The Dorchester

Built in 1931, The Dorchester in tony Mayfair sits on a corner overlooking Hyde Park. Its iconic curved facade features geometric wrought-iron railings lining the balconies and yellow-and-white awnings – it’s almost a time capsule dedicated to the Art Deco period. The luxurious hotel has long been a favorite of London’s elite society, writers and artists, and even rock stars. Famous visitors include Prince Phillip, who held his bachelor party in a suite; Elizabeth Taylor, who stayed here with each of her seven husbands; and then-General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who worked on the Normandy Invasion from his suite.

The Dorchester feels sophisticated even before you walk in, with buttoned-up doormen and valets greeting guests arriving via a private driveway that’s lined with Bentleys, Porsches, and Lamborghinis. Despite its ornate molding, shining gilding, and beautiful marble floors, the double-height lobby somehow feels cozy, and the warm and welcoming staff contributes to this ambience.

The heart of the hotel is the Promenade, which is the best place to sit for tea and people watch. The Dorchester’s crowd is international, with a number of high-class regulars -- businessmen, diplomats, socialites, and the like -- passing through its doors, but also plenty of well-heeled, first-time tourists who are more than eager to take photos of the 1930s-style decor and the ever-dazzling floral displays by florist-in-residence Philip Hammond that fill the public spaces. It's not uncommon to see families with young children, too. The hotel is often bustling, with guests and staff milling about throughout the day, but it doesn’t feel chaotic.

Right across the street from Hyde Park in posh Mayfair, The Dorchester sits on Park Lane, which is lined with other luxury properties like its sister 45 Park Lane. There are also several fine-dining options in the area, including Nobu, Tamarind, and The Wolseley. This stretch of road might be a bit busy for some tastes, however.

Though most of the hotel's guests will likely travel around London by private car, The Dorchester is located a seven-minute walk from the Hyde Park Corner Underground station and a 10-minute walk from the Marble Arch Underground station. There aren't many major attractions within walking distance, though Buckingham Palace can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes. Sites like the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye are each about a 10- to 15-minute drive or around 20 minutes by public transportation. St. Pancras and King’s Cross train station are about a 20-minute drive or metro ride away. Heathrow Airport is about a 50-minute drive or 70 to 80 minutes by public transit; Gatwick Airport is about a 65- to 80-minute drive or an hour by public transportation.

No two of the 182 rooms, 65 suites, and three penthouses are alike, with a number of different floor plans and decor schemes. The standard rooms, which range from 280-square-foot (26-square-meter) Deluxe Queens to 387-square-foot (36-square-meter) Executive Kings, are decorated like lavish traditional English residences, with details such as damask wallpaper, luxurious upholstery and bedding, and ornate furniture. The look may not be for everyone -- some might think it feels a little dated -- though it certainly feels classically elegant.

Amenities are modern, including Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems and fast and free Wi-Fi, plus DVD players and Apple TVs are available upon request. All rooms have minibars, but they lack tea- and coffee-making facilities. Suites have similar decor and the same amenities, though are larger and have living areas or separate living rooms. Some suites have Nespresso machines, plus all add posh touches like fresh flowers and butler service.

Swish marble bathrooms have deep soaking tubs, and most also have separate showers. Aromatherapy Associates provides the bath amenities, and guests will also find extra details like dental kits, vanity kits, hairdryers, and plush robes.

Dining is a highlight at the Dorchester, with four main options that includes a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, serving haute French cuisine. The Grill provides a more traditional British experience; opened with the hotel in 1931, the restaurant has retained its carving trolley and Sunday Roast from its early days. There’s also China Tang, a Cantonese eatery, as well as the Promenade, a regal space just off the lobby that’s known for its afternoon tea and people-watching. For light bites, there’s an eatery in the spa called Spatisserie as well as a coffee shop, Parcafe, that serves artisanal coffee in a charming setting overlooking the park. For drinks, guests have two options: The Promenade Bar or The Bar at the Dorchester.

While there’s no pool to swim off the meals, there is a small, but well-equipped fitness center with cardio and resistance machines as well as free weights. Guests can also book a session with the hotel’s personal trainer for a more targeted workout. For relaxation, the spa provides a serene atmosphere, and treatments include a selection of facials, massages, and nail services featuring products by brands like Valmont, La Prairie, Carol Joy London, and Aromatherapy Associates.