London’s iconic Dorchester hotel has unveiled renderings of its biggest renovation since 1989. As you would expect, no expense has been spared for the revamp, with design heavyweights Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki brought in to transform Park Lane’s most prestigious property.
The hotel remained open during the extensive refurbishment and is set to unveil the stunning new interiors in September. At the heart of the design is a steadfast commitment to celebrating The Dorchester’s past while looking to an exciting new chapter. Here, Elite Traveler takes a look inside.
Stepping through the front door, guests will struggle not to stop – at least for a moment – and marvel at the spectacular marble lobby. French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon (the man behind the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and St. Regis Rome) has created a light-filled space that can only be described as regal with its gilded accents, imposing artworks and glittering crystal chandeliers.
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Moving beyond the lobby into The Promenade, Rochon’s vision is equally as decadent. The space is adorned with a striking mirrored ceiling, gold-lacquered Corinthian columns and plenty of lush green plants. In one corner of the room lies the gleaming Champagne Bar topped with silver buckets of the finest vintages.
This isn’t the only place where guests can relax with a tipple. The Dorchester enlisted acclaimed designer Martin Brudnizki to work his magic on the hotel’s legendary cocktail bar. Inspired by the roaring thirties, the moodily-lit, gold-hued interior features a Palladium leaf ceiling, frosted Art Deco shell lamps and cozy emerald-green sofas. The bar is also set to be decorated with a series of photographs and drawings from Cecil Beaton, in a nod to the hotel’s glamorous past.
The Dorchester turned to Rochon once again for the renovation of the hotel’s accommodation. Reminiscent of a beautiful English country garden, the celebrated designer has breathed new life into the property’s 182 bedrooms and 65 suites creating tranquil interiors in shades of pale leaf green, heather blue and rose fog pink.
Perhaps most exciting of all is the brand new Cake & Flowers boutique, also designed by Rochon. With its own entrance on the Deanery Street corner of the hotel, the interiors fittingly bring to mind a delicately frosted gateau. Here, the shelves are filled with sweet treats from executive pastry chef Michael Kwan and elegant floral bouquets from The Dorchester’s in-house designer florist, Philip Hammond.
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