The Dorchester

The Dorchester has the best concierge service. There was never a request they didn't satisfy. Stuart Aubrey was the most gracious and helpful concierge. We were treated so well, in such a warm and friendly manner, that we will return on our next trip to London. The service is impeccable, with nothing stiff and too formal.

We had a fabulous time. Our welcome was warm as if they were thrilled to have us. They upgraded us on the "first leg" of our visit. On the "second leg" they remembered us and remembered that we had been to India. Impressive. Always called us by name.

Harper Member Critique -- The Dorchester, London
 
Travel Date:    Dec 2009
"We were thoroughly delighted with the Dorchester.  In almost every aspect we found that the property met or exceeded our expectations.  The accommodations were excellent and during both of our stays we were upgraded to the next level.  Although our room for the first three days did not have a view, it was lovely, spacious and very quiet.  The bathroom was a bit awkward, being long and narrow with a tub/shower that was a challenge to enter being quite elevated.  We asked if we could have a room with a better view for our second three days and upon our return we received a room on the fifth floor with a view of Hyde Park.  Although a bit noisier in-spite of triple pane windows, it was a wonderful spacious room (not as spacious as the first) with a better bath (separate shower and tub and more accessible).
Our spa treatments, upon arrival on Sunday the 13th and again on Friday the 18th were excellent.  The fitness center however was a bit disappointing for a property of this caliber.  Room service each day was excellent, prompt and very accommodating.  There was some confusion upon checkout about the amenities included during our stay but when I pointed them out the charges were quickly removed.  We had a similar experience with the complimentary tea during our first three days.
Our two more serious issues were:

We were unable to get a reservation for Tea (a complimentary Harper amenity) during our second three days in-spite of requesting this on Monday, for either Saturday or Sunday.  No offer was made of some type of accommodation.
We received a complimentary bottle of champagne from the management (a standard gesture I think) during each of our stays.  However, we also had delivered to our room on Sunday 13 Dec a bottle of Bollinger champagne with no note.  When we inquired as to the sender, we were told that we had ordered the bottle.  I pointed out that we had not made any such request and to please check to see if it had been a gift.  The staff indicated that we would not be charged and we should enjoy the champagne.  The next day we again inquired if they had discovered the source and they said they had not.  Subsequently, upon speaking to a business associate in the States we had the embarrassing experience of being asked if we had gotten anything in our room -- as they had sent the champagne.  Through this conversation we determined that the Bollinger had been a gift from this associate.  The hotel was never able to acknowledge the sender to us! So while not a perfect visit The Dorchester is certainly a property I would stay at and recommend very highly." BSTravel Office2010-02-08 14:17:45