The Dorchester

The Dorchester is an iconic British hotel. I've stayed in it many times. You can't beat the Mayfair location right across from Hyde Park. The lobby is lovely and a perfect spot for enjoying a cocktail or beautiful English tea. But now with the dollar at an all time low staying at the Dorchester has become prohibitive. That said, I decided to bite the bullet, and spend the ridiculous sum to stay where I feel most comfortable. For almost three thousand pounds a night I was shown to a "Dorchester Suite". It's a little snug (under 800 sq. feet) but very nicely decorated and comfortable. There were fresh flowers and a welcome back note from the manager. Here's why I will not return to the Dorchester: there is a 20 pound charge per day per computer in every room and suite. I was there for seven days. Do the math. I find this ridiculously short sided and tacky. So while in London I visited at least a dozen 5 star hotels to see if I could find a suitable replacement. Truth be told not all the suites I was shown were as beautiful as the suites at the Dorchester. But several were and besides having a considerably lower price NOT ONE OTHER HOTEL CHARGED FOR INTERNET. At the end of my week I checked out of the Dorchester and told the desk clerk that I was not happy about the internet charge. He apologized and said it's a frequent complaint but that management was not willing to change it. He suggested I negotiate the charge on my next visit and they would probably cut the price in half. I asked if he would cut the fee in half this time and he said he couldn't. I thanked him and told him there wouldn't be a next time. After years of loyal patronage this idiotic charge was the straw that broke the camel's back. I have booked my next London visit at the Stafford. For almost a thousand pounds less per night I'm staying in a beautifully decorated suite that is larger than the Dorchester Suite and yes, comes with free internet. It's also in a terrific location and has a fabulously cozy and charming bar and the staff I met could not be nicer. And best of all, I won't feel like a schmuck spending a lot of money and feeling fleeced.

Spent half term with the family in London.

Despite the fact that we arrived dragging our suitcases from the underground,we were warmly welcomed with none of the supposed snobbery suggested by some of the previous reviewers.

Two great interconnecting rooms,complimentary champagne and chocolate.

Great position for attending shows in the west end,and even paparazzi waiting outside on our return in the evening-but not waiting for us!

Will definitely stay again when visiting London.