MY STAY
Hyde Park room
From a high room at The Dorchester, Hyde Park was a much better part of the stay than simply walking through a famous entrance. I cared about the bed, shower and quiet night as much as the view; another floor or exposure on Park Lane could make a different room.
The warm service
I found the welcome warm without its becoming overfamiliar. Having the room explained properly and a simple request handled without a long desk conversation made the old hotel feel easy to use. I liked that kind of calm help more than any attempt to turn each arrival into an occasion.
Breakfast & tea
The Promenade was worth breakfast and an afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes and scones. A vegan selection was available without a special request in advance. At the Vesper Bar, asking for something fruity led to a cocktail made to suit that taste instead of an automatic menu choice. I still reserved the meals that mattered rather than wait for a table.
Would I return?
A Hyde Park outlook and time for The Promenade would make another Dorchester visit more than an expensive overnight. A Hyde Park view and unhurried food were enough to make the hotel feel special; using it only as a bed between appointments would have missed the pleasure.