insideKENT Magazine Issue 114 - October 2021 | Page 102

LONDON
WHERE ICONIC PAST MEETS LIFE-DEFINING MEMORIES :

THE DORCHESTER

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU COMBINE ONE OF THE WORLD ’ S MOST ICONIC HOTELS , ONE OF LONDON ’ S MOST LUXURIOUS POSTCODES , UNRIVALLED SERVICE AND CARE , AND A CHECK-IN THAT INVOLVED THE LITTLEST insideKENT REVIEWERS ? PERHAPS THE BEST FAMILY STAYCATION EVER . SAMANTHA READY TELLS ALL ...
It ’ s fair to say that The Dorchester has it all . Even before factoring in the absolute care , attention to detail and wonder that the team has encapsulated to create a family-centric experience like no other .
Proudly standing adjacent to Hyde Park , offering the buzz of Park Lane , the elegance of Mayfair and the glitz of Bond Street , The Dorchester is a destination in its own right .
Arrival , marked not least by the supercar aficionados who vie for glimpses of the hotel ’ s auto-couture collection , is a whirlwind of exclusive awe . Top hat and tails bedecked concierges , in The Dorchester ’ s signature green palette , effortlessly escort elegantly dressed guests to one of the many wait-list delights beyond the revolving doors ; signature afternoon teas , lunch or dinner courtesy of Tom Booton in The Grill , Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester ’ s three Michelin-starred dining offering , or , of course , to check in for a very rather special stay .
Already boasting its own legends , stories and memories , and renowned for fulfilling the heart ’ s desires of its guests , The Dorchester is now establishing a new legacy that is utterly family focused .
The littlest Ready ’ s wide-eyed awe was only surpassed by our own , as we took in the refined decor , incredible floral displays and breathtaking beauty of the grand building , a moment that was next surpassed as we were introduced to our incredible butler Miguel and escorted in the lift to our far from humble abode , The Dorchester Suite .
As befitting a namesake offering , The Dorchester Suite is a pinnacle of style , space , sophistication , and charm . There are breathtaking views and floods of natural light , gifted by the numerous windows that span around its dual aspect , Park Lane position .
The lounge ( which boasted four of the aforementioned windows ) was abundantly spacious ; amply fitting two huge , plump , deep sofas aside the fireplace , a giant Bang & Olufsen TV and full size dining table . The bedroom was majestically beautiful ; think four-poster bed , dual aspect windows , desk and lounge . The bathroom , in all its marble elegance , boasted a large walk-in shower , full size bath , double vanity , and , in a hotel rarity , its own windows to afford yet more natural light .
As if booking into one of The Dorchester ’ s signature rooms or suites , where traditional aesthetic meets iconic decor for an abode quite unlike any other , were not enough , if you book a beautiful room for your family stay you ’ ll be treated to 50 % off a second room . Book a suite and you ’ ll receive a second room entirely complimentary !
As we stood in awe of our wondrous surroundings , Miguel exited stage right with the littlest Readys to find their ‘ own ’ room . Following the delighted whoops of glee across the adjoined entranceway , we found them ensconced in their own robes and White Company slippers sat beneath the most beautiful Beatrix Potter character canopies , set up on their respective twin beds for their own bespoke glamping experience . They delightedly showed us to their own bathroom and walk-in wardrobe , and bubbled with excitement as they said they had been let into the secret that they would be having their very own movie night that evening , just one of the adventures and experiences that families can add to create their own magical Dorchester experience .
Aside from glamping and movie night ( which proved to be an utterly delightful experience of popcorn machines , a dessert buffet , hot chocolate , and the childrens ’ favorite movies !); little guests can join Saturday Kids Club with Sharkey and George during the summer holidays and splash around during special family times at the recently opened The Spa at 45 Park Lane ’ s swimming pool .
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