After a turbulent year in various iterations of lockdown, UK hotels have finally been granted permission to reopen. Hallelujah!
Some might opt for a seaside break, whilst others will book a secluded treehouse in the countryside, but my best advice for anyone looking for a post-lockdown staycation? Treat yourself to a break at one of London’s most iconic hotels. Why? Because beaches will be overrun with day trippers, you’ll be hard-pressed to get into The Pig until October and London boasts some of the most esteemed hotels in the world that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Case in point: The Dorchester.
Quite frankly this iconic hotel needs no introduction, but please allow me to indulge you.
Part of the Dorchester Collection (which also includes 45 Park Lane, Coworth Park, the Beverly Hills Hotel and Le Meurice), The Dorchester is the grand dame of Park Lane and overlooks Green Park, making it the ideal location for soaking up the city’s buzz in all its glory. It comes as no surprise that Prince Philip chose the hotel as the location for his stag do, politicians chose it as their HQ during The Blitz and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were frequent visitors.
If you’ve set foot inside the hotel, you’ll be familiar with that sudden surge of awe you experience as you marvel at the larger-than-life urns replete with abundant floral displays. The handiwork of designer florist Philip Hammond, the floral arrangements that adorn the hotel are nothing short of breathtaking – and the in-house team get up at the crack of dawn to ensure they’re at their blooming best.
Whether you’re staying over or not, no trip to The Dorchester is complete without a spot of afternoon tea in The Promenade. It’s the setting of choice for milestone birthdays, marriage proposals and special family moments. Surrounded by rose hued marble pillars, guests are invited to sink into the quilted-brocade sofas and seriously indulge themselves. Opt for the champagne afternoon tea because bubbles make everything better and #lockdown. It includes delicious quintessentially British finger sandwiches with a gourmet twist; think devilled free-range organic egg, mature cheddar, English mustard, fruit chutney on parsley wholemeal bread and baby cucumber, pear, cream cheese, black pepper and micro basil on basil bread. Artisan sandwiches are served alongside freshly-baked warm scones with lashings of The Dorchester rose jam and Cornish clotted cream, and French pastries which are often seasonally themed.
You’ll be pleasantly stuffed after this decadent occasion so I suggest booking a late dinner reservation (more on that later) and rolling your way to the spa. You’ll already be feeling relaxed after quaffing your Laurent Perrier at afternoon tea but the ambience of the spa will help you slip instantly into an even deeper state of relaxation. The Art Deco-inspired spa (adorned with Philip’s finest floristry, of course), offers a plethora of treatments, from Carol Joy’s much-lauded facials to Aromatherapy Associates reviving and toning massages.
For an all-round hero treatment, the £130 Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience is a real treat. The therapist selects aromatherapy oils based on how you hope to feel after your treatment (relaxed, invigorated or energised) and uses Swedish and soft tissue techniques to relieve tension and encourage deep relaxation. A spot of lymphatic drainage, which aims to encourage healthy circulation and invigorated skin, doesn’t go amiss either.
Want to recreate the experience at home? The Dorchester’s spa director, Sally Peddler, suggests: “Create a comforting blend of rose, lavender and peppermint. This glorious combination smells amazing and helps to soothe any skin irritations, relieve tension and improve energy levels – it’s a really great all-rounder. There’s nothing quite like a long bath at the end of the day. Bath infusions are a great way to relax, and you always feel wonderful afterwards. Simply add to your bath water to release all those wonderful aromas.” You’re welcome.
By this point you’ll be feeling extra zen and it would be rude not to have an afternoon nap after surveying the king-size bed and super plush bed sheets that are so line-free, they match the foreheads of the well-heeled guests who reside here. Each and every room allows you to live the Dorchester experience but we’ve been in lockdown for so long, it would be foolish not to treat yourself. Introducing the Dorchester Suite: an abundantly spacious and light suite with roaring fireplace, plush sofas, six-seater dining table, chintzy bedroom complete with chaise longue, and swirling marble bathroom with even more fresh flowers (you’re spoiling us, Philip!). With breathtaking views of Hyde Park from each room, tasters of The Dorchester Old Tom Gin and tonics and custom-blended sleep sprays on the bedside table, this is liveable luxury at its very best.
If you’ve just about recovered from your afternoon tea food coma, dinner in The Grill is a must – but not before a pre-dinner tipple in the bar, which Bar manager, Giuliano Morandin, prides as possessing ‘an illustrious history and a spicy reputation’. Cosy and welcoming, hours could be spent here sampling Giuliano’s delicious twists on the classic Negroni but please, save yourself for The Grill. Two words: champagne trolley.
The Dorchester may be home to the better-known China Tang and Alain Ducasse but The Grill is an equally ethereal haunt that showcases young talent Tom Booton’s interpretation of a modern-day British grill. The restaurant’s spectacular décor was rejuvenated by Bruno Moinard in 2014 and the Murano glass chandelier is worthy of a spot on your Instagram grid. The food is just as exquisite as the decor. Think Cumbrian beef tartare, radish, oxtail jelly, yesterday’s bread, beef fat yolk, Prawn Scotch egg, warm tartare sauce, gherkin, Ribeye, stuffed onion, gentleman’s relish mayonnaise, anchovy fritter and the restaurant’s iconic pear tarte tatin for two, blue cheese, port, cinnamon ice cream (don’t be ashamed to take a ‘doggy bag’ with you for tomorrow’s breakfast).
At the age of just 26, it’s safe to say that Booton has earned his spot as the hotel’s youngest-ever head chef, putting an edgy spin on old classics.
Yes you’ll spend 24 hours eating, drinking and sinking into buttery leather sofas but after a year in lockdown gorging on banana bread and feeling sorry for yourself, you deserve it and The Dorchester will welcome you with open arms.
Doubles from £450 a night. Book The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA by calling +44 20 7629 8888 or at dorchestercollection.com