Best Room At… The Dorchester
A London landmark since 1931, the Dorchester has played host to guests including Queen Elizabeth II, Elizabeth Taylor, Stevie Wonder, and (at least in a novel) James Bond. After a recent renovation, however, the storied Mayfair hotel has made it clear that it isn’t resting on its laurels.
“We offer sophistication without snobbery,” says general manager Luca Virgilio. “We were very careful to respect the history of the hotel, and to still be recognizable, but we also wanted to bring it into the modern world and create an environment that’s reflective of London itself: a place that celebrates its past but is continually evolving.”
To wit, the recently reopened property, which sits just steps away from Hyde Park, is home to offerings that embody a five-star British stay: a glamorous and sprawling lobby where its Promenade (open all day, but perhaps best for afternoon tea) and Artists’ Bar, where live music brings a convivial atmosphere in the evenings and guests can order cocktails by pointing at the paintings on the wall. But there are surprises afoot as well; the sleek, Martin Brudnizki-designed Vesper Bar is a world-class cocktail lounge that seems poised to bring in a new generation of revelers, the rooftop terrace is a hotspot for those looking for some al fresco fun, and the lauded China Tang restaurant’s Cantonese fare reminds visitors that a large part of what makes London great is its international flare. So, yes, you can (and should) have finger sandwiches, but this isn’t your grandmother’s Dorchester, even if there are rather delicious homemade granola bars on hand in the spa-adjacent gym. “The guests who stay with us want to enjoy everything the city has to offer,” Virgilio says, “and that’s what we want to provide.”
Here, Virgilio shares the details of his own favorite room and explains why the Dorchester is more than a place for visitors to stay in London, but an important part of the city’s fabric.
What do you consider to be the best room at the property and why?
My favorite room right now in the Hyde Park Suite. It’s not one of our most massive rooms, but I just love the character of it. Why do I like it? It feels very residential, and it’s not so big that you lose yourself. Of course, it overlooks Hyde Park and has floor-to-ceiling windows, a living area with a dining space, a guest bathroom, and a walk-in closet. The design that Pierre-Yves Rochon did has a calming effect, and when you wake up there, you know you’re in London at the Dorchester—it really speaks to who we are.
How much does it cost per night?
The room starts at about $7,100 per night.
How would you describe the guests and the vibe at the hotel?
The Dorchester, since its first days, has always been part of London’s social scene. It’s always been inhabited by Londoners. So, 20 percent of my clients at the restaurants are bars are hotel guests, the rest come from outside—it’s that kind of place where moments happen in this city. Recently, I went to see Billy Joel and after the concert I came back to the Vesper Bar for a drink and the place was slammed with others who had the same idea; all of a sudden people who live in London were spending the night in our hotel. We take part in life here; we’re a quintessentially British hotel and our love affair with this city has always been strong.
What feeling about London do you hope to impart to guests?
We think a lot about being British. What we’re creating is a village—an offering that’s always alive, whether it’s breakfast at the Promenade, drinks at the Vesper Bar, afternoon tea, a three-Michelin star dinner at Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester. The eclectic offerings here mirror what London has to offer; we’re a city with a bit of everything, so the Dorchester reflects that and our guests don’t need to go out to try the best examples of that.
What’s a local attraction that you always recommend?
There are the standards, like how it’s nice to walk around Mayfair to see the art galleries and find great inspiration, but there are things that are always changing. For example, a few weeks back, I went to see a fascinating exhibition at Kensington Palace, which explained how the clothes from the olden days helped inspire modern fashion. I’d absolutely send someone to see that while it’s open.
I also always tell people to explore the area south of the river. They can visit Borough Market or beautiful walks along the Thames. The great thing about London is that the landmarks here are classic, but you can always find something new when you’re discovering our neighborhoods. It all depends on how curious you are.
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