Mixing new and old, sibling London hotels, iconic The Dorchester, and contemporary hidden gem, 45 Park Lane, has a room for every personality.
London is the tale of many personalities combined. But what better sums up the famous city than the aristocrat and the artist. With history steeped in the city’s walls, London’s hallowed halls have witnessed many a story, from travelling politicians to storied artists coming to make their way in Europe’s greatest capital, each with a distinct point of view. And there are two sister hotels which sum it up perfectly: one for each, no matter your personality.
The Dorchester, one of London’s most famous addresses, has recently undergone a significant facelift, with both practical and visual changes aimed at seeing the iconic hotel well into the future. Known for its quintessentially British interior, the Dorchester’s Hyde Park location has been a favourite for visiting royalty (Hollywood and actual), politicians and celebrities for decades, cementing itself as one of London’s most historic and important hotels. The decor, naturally, is just as fitting, with interiors re-imaged by Pierre-Yves Rochon featuring plush chesterfield sofas, grandiose entrance halls, perfectly pastel walls with gilded detailing, and bulging masses of fresh flowers throughout the lobby. Grand is an understatement: the Dorchester is fit for a king (literally, it’s where Prince Philip was said to have wooed Queen Elizabeth during their courtship).
Located right across the road is The Dorchester’s little sister. The rule breaker, if you will. 45 Park Lane, the sibling hotel to The Dorchester’s magnificent 241 rooms, boasts just 45 separate residences. Understated, sexy and private, 45 Park Lane is the cooler younger sister, the artist.
Designed by curator, architect and designer Thierry Despont, 45 Park Lane keeps all of the charm and service loved across the street (every guest is known by name, and greeted as such) but with a contemporary twist. Known for its ever-changing art collection and roving collections, the hotel owns the likes of Damien Hirst and Sir Peter Blake among its collection, and emerging and local artists play hero to pop up exhibitions, which change regularly. The moody and Art Deco-style interiors feel like the best of London in the 2000s personified, with a focus on intimate nooks and glossy, contemporary moments.
The rooms don’t skimp on the details. Large in size (the suites are particularly enormous, especially by London standards), the rooms at 45 are outfitted with all the trimmings you’d expect in a storied building, but with a fresh twist. But sink-in beds and luxuriously deep bathtubs fear not, those are there in spades.
Tapping into the sibling connection, The Dorchester’s renovations recently revealed the Artists Bar, a revamped cocktail space on the ground level of The Dorchester’s restaurant offering, which also includes an Alain Ducasse-helmed bistro, afternoon tea and a legendary grill, amongst others. With a focus on featuring new and exciting art, the bar feels a fitting nod as a link between the two residences. The Dorchester’s brand new Vesper Bar, similarly as cool and intimate as the spaces at 45’s own bar, means ample options for guests of both. Sipping a martini (like Iam Fleming might have once, a regular at The Dorchester) sinking deep into Vesper’s lime green couches might actually be a glimpse of heaven.
Over at 45, Cut is Wolfgang Puck’s debut restaurant in Europe, with a focus on—you guessed it—great cuts of meat, and one of the best steaks in town. Burgundy leather booth-style nooks give the space an old-world feel, and elegant deep timber accents provide a modern touch. It’s safe to say guests of both hotels will leave well fed.
