The Penthouse at The Dorchester, London
Your Chance to See Behind the Scenes at The Dorchester
Sunday 19 September
Open House London encourages buildings that aren’t usually open to the public to open their doors free of charge to Londoners.
When the Dorchester Hotel participates in Open House London, you could be one of the few people to get a ticket for a guided tour around the hotel.
Going behind the scenes at the Dorchester is a fascinating experience. I did it several years ago: all the way from the Penthouse Suite to peeking into kitchen cupboards.
A Grade II listed building; it has spectacular interior designs that range over the last eight decades.
Not only is it enjoyable looking into the many corners of a great hotel, it’s an education to see how the staff work to meet the whims of their customers.
For the second year running, 20 lucky people will be given a private tour of The Dorchester. The private tour will include a visit to its award-winning restaurants and the newly decorated spa.
Roland Fasel, General Manager of The Dorchester talks about “the extraordinary effort that goes into creating this magical world.” He assures visitors that “it will be a great pleasure to provide a second opportunity for people to share in (this).”
Hotel exterior, The Dorchester, London
Over the decades, The Dorchester has employed the finest interior designers to update rooms. The hotel’s first consultant designer was Oliver Ford, who decorated the Queen Mother’s homes at Royal Lodge, Windsor, and Clarence House in St. James.
In May 2009, The Dorchester Spa was redesigned by Fox Linton Associates; they drew upon the art deco movement of the 1930s to complement the original mood of the hotel.
More recently, the Park Suite received a refurbishment, also by Fox Linton. It has been redecorated in earthy tones to give it a fresh, neutral feel, but retains the original painting that was present when Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, held his stag party in that very room.
The lucky few to be guided around The Dorchester will learn more about its unique design, and be privy to the traditional rituals and personal attention that create a ‘perfect guest experience’.
To be in with a chance for the ballot for the Open House Tour, sign up to The Dorchester’s diary, a monthly oracle of news and seasonal offers. You can apply via their email address:
Diary.dorchester@dorchestercollection.com
The draw will take place on 6 September 2010.
If you want to make sure you get an inside view at The Dorchester, a superior double room during Open House London – based on two-people sharing and excluding VAT and breakfast – will cost £305.
