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The
Dorchester -- One of the World’s Great Romantic Hotels
As the romantic choice of princes, princesses and VIPs, The Dorchester has been the scene of a royal betrothal, secret celebrity weddings and even a Burton & Taylor honeymoon. Sounds like something from a Hollywood blockbuster? Well, appropriately enough, this legendary London hotel is soon to feature in a romantic movie itself. Arriving at The Dorchester is a stylish experience and this hotel has WOW factor -- big time. Accompanied by smartly-uniformed bellboys, we made our entrance through the impressive revolving doors --and gasped. We were greeted by the spectacular sight of the marble and mosaic lobby with its elegant Promenade, where guests can relax and indulge in a little celebrity-spotting. At The Dorchester, you never know just who might be taking afternoon tea. This magnificent 1930s hotel is renowned for its discretion and exemplary service. The Dorchester has a distinctly English style, a fashionable Mayfair location and a history of royal romance. Following a gala
ball here in 1947, Princess Elizabeth (the present Queen) and
Prince Philip met photographers outside the hotel to announce
their engagement. Prince Philip later held his stag night (bachelor
party) in The Dorchester’s Park Suite, and even to this
day, the hotel During our stay, the hotel was preparing to become the film location for the next big romantic comedy ”Wimbledon”. The movie, starring Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany as tennis players who meet and fall in love at The Dorchester, is sure to be a huge cinema hit, reinforcing the hotel’s reputation as a romantic retreat. Despite the imminent arrival of yet more Hollywood stars, we noticed how this grand old hotel retained an air of nonchalance. For decades, it has played the role of gracious host to the rich and famous with absolute discretion. Over the years, celebrity guests have included Alfred Hitchcock, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, Brigitte Bardot, Danny Kaye, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Russell Crowe. Sylvester Stallone secretly married Jennifer Flavin in a roof-top ceremony at the lavish Penthouse and Pavillion rooms, and The Dorchester is J.Lo’s favorite spot for lunch in London. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a celebrity couple to enjoy a romantic candlelit meal at any of the hotel’s restaurants. You can reserve a quiet table for two in the ornate Grill Room, or dine at The Dorchester Bar and admire Liberace’s glass and rhinestone piano. For a more intimate atmosphere, book one of the opulent private rooms at The Oriental Restaurant, or even indulge in London’s latest dining experience -- The Krug Room. Unveiled in May 2003, this stunning restaurant is located within The Dorchester’s master kitchen and features tailor-made menus designed by award-winning chef Henry Brosi. A full-height glass screen allows diners to enjoy a view of the kitchen as their meals are prepared. And at the flick of a switch, the screen becomes magically opaque, transforming the Krug Room into a totally private setting. Only bookable on a very limited basis, this is discrete dining at its most exclusive.
If you’re feeling totally extravagant and crave a private terrace with a panoramic London view, you could of course book one of the roof garden suites. The Oliver Messel Suite is the most famous of these, and was the first luxury suite in any British hotel. Light and romantic, this was where Elizabeth Taylor loved to stay during her visits to London, and where she honeymooned with Richard Burton. The Oliver Messel Suite was also a favorite of both Noel Coward and Marlene Dietrich. The gloriously romantic Penthouse & Pavillion rooms were also designed by Oliver Messel, who created a decadent fairytale setting for receptions and intimate gatherings. Here you’ll find another breath-taking roof top terrace, equally impressive by day or night. As your romantic stay comes to an end and check-out time approaches, you’ll begin to wish you could stop a little longer. By then you’ll appreciate why so many guests regard The Dorchester as a ”home from home”. Both Judy Garland and Duke Ellington made their London bases here, while Somerset Maughan would stay for two or three months every year. Don’t be surprised, then, if you’re just a little reluctant to leave. For More Information Double rooms from
£330 per night The Dorchester is licensed for weddings - The graceful Orchid Room can host a wedding breakfast for 160 guests, while your Bentley is driven in through doors from the street outside! The Dorchester Hotel,
Park Lane London W1A 2HJ (tel: 020 7629 8888)
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Lovetripper.com Romantic Travel Guide
has
rooms reserved for the Sultan of Brunei’s exclusive use
when he visits London.
Bedrooms
at The Dorchester evoke the traditional style and comfort of
an English country house, with the emphasis on sumptuous comfort
and coziness. Each room features exquisite fabrics, hand mixed
paint colors, original prints and antique furniture. Bathrooms
are fitted with Italian marble and have the deepest baths in
London. Among the more affordable options are the junior suites,
with romantic four-poster beds, art deco themes and sweeping
views of Hyde Park. 
Mary
McCarney is a teacher and freelance writer from England. She
writes articles and reviews books for a range of newspapers
and magazines. She is also a contributing author of a new History
reference book.
