Dorsett Shepherds Bush London

Opened in 2014, this modern hotel with a distinctive Asian theme exudes a sophisticated ambience. Thoughtful decorative touches are found throughout the quiet public spaces: Beige marble tile floors lead past shiny black acrylic columns to the registration area that's illuminated by a large circular light fixture recessed into the ceiling. A cluster of upholstered armchairs sit across from the reception desk in front of a bank of Asian-style glass-and-wood doors that lead to the Shikumen Chinese restaurant. Fine art for sale is displayed on easels, while framed portraits of Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Marlon Brando appear throughout the lobby and in Shikumen. Richly upholstered sofas along both sides of the lobby lead to a narrow, eight-story atrium where the Jin bar serves custom cocktails and afternoon tea. This is an elegant yet relaxed hotel that attracts both business travelers and tourists. 

The Dorsett is located in the Shepherd’s Bush neighborhood of West London, surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants and across the street from the Shepherd’s Bush Common green space. Three tube stations are within a three- to six-minute walk (Shepherd’s Bush, Shepherd’s Bush Market, and Goldhawk), and the Shepherd’s Bush overground station is an eight-minute walk. A bus stop is right outside the hotel's entrance as well. Two major shopping complexes -- Westfield London and West 12 -- are within a five-minute walk. Westfield is one of the city’s largest shopping centers, with upscale shops and several restaurants, and West 12 has a cinema. Kensington Palace is 20 minutes away via public transportation, and most of London’s other top attractions can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes, including the British Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. The Tower of London takes about 45 minutes to reach on the tube. Heathrow Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel, or 35 to 55 minutes away on public transportation, while Gatwick Airport is a 55-minute drive or about an hour's trip via public transportation. 

The 317 rooms have modern, distinctive decor, with an emphasis on contrasting colors and textures. Standard Double Rooms have banks of windows framed by dark steel that curve up into white ceilings. White walls are paired with accent walls in light-gold wallpaper. Headboards are made of creamy padded leather, and the white bedding is topped with beige throws and matching bolster pillows. Handsome white desks in shiny acrylic offer a work surface, paired with a desk chair in beige leather. Small armchairs in shimmery silver velvet provide another spot to sit. Frosted glass walls separate the bedrooms from the bathrooms with walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads enclosed behind glass doors. Beige tile walls, slate tile floors, heated towel rack, and tan marble vanities with magnifying mirrors continue the elegant look. 

Deluxe Rooms are a bit larger than Standards and have shower/tub combos. Executive Rooms and the 24 Suites add robes, slippers, and minibars to the amenities, as well as access to the Dorsett Lounge that offers free refreshments and other privileges. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, media plug-ins, coffeemakers, and electronic safes. Free Wi-Fi is also available. Some rooms offer nice views of the park across the street, but others face the interior with no outside views. 

The Dorsett Shepherds Bush offers several posh features that add to its value and atmosphere. The Chinese Shikumen restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and the Brasserie offers a breakfast buffet (not included in room rates) and a European menu for lunch and dinner. The Jin bar serves coffee, tea, and custom cocktails. High tea is served every afternoon at the Jin bar as well. And room service operates 24 hours. The 24-hour fitness center has cardio machines and free weights. The rooftop, full-service spa has rooms for massage and other body treatments, as well as sauna and steam rooms that are free to all guests. Fine art and custom jewelry are displayed throughout the hotel, with most of it available for sale. There's three meeting rooms and a business center with Internet access. Concierge and valet dry cleaning and laundry services are offered. On-site valet parking is available, as are concierge services. Free newspapers can be obtained in the lobby. The hotel is nonsmoking, and no pets are allowed other than service animals.