroom, the epitome of Art Deco glamour with a beautiful antique
dresser and brass light fittings, or its adjoining Italian marble
bathroom with stand alone bath. We even had a ‘guest’ bathroom —
nothing, it seems, had been left to chance.

Better yet was the elegant
wood-panelled sitting room with its mustard-coloured sofas, desk,
fireplace, dining area and views out over Hyde Park. You could say it
was quintessentially English, although, this being the 21st century,
I was relieved to also note the Bang & Olufsen TV and all-in-one
printer/fax/scanner/copier concealed within the regal furnishings.

Dinner at The Grill proved to be a
classy affair, with scallops and melt-in-the-mouth venison delivered
with impeccable service. All in all, spending time at The Dorchester
really was an incredible experience, and if my short stay is in any
way typical, then the hotel’s reputation is well deserved.