The hype
Reviewers consistently worship the service and the recently renovated rooms by Pierre-Yves Rochon, calling it 'flawless' and 'regal'.
Dorchester
$1,100-1,500/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential 'Grand Dame' London experience where staff know your name before you check in and the floral arrangements cost more than a mid-sized sedan.
Why People Love It
- The Promenade's legendary afternoon tea which is basically a London rite of passage
- Alain Ducasse's 3-Michelin-star dining that actually lives up to the hype
- The deep, rapid-fill bathtubs that are rumored to be Elizabeth Taylor's favorites
Quick Take: It is unapologetically opulent, incredibly expensive, and performs 'luxury' with a capital L—if you want subtle or cool, go to Shoreditch.
Reviewed by @smtravels.x: I felt like absolute royalty staying here. The lobby flowers are stunning, but the highlight for me was the spa—it’s this dark, quiet sanctuary that makes you forget you’re in central London. Also, the breakfast spread is dangerous in the best way.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The price tag stings even for the wealthy—breakfast is £38-45+ per person and a gin and tonic can hit £25.
- You pack a blazer for breakfast and enjoy dressing up for dinner
- You appreciate old-school service where doors are opened for you instantly
- You want to spot celebrities or royalty in the lobby
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Twice-daily service including turndown. Reviews consistently cite 'spotless' conditions.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate marble. Grout lines are scrubbed white; no signs of mold or wear in renovated rooms.
- Maintenance: Flawless. The recent renovation means paint, carpets, and fixtures are in showroom condition.
- Linens & towels: Heavy, plush Egyptian cotton towels and crisp, high-thread-count sheets.
- Odors & scents: Signature scent of fresh flowers (specifically roses) permeates the lobby; rooms smell neutral and fresh.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy traffic on Park Lane (24/7 bus and taxi noise)
- Interior hallway noise if near the elevators in the busy main building
Before you book
Good to know
- Afternoon Tea at The Promenade requires booking weeks in advance
- The dress code is 'smart casual' everywhere, but jackets are preferred for men at dinner
- Valet parking is extortionate (~£60-85/day); take a black cab instead
What to pack
- Smart dinner attire (no ripped jeans or sportswear allowed in main areas)
- Swimsuit (for the pool across the street at 45 Park Lane)
- A high-limit credit card for the incidental hold
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Park View Rooms (recently renovated, stunning views if you don't mind the hum)
- Stanhope Suite for Art Deco lovers
- Rooms facing the inner courtyard for absolute silence
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing Park Lane (noise is most audible here)
- Unrenovated 'Classic' rooms if any remain (always ask for the new Pierre-Yves Rochon designs)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate one of the newly renovated rooms by Pierre-Yves Rochon. If possible, I prioritize silence over a view, so a high-floor courtyard-facing room would be ideal to avoid Park Lane traffic noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool at The Dorchester?
Technically no. Guests have free access to the pool at 45 Park Lane, which is the sister hotel directly across the street.
Does The Dorchester allow pets?
Yes, small dogs (under 7kg) are welcome for a daily fee of £35, but they cannot enter restaurants or bars.
What is the breakfast cost?
Expect to pay around £38-£45 per person for the full English or buffet options if not included in your rate.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. 'Smart casual' is the baseline. No baseball caps, ripped jeans, or sportswear in the Promenade or restaurants.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Is the hotel kid-friendly?
Surprisingly yes. They offer a 'Dorchester Children' amenities program, though the vibe is definitely more adult-oriented.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Grab coffee at 'Parcafé' on the corner—it's arguably the best coffee in Mayfair and much cheaper than room service.
- ✨
Ask the florist (Philip Hammond) about the 'Dorchester Rose'—a specific variety bred just for the hotel.
- ✨
The 'Bread and Butter Pudding' recipe hasn't changed since the hotel opened in 1931; order it at The Grill.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 5% 'discretionary' service charge added to your room rate (you can ask to remove it, but it's awkward).
💡The pool situation requires crossing a 6-lane highway (Park Lane) to get to the spa building.
💡Prince Philip held his stag do here in 1947 (the history is deep).
💡The bathtubs are famously deep and fill incredibly fast—designed so guests wouldn't wait long.
💡The 'Spatisserie' offers a 'spa afternoon tea' which is a lighter, less crowded alternative to The Promenade.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Dorchester is located and what's nearby.