Located in the heart of London’s illustrious Mayfair district, The Dorchester is well-known for its stylish and comfortable guest rooms – all of which offer views over Hyde Park or the hotel’s landscaped terraces. The hotel has recently unveiled 22 new suites, which combine contemporary comfort with the timeless glamour and heritage of the world-renowned property.
The interiors of the new suites have been designed by Alexandra Champalimaud, president and principal designer of New York-based design agency, Champalimaud, and offer a fresh look at the refined eclecticism often associated with the English style. “I have always been fascinated by the way the English live in their homes,” Alexandra explains, “and I wanted to capture that certain quirkiness found in beautiful English properties, whilst building on the history and quintessentially British nature of The Dorchester.”
Inspired by the British fondness for filling homes with travel mementoes, each of the 22 suites features an array of furnishings. Craftsmen from a variety of British firms were commissioned to create furniture, mirrors and textiles for the suites, while fabrics and wallcoverings were sourced from design houses such as Colefax & Fowler, Coles and Son, Nobilis, Romo, Neisha Crosland, JAB and GP & J Baker.
The 14 Dorchester Suites provide a grand welcome, with large, marble lobbies that open into spacious and light living rooms. The living rooms feature open fireplaces that are lit up by opaque crystal logs, while the dining rooms provide seating for up to eight guests. Alongside three well-appointed bedrooms with commanding views over Hyde Park, the spaces can be connected as one suite.
The walls are adorned with a range of artwork, including signed prints by the Prince of Wales. The space also features Versailles panel flooring, wall sconces by Dernier and Hamlyn and rugs by The Rug Company, for which Champalimaud designs. Amber-topped side tables are by Forgeability, chairs are by Howe, sofas by Dudgeon, and the mini-bar cabinet is by Restall, Brown & Clennell.
“I wanted to capture that certain quirkiness found in beautiful English properties, whilst building on the history and quintessentially British nature of The Dorchester”
Alexandra Champalimaud
In the bedrooms, Champalimaud’s bespoke carpeting design was inspired by an architectural detail from one of The Dorchester’s antique mirrors. The wallcoverings are by Pierre Frey, and the hand-sprung mattresses have been made using pure British fleece wool and natural materials by Vi-Spring.
The eight Park Suites also offer striking views of Hyde Park, which are complemented by new lighter furnishings. Hallways feature wallcoverings by Soma Silk and a painting by Fromenthal, creating works of art around individual, black marble-topped Irish side tables.
Living rooms in the Park Suites feature oak-plank flooring, which is adorned by a hand-tufted, handmade rug. The rooms include marble white tables designed by Champalimaud and made by Forgeability, alongside chimney pieces with bronzed-flame sculptures by Chesneys.
Bedrooms feature antique chairs, covetable ornaments and striking fabrics and wallpapers. The bedding headboard is by Lindon, while the embroidery on the bed linens was fashioned by Alexandra’s daughter-in-law Sandrine Champalimaud. The mini-bar is styled in verre églomisé, a technique of gilding the reverse side of glass with gold or metal leaf. The bronzed lamp by Heathfield is pressed from a single piece of coral.
All Dorchester Suites and Park Suites also feature newly-remodelled bathrooms, with separate stall showers, large drench showerheads and bathtubs. The highest level of in-room technology is standard, and amenities including bespoke skincare by Aromatherapy Associates and Champagne Selection Alain Ducasse – a unique blend of chardonnay and pinot noir chosen by three-star Michelin chef, Alain Ducasse.
