Dorset Square Hotel

My wife and I have just returned from this hotel staying two nights under an arrangement with Auctionair. It was our first visit but it wont be our last. We arrived midday on Saturday 31st October. It was slightly chaotic to begin with as our room wasnt quite ready but very soon everything was sorted out whilst we enjoyed sandwiches and a free glass of prosecco.

Our room 102 was on the first floor facing out over Dorset Square resplendent in golden trees. It had a huge bed, two large windows suitably double glazed to keep out all but the very noisiest of motor bikes, bedecked with heavy braid curtains. The walls had a black flecked wall paper. The furniture was stressed to give a feel of a Victorian bedroom. But not the bathroom which was very modern, marble walls and washbasin, a bath with shower overhead (you worked the shower with side taps on the bath). The loo took rather a long time to refill but that would be the only criticism. Plenty of towels, flannels, hand towels, shower gels etc. Perfect. Oh yes , and SKY SPORTS 1 and 2....

Our arrangement meant that we could dine in the hotel restaurant one evening. The current advertisement states that the restauarnt is English - the Potting Shed. But no more... it ceased trading four months ago. It is now an Italian restaurant and a good one too. Sadly it has yet to make itself known in the neighbourhood owing to restrictions on outside signs. A shame because we had a splendid four course meal , beautifully cooked and presented by very enthusiastic staff, mostly Italian but also a New Zealander. One Italian lass had been in London for around 16 weeks arriving here from Geno not knowing any English. Serena is now almost word perfect !! The meal cost - including the tip - £92. But the arrangement we had through Auctionair meant that the hotel picked up the tab !!

The two breakfasts in the same restaurant underground were just about the best we have had in any London hotel. I had smoked salmon and scrambled egg which would have graced the table of Prince Charles (his favourite dish apparantely ), and next morning a full English which has only been equalled by the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. Again this was included in our prepaid cost.

But it was our last eating experience which surprised us the most. After a hard slog around London on Sunday afternoon we returned for English tea in the lounge. Wow ! More heaps of smoked salmon, toast, sandwiches, cakes, custard buns, fresh strawberries, muffin, butter, jam. The table was groaning and we had so much that there was no need to dine out that evening !

So reader, if you are thinking of a true British stay then try here. One look at the visitors book will satisfy your questions. The only small downside is that the hotel is just outside the normal tourist area but a short walk will take you to Baker Street - yes Sherlock Holmes Museum nearby - fascinating, from where you can take buses 159 and 453 down to Pioccadilly and Trafalgar Square.

We shall be back - thanks to Auctionair !

Tony and Hilary Ireland

Cheltenham

Astrotravel

Dear Guest,

We aim to exceed the expectations of all our guests and I am very sorry to hear that on this occasion we fell short. I welcome and appreciate all feedback as it enables us to build on the service and continue to deliver the inimmitable Dorset Square experience.

The Four Poster Suite in question has a large sash window, a huge skylight over the bed, a door onto a patio and is extremely popular with our regular guests. I apologise about the cracked sink which has now been addressed.

On the morning in question we experienced a mechanical breakdown in the kitchen which impacted the breakfast experience for some of our guests for which we are truly sorry. The Duty Manager in question did speak to the guests and ensured they were all happy with the outcome. In addition a letter was sent out and once again I am sorry if this did not meet your expectations. I have now written personally and hope that my response will be met with your approval. I sincerely hope that we will see you again soon.

I hope my response goes some way to demonstrate that we truly care at Dorset Square and that is what makes us continually stand out from other boutique hotels in London.

Yours sincerely,

Nick

Hotel Manager