The Dorchester — Hotel in London

We regularly stay in London to take family excursions to museums or other attractions or just to relax and enjoy being treated well; as our other regular hotel was becoming increasingly disappointing we began to reach out further to find a new home base.

The Dorchester delivered and more! The hotel is in a good location with close proximity to parks, Oxford St and attractions and was easy to get to. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by the doormen - who I must say were excellent as well as being professional, friendly and courteous and entered to check in a little early before we headed to the Science Museum.

Check in was very thorough, quick and organised with lots of small personal touches that we would see throughout our stay. Daniele was our focal point and he told us our room was ready and they had upgraded our room and offered to view it before departing which we obviously did. The room - a Dorchester Studio Room - was beautifully decorated and full of lots of useful amenities. We also met Melissa the Guest Services Manager and she was really attentive too, introducing herself personally and giving us her business card; we corresponded with her throughout our stay and nothing was too much hassle. Both staff members are obviously amazing assets to the hotel and we thought they deserved recognition.

We returned to the hotel after the Science Museum ready to go for a swim at 45 Parklane - offsite; unfortunately there was a mix up initially with the booking however it was swiftly resolved and Melissa escorted us across to make sure it was all okay. The swimming pool was lovely and quiet and we all enjoyed a dip and planned to return the next day too. It is also worth mentioning that the staff were all amazing too and the amenities there were fantastic and well stocked.

I should also mention all the extras that were left in the room for our discovery when we entered, including a lovely fruit platter, soft drinks, chocolate hotel facade and popcorn - plus a complimentary drink at the Vesper Bar - as well as a Dorchester teddy, gift pack and David Walliams reading book specifically bought for our son. It was very thoughtful and a lovely surprise that added to all the small personal touches and consideration from the hotel staff.

Our evening meal at The Grill was perfect and we had a delicious meal. The hostess was friendly and welcoming and the manager Matteo treated us like VIPs which made our visit even more special. Staff were also really on point and attentive, with both Matteo and our server David checking in to make sure everything was okay and we were enjoying ourselves, chatting to us in between courses and even giving us a tour of the kitchens which was very interesting and informative.

The bed was very comfortable, like a fluffy cloud and we all had a great nights sleep. The lighting controls were really helpful and handy in the night for ease and all of the details in the room like this have obviously been really well thought out. We asked for a few extras amenities earlier in the night and all of these were dealt with immediately and brought to the room (including a change in tea ware for my wife as she likes a bigger cup, and plasters for sore feet; again nothing was too much for the staff).

We took breakfast in the Promenade, which was the only real disappointment of the stay. We felt the service wasn't great and it was overpriced. We did feed this back and they appeared to take this very seriously the issue was immediately and amicably resolved.

Our second swim was again brilliant and a nice treat before we headed home and the check out with Daniele was again friendly and well organised, we had a nice chat to the staff and were planning our return. We had a quick meal in the Vesper Bar which was really good and then headed out toward home...

I could have stayed at any 5 Star hotel in London - and unfortunately - I chose this hotel because - I have enjoyed other Dorchester Collection properties - and as that I usually stay at The Ritz and it is undergoing major renovations I thought I would give this property a chance since I had read so many positive articles about its recent renovation. Huge mistake! Huge! I booked an Executive Junior Suite for my 4 night stay and prepaid in advance - another huge mistake. Checked in late on a Thursday evening. Very pleasant Front Desk staff but very inexperienced - as would be the case for the rest of my stay. Was escorted to my Executive Junior Suite by a very junior Front Desk rep. The Junior suite was OK - not great - suite had very low ceilings at the very end of a long hallway next to a service door which was swinging open and closed at all hours. Was concerned but didn’t say anything. Tried to sleep in the next morning (Friday). Absolutely impossible. Precisely at 10 am thunderous construction noise directly above my head shook the entire suite - every square inch. I recorded it on my phone. Then intense drilling further reverberated the suite leaving me absolutely shaken and totally discombobulated. Phoned the Front desk to voice my displeasure not only about the current situation but also to inquire why the management had been so disrespectful as to not warn me of the immediate and extremely intense construction right above my head. The representative at the Front Desk pushed back and was not helpful and tried to brush my complaints aside. I insisted on a new quiet suite. Finally after a very intense conversation he said he would work on it. Took exceedingly long time to find new room. After a quiet weekend in what was supposed to be a wing of the hotel where renovations were supposedly complete - on Monday morning precisely at 10 am - rumblings of construction crews directly above my head. Complained to Butler team but as I was checking out that day - just endured it. This gaslighting by the management team at The Dorchester about the construction means I will never return - ever. Nor will I ever recommend this hotel to anyone although as someone who stays in luxury 5 star hotels about 3 months of every year at my own expense for personal travel I receive many requests for recommendations from those looking to travel to same sorts of properties. Ironically - when staying at another Dorchester Collection property in May 2024 I was asked if I would sit down with one of their consultants to discuss my experiences - positive and negative about luxury hotel accommodations and practices around the world and I was happy to oblige. Unfortunately- this terrible experience at one of their properties was one of my worst experiences ever. The only reason for two stars is that I found restaurant personnel in onsite restaurants extremely pleasant - so want to give credit where credit is due. The extremely high end London hotel scene has become extremely competitive over the past few years - very easy to cross The Dorchester off my...

Stepping into Ming's Palace, located in the heart of London, was like entering a realm of culinary excellence. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm hospitality and an ambiance that set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The restaurant's decor exuded elegance and sophistication, with subtle nods to traditional Chinese aesthetics blended seamlessly with modern touches. The subdued lighting and tasteful furnishings created an inviting atmosphere, perfect for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings.

But it was the culinary offerings at Ming's Palace that truly stole the show. The menu featured an extensive selection of authentic Chinese dishes, each crafted with precision and expertise. From delicate dim sum to sumptuous stir-fries, every dish showcased the finest ingredients and impeccable technique.

One standout dish that left a lasting impression was the Peking duck. Served with thin, crispy pancakes and an array of condiments, the duck was succulent and flavorful, with the perfect balance of tender meat and crispy skin. The presentation was equally impressive, with the chef skillfully carving the duck tableside, adding a touch of theater to the dining experience.

Another highlight was the seafood hotpot, brimming with an assortment of fresh fish, prawns, and shellfish, all simmered in a rich and aromatic broth. Each bite was a delight, bursting with the natural flavors of the sea and complemented by the fragrant spices infused into the broth.

The service at Ming's Palace was impeccable, with attentive staff members who were knowledgeable about the menu and eager to ensure that every aspect of the dining experience exceeded expectations. From recommendations on wine pairings to accommodating special dietary requests, the staff went above and beyond to make diners feel welcome and pampered.

In addition to its outstanding cuisine and service, Ming's Palace also impressed with its attention to detail and commitment to sustainability. The restaurant sources ingredients locally whenever possible, and efforts are made to minimize waste and energy consumption, reflecting a dedication to both quality and environmental responsibility.

Overall, my dining experience at Ming's Palace was nothing short of exceptional. From the exquisite flavors to the impeccable service, every aspect of the meal was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence. Whether you're a connoisseur of Chinese cuisine or simply seeking a memorable dining experience in London, Ming's Palace is sure to delight...