The Dorchester has been given a makeover. The iconic London hotel has unveiled the latest phase in its refreshed image, including room interiors, following the ground floor's public areas (of which we revealed a first glimpse in December 2022) – all courtesy of celebrated French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon and his studio PYR. The surgical renovation also encompassed a restoration and clean-up of the hospitality venue's historic façade, facing Hyde Park.
The Dorchester: past, present and future
The Dorchester's 176 rooms and 61 suites have been reinvented as a luxurious, 21st-century interpretation of the hotel's rich heritage. Meanwhile, the renewed public areas range from the art deco-inspired lobby, which blends existing materials and details with new, craft-focused fittings and artwork; the glamorous Artists' Bar, filled with Lalique bespoke creations, among others, and a round bar counter that instantly draws the eye; and the Promenade, which spans the length of the main public space, connecting the lobby and bar via a mesmerising sequence of seating and art – a fine balance between opulence and comfort.
Key to the redesign was the opening up of the ground level – from removing layers in the lobby to reveal windows and bring in natural light, to strategic gestures and routes that bring said light deep into the space, in areas that felt previously dark. Now, the entire public area feels bright and welcoming – a combination of daylight and clever artificial lighting.
Additional 'invisible' touches that make all the difference are the acoustics and subtle smells everywhere, courtesy of lush flower arrangements that include the Dorchester's symbol, the rose (a public-facing store on the hotel's corner, Cake & Flowers, is a new addition to the hotel and provides not only plants for the Dorchester's spaces and events, but also the entire neighbourhood). The harder things to achieve, Rochon explains, are often the ones you don't necessarily see.
In terms of style, 'PYR remained faithful to The Dorchester's rich legacy and unmistakably British spirit,' the designers say. The decor draws on the hotel's 1930s origins and heritage nature, blending it with a series of bespoke items and made-to-measure detailing, such as rugs, inlays, and table centrepieces.
Adding to the tailor made feel everywhere, the Promenade features a series of hand-picked artworks, especially selected for their spot, referencing elements from the hotel's and location's history - from the natural seasons, to flowers and Queen Elizabeth II. It all works towards an atmosphere of undeniable grandeur that touches all the senses.
-
Piaget’s new Sixtie watches recall a glamorous history at Watches and Wonders 2025Piaget draws on historical codes with the trapeze-shaped Sixtie watch collection, revealed at Watches and Wonders 2025
-
A contemporary Swiss chalet combines tradition and modernity, all with a breathtaking viewA modern take on the classic chalet in Switzerland, designed by Montalba Architects, mixes local craft with classic midcentury pieces in a refined design inside and out
-
Cartier dials up the glamour at Watches and Wonders 2025Cartier revamps much-loved watch collections, from Privé and Panthère to Tank and Tressage, upping the sparkle at the watch fair in Geneva
-
For a taste of Greece, head to this playful new restaurant in London’s ChelseaPachamama Group’s latest venture, Bottarga, dishes up taverna flavours in an edgy bistro-style setting
-
A buzzy Korean pop-up becomes a permanent fixture in East LondonChef Joo Won has turned his Calong pop-up permanent in the arty enclave of Stoke Newington
-
New London restaurant Alba is a sun-soaked affairIts name meaning ‘sunrise’ in Italian, Alba is a new Amalfi-inspired restaurant set to shine in Knightsbridge
-
Now boarding Air Anya: Anya Hindmarch’s ode to aviation’s golden ageAnya Hindmarch’s new London concept store and travel accessories collection celebrate the glamour of 1970s air travel
-
‘A place for carnivores’ – Ibai is a London restaurant that celebrates Basque Country beefA Clerkenwell restaurant where unhurried steak is the star of the show
-
La Môme London finds its home at The Berkeley hotelAll the razzle-dazzle of Cannes and Monte Carlo is wrapped up in this one fabulous dining room and terrace in London
-
The new dawn of the London sandwich shopThe appeal of a quick meal between two slices of bread has long held sway in the UK. We look back on the rise of the sandwich shop and explore the new wave of London venues that are making it a more stylised experience
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy designThere’s more magic to the movies at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s ‘flying’ roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
