New Suites at The Dorchester

2012-09-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — With a fresh take on the eclecticism of the English spirit, The Dorchester yesterday unveiled 22 new suites by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud. Whilst the new suites at Dorchester Collection’s iconic London address in the heart of Mayfair stay true to the hotel’s classic English residential style, the new design fuses contemporary comfort with the timeless glamour and heritage of the world-renowned property.

Commenting on the project, Alexandra Champalimaud, president and principal designer of Champalimaud, said: “I have always been fascinated by the way the English live in their homes and wanted to capture that certain quirkiness found in beautiful English properties, whilst building on the history and quintessentially British nature of The Dorchester.”

Each of the 22 suites features an eclectic array of furnishings, inspired by a cosmopolitan collection of influences echoing the British fondness for filling homes with mementos from a lifetime of travel. Craftsmen from a variety of British firms were commissioned to create furniture, mirrors and textiles for the suites, and fabrics and wallcoverings are from exceptional design houses such as Colefax & Fowler, Coles and Son, Nobilis, Romo, Neisha Crosland, JAB and GP & J Baker.

Dorchester Suites
The 14 Dorchester Suites provide a grand welcome with large marble lobbies that open into spacious and light living rooms with open fireplaces lit up by opaque crystal logs, dining rooms with seating for up to eight guests, and three well-appointed bedrooms with commanding views over Hyde Park which can be connected as one suite.

A collection of artwork adorns the walls, including signed prints by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, as well as Versailles panel flooring, wall sconces by Dernier and Hamlyn, and rugs by The Rug Company, for whom 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. In bedrooms, designer Champalimaud’s bespoke carpeting design was inspired by an architectural detail from an antique mirror housed in The Dorchester, and the wall coverings are by Pierre Frey. Bedrooms also have hand sprung mattresses made in Devon by Vi-Spring, a company with over 110 years of expertise, using only pure British fleece wool and natural materials. Dorchester Suites from £3,165 (approximately $5,096), excluding VAT. Dorchester Suites can be linked with a private lobby to create a 3-bedroom Dorchester Suite from £4,295 (approximately $6,915), excluding VAT.

Park Suites
The striking views over Hyde Park from the eight Park Suites is also enhanced by the design, with previously darker furnishings peeled back to reveal a light freshness that allows the natural beauty and tranquility of Royal parkland to radiate throughout. Hallways with wall coverings by Soma Silk and painting by Fromenthal create works of art around individual black marble-topped Irish side tables.

Living rooms in the Park Suites have oak plank flooring; chimneypieces by Chesneys featuring bronzed flame sculptures; a hand-tufted handmade rug; original artwork by Derek Rangecroft; marble white tables designed by Champalimaud and made by Forgeability; with hand-forged wall sconces by Dernier and Hamlyn.  Bedrooms feature antique chairs, covetable ornaments, and stunning fabrics and wallpapers. The bedding headboard is by Lindon and the designer’s daughter-in-law Sandrine Champalimaud, fashioned embroidery on the bed linens. 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. Park Suites from £2,665 (approximately $4,291) excluding VAT.

All Dorchester Suites and Park Suites feature newly remodeled 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 renowned Michelin three-star chef Alain Ducasse, are as luxurious as the setting demands.

Roland Fasel, general manager of The Dorchester and regional director UK, commented: “We are delighted to work with Alexandra Champalimaud once again to ensure that the highest levels of hospitality in London and The Dorchester’s tradition of eclectic luxury have been maintained for our guests.  This renovation is the latest in a series of constant evolutionary design projects at The Dorchester, and marks the peak of a momentous summer in London.”

Alexandra Champalimaud is an internationally acclaimed designer, known for her previous work on The Dorchester’s three contemporary Roof Suites, sister property Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, among others.

Notes to the editor:
The Dorchester is situated in the heart of London’s Mayfair on Park Lane, with 250 rooms and suites affording expansive views of Hyde Park. The Dorchester Spa reopened in May 2009 after a multimillion transformation to offer indulgent pampering in a glamorous art deco setting.  A wide range of dining is available to guests in The Promenade, The Bar and The Grill.  China Tang offers traditional Cantonese cuisine, while three Michelin star Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is one of London’s finest contemporary French dining experiences.

Dorchester Collection

Dorchester Collection is a portfolio of the world’s foremost luxury hotels in Europe and the USA, each of which reflects the distinctive culture of its destination. By applying its unrivalled experience and capability in owning and operating some of the greatest individual hotels, the company’s mission is to develop an impeccable group of the finest landmark hotels through acquisition as well as management of wholly-owned and part-owned hotels, and to enter into management agreements.

The current portfolio includes the following hotels (in order of them joining the group): The Dorchester, London; The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills; Le Meurice, Paris; Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris; Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan; Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles; Coworth Park, Ascot, UK; 45 Park Lane, London; and Le Richemond, Geneva.

dorchestercollection.com

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