simplexity travel management's guide to the dorchester collection

From Past to Present A Guide to The Dorchester Collection

!

!Contents !!Introduction! ! ! ! 3!!!The Dorchester! ! ! 4!! - The Dorchester Spa ! ! 5!!!Coworth Park! ! ! 6!! - Guards Polo Club!! ! 7!!!45 Park Lane! ! ! 8!!- CUT restaurant! ! ! 9!!!!Summary! ! ! ! 10!!Want advice?! ! ! 11!!!!!!!

From Past to PresentA History of the Dorchester Collection

! !Introduction!The Dorchester Collection is synonymous with style, elegance, and luxury. !!Since the foundation of its flagship hotel in 1931, Dorchester Collection has cultivated one of the most esteemed reputations in the hotel sector. With an unrivalled dedication to excellent service, the 10 hotels that comprise the Dorchester Collection across Europe and the USA are favourites amongst celebrities and the famous alike. !!It comes as little surprise then that The Dorchester Collection has been awarded numerous prestigious accolades during its time - including a five-star rating from Forbes magazine for both The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane. !!But The Dorchester Collection has a hidden trick up its sleeve. Although a classic establishment, each hotel in this report has managed to distinguish itself as a symbol of contemporary innovation in its own right. From the zero carbon emissions of Coworth Park, to The Dorchester’s state !

!of the art spa, the collection is by no means old fashioned. Always an advocate of modernisation, The Dorchester is never one to shy away from a challenge - combining comfort, elegance, and a touch of extravagance in all of their beautiful suites. !!For this reason, The Dorchester Collection is undoubtedly the perfect choice for professionals, couples, and families - regardless of their taste or requirements. !!With this in mind, this report will examine three British hotels within The Dorchester Collection:!!• The Dorchester!• Coworth Park!• 45 Park Lane!!Focussing on the collection’s fascinating history, the report will explore how The Dorchester and its sister hotels have e v o l v e d i n t o t h e w o r l d - c l a s s establishments that they are known as today. !

3


The Dorchester Collection!!• The Dorchester, London!• 45 Park Lane, London !• Coworth Park, Ascot!• Le Meurice, Paris!• Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris!

• Le Richemond, Geneva !• Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan !• Hotel Eden, Rome!• The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills !• Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles !

!The Dorchester !

!!

A History of The Dorchester !• 1931 - The Dorchester opens its

doors• 1939 - The hotel is named the safest

place in London and is used as a meeting place throughout WW2

• 1947 - Prince Philip hosts his stag night at The Dorchester

• 1958 - Aristotle Onassis throws lavish party for Maria Callas in celebration of her Medea debut

• 1962 - Elizabeth Taylor stays at The Dorchester

• 1970 - Shirley Bassey stages her comeback on The Penthouse

• 1993 - Princess Diana and the Queen attend a banquet in the Gold Room

• 2001 - Cast of Oceans 11, including George Clooney, launch film in The Dorchester

• 2007 - The Dorchester’s three rooftop suites are redesigned by renowned interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud

• 2008 - Roland Fasel is appointed as General Manager of The Dorchester

• 2009 - Alain Ducasse opens Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

• 2010 - Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester wins its third Michelin star, making The Dorchester the only hotel in the UK to host a three-starred Michelin restaurant.

• 2012 - Champalimaud returns to redesign a further 22 suites

• 2014 - The Grill at The Dorchester reopens under Head Chef Christophe Marleix. Interior architect Bruno Moinard was commissioned by The Dorchester to create a vibrant and timeless setting


Since i ts foundat ion in 1931, The Dorchester has established itself as one of the leading hotels for luxury and customer service in the world. From short stays to year-long residencies, The Dorchester has been home to an exceptional range of famous clientele - including Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor, and Karl Lagerfeld. The stunning hotel even played headquarters to General Eisenhower during the Second World War. !!The Dorchester is also one of the most beautiful examples of Art Deco interior design in the country. Inspired by the popular aesthetic of Egyptian orientalism in the 1920’s and ’30's, the hotel features a stunning array of neo-classical marble columns and riverside reliefs throughout the complex. The influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh is also prevalent in The Dorchester - especially in the striking bay windows and floor length-mirrors of the Gold Room, one of the many reception rooms at The Dorchester !!With a meticulous approach to improving standards, The Dorchester has also undergone a number of renovations and makeovers during its time. It is this dedication to excellence which has cultivated the exquisite array of suites and services on offer at the hotel. !!Some of the most notable suites on offer include:!!• The Harlequin Suite!• The Oliver Messel Suite !• The Audley Suite !!Whilst each of these rooms echo The Dorchester ’s t rademark for c lassic elegance, the hotel also features a number of excellent modern amenities and services to suit guests with a contemporary taste.

!The Dorchester Spa !One of the standout features of The Dorchester is its beautiful and luxurious spa. With stunningly ornate Art Deco architecture, the spa boasts of nine treatments rooms and contains within it one of the most luxurious and highly sought after afternoon-tea hotspots in London: The Spatisserie. !!As a world leader in lavish spa services, The Dorchester Spa has a serious cult following amongst celebrities and pampering aficionados. Whilst the hotel never divulges such information, there a number of exclusive skincare brands that now call The Dorchester home - from Carol Joy London, to Kerstin Florian, and La Prairie. It comes as little surprise that the spa has also won a series of esteemed awards, including:!!• The European Hotel Design Awards 2010

The Best Spa, Health and Leisure Facilities!• 2010 Professional Beauty Awards! Boutique Spa of the Year!!• Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Spa Awards ! Favourite UK Hotel Spa 2010 !!So whether you are looking to relax and enjoy some pampering, or perhaps want to sample hand-made delicacies from the elegant Spatisserie, The Dorchester Spa is one of the most renowned and exclusive spas in the world.


5

!Coworth Park !Perfectly situated in the immaculate parkland grounds of Ascot, Coworth Park is a home away from home. For visitors who prefer something more low-key, Coworth Park has built its reputation on providing comfortable suites with a touch of eccentric romanticism. There is also the option to book individual stables and cottages for the perfect rustic weekend getaway.!!However, Coworth Park also has a little-known secre t . The ho te l has an o u t s t a n d i n g c o m m i t m e n t t o environmentalism, with all 70 suites designed to consume energy in a radically different way to any other hotel in the country. !!In fact, Coworth was the first carbon-neutral hotel in the UK. The hotel’s fuel is sustainably sourced from local willow trees which, in turn, are used to fuel biomass boilers. Any increased demand for energy is then locally sourced from rural suppliers. !!Without compromising on luxury, each room is also fitted to exceptionally high eco-friendly standards. All windows are fitted with thermal glazing; in terms of air conditioning, Coworth Park re-uses rain water that passes through its sophisticated water cooling system to power the hotel and provide comfort to guests. This

makes Coworth Park one of the leading green hotels in the world. !!In addition to its eco-friendly philosophy, Coworth Park House rooms are also built on the principle that modern luxury should be comfortable. Designed with a beautiful Georgian flair, each room is mixed together with an understated contemporary design and fantastic amenities. !!

A History of Coworth Park !• 1776 - Coworth Park House built• 1835 - Acquired by George

Arbuthnot• 1879 - King Edward VII and Queen

Alexandra stay at Coworth Park House

• 1899 - 17th Earl of Lord Derby purchases the estate

• 1957 - Coworth Park House becomes a Roman Catholic School

• 1980 - Bought by Galen Weston who builds first polo field

• 2001 - Purchased by the Dorchester Collection

• 2009 - Coworth Park is renovated• 2011 - The official opening

ceremony of Coworth Park

Secret tip…!!The Coworth Park bar has a

fabulously extensive cocktail list, situated in the midst of a kitsch

decor that would put even the most avant-garde to shame (swan tables,

anyone?). Try the Modern Julab, made from fresh mint leaves, rose syrup, and Makers Mark Bourbon

served over crushed ice. !


6

!Coworth Park Equestrian Centre !Any Coworth Park guest worth their breeches will want to visit the Equestrian Centre. Ever since the 20th century, Coworth has been synonymous with outdoor recreation and equestrianism, and has become the premiere location for luxury horse riding and polo. !!The Guards Polo Club is also proud to call Coworth Park its home. The Equestrian Centre is open to all hotel guests, making Coworth Park House an extremely attractive option for horse-riding enthusiasts and spectators alike. With a wide choice of immaculate, thorough bred horses and basic training classes available, the centre is the perfect opportunity for both the experienced and novice rider. !!For a special occasion, the centre also provides Champagne Celebration packages for its guests. This wonderful experience will allow riders to enjoy anything from a sedate walk to adventurous gallop with their steed, depending on their ability. Once this has finished, there will be an perfect opportunity to take photographs and time to enjoy a glass of Veuve Clicquot. !!Coworth Park Equestrian Centre is also the ideal place for young children to learn how to ride a horse. There are ponies available, combined with several experienced instructors, to help guide children from the age of 4 and up. The variety of options available make Coworth Park a wonderful weekend getaway for couples and families alike. !

!


7

!45 Park Lane !As the newest addition to The Dorchester Collection, 45 Park Lane is popular amongst knowledgable jet setters and young professionals alike. Adorned with artwork from Damien Hirst and Sir Peter B lake, the hote l has a d is t inc t ly cosmopolitan and iconic feel - with all the luxury of being situated in London’s Mayfair. !!Arguably London’s top luxury hotel, 45 Park Lane is the design innovation of Thierry Despont - one of the most renowned architects of the 21st century. Influenced by an eclectic concoction of astronomy, technology, and secret curiosity cabinets, each suite at 45 Park Lane has been immaculately finished to the highest possible standard. !!

!!!But perhaps the defining characteristic of the 45 Park Lane suites is their personal, domestic decoration. Each room has been lovingly decorated to mimic the realities of everyday living, with an added touch of luxury and comfort. Furthermore, there are all the modern amenities you would expect from the Dorchester Collection, including the perfect central location and one of the best London restaurants to boot. !

!

45 Park Lane is undoubtedly the perfect place to play host when travelling. The hotel features a fully-equipped Media Room and a stunning penthouse with terrace views of Hyde Park. There is also a fully-equipped gym and extensive library for those in need of physical and intellectual relaxation. !!In terms of location, guests at 45 Park Lane are able to make full use of The Dorchester Spa and the numerous restaurants within the collection. This includes everything from China Tang, to The Grill, and also afternoon tea at The Promenade. !!! ! ! !

!!!

Secret tip… !45 Park Lane also offer a special ‘bath ritual’ for guests. For £20, a

therapist will fill your bathtub with a beautiful oil (of your choice), light

some candles, and recommend the perfect herbal tea to suit your mood.

Bliss.


8

!CUT !Whether you are a guest at 45 Park Lane or just visiting, no trip would be complete without a meal at CUT. The sister-restaurant to CUT in Beverley Hills, the London restaurant seats 70 guests - including a private bar-dining room which can accommodate up to 30 individuals.!!This award winning American-style restaurant offers a mouth-watering array of steaks, unique salads, and pan-roasted lobster. Each evening course comes with i t s o w n s p e c i a l l y c h o s e n w i n e recommendation, and an unrivalled pudding selection that would make Michel Roux blush. !!!

!!!!So if you are looking for a beautifully simple breakfast of homemade pastries, or the culinary extravaganza that is the Michelin Experience by Wolfgang Puck, visiting CUT is a once in a lifetime event - especially for those looking to impress a client. !

!

!


Secret Tip… !45 Park Lane’s Media Room,

equipped with a big-screen TV, is also available for private dining hire for small groups. So you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the perfect steak.

! !Summary !For over 80 years, The Dorchester has welcomed and catered to the needs of thousands of individuals. Whether it was during the heights of the jazz age, or the turbulent period of the London Blitz, The Dorchester has stood as a permanent reminder of innovation and tradition in British culture. With an unbroken commitment to providing luxury, style and excellent customer service, The Dorchester has carried this credo into the 21st century, as seen in the opening of two new luxury hotels - 45 Park Lane and Coworth Park. !!Once a singular hotel, the Collection is the next step in The Dorchester story. From the opening of the nation’s first carbon neutral hotel, to the gaining of a new Michelin star at CUT restaurant, The Dorchester and its sister hotels have demonstrated that luxury comes through innovation. Always one step ahead of the competition, there is no other hotel collection which has pushed the boundaries of contemporary elegance like The Dorchester. !!For this reason, the hotels have become a firm favourite amongst regular guests and international travellers. There is no-where else that visitors can marvel at the beauty of London city centre, or the woodland grounds of Ascot, in as beautiful a location as The Dorchester or Coworth Park House. This gives The Dorchester Collection a unique cult status amongst elite travellers: the ultimate symbol of excellence and opulence in the hotel sector. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


10

!!!!Want Advice? !If you would like to learn more about the cities in this guide, or how to plan your next autumn city break, please contact Simplexity Travel today on 0203 535 9290. !Alternatively, you can also email us at [email protected].!We specialise in all aspects of luxury travel management. With close relationships with the world’s finest hotels and airlines, we are able to offer a comprehensive service with exceptional levels of customer service. !If you are looking for travel management with a personal touch, look no further than Simplexity.!


11

mailto:[email protected]

simplexity travel management's guide to the dorchester collection

Documents