Sixty years later, the freehold was sold to the millionaire industrialist Robert Stayner Holford who commissioned the Italian architect, Lewis Vulliamy, to build him a new and even more splendid Dorchester House on the land. This palatial building, with its monumental façade modelled on Rome’s Villa Farnese, took over twenty years to complete.

After his death, the building changed hands several more times and for a short period at the beginning of this century housed the American Embassy. But its magnificence was short-lived. Despite a public outcry, the site was sold in July 1929 to Sir Robert McAlpine and Sons Ltd in association with Gordon Hotels. Dorchester House was demolished within months to make way for a new hotel, destined to be the most modern and luxurious in Europe.

Quite the opposite of minimalist, The Dorchester’s bedrooms evoke the traditional style and comfort of an English Country house, with the emphasis placed on sumptuous comfort and cosiness. We want you to feel relaxed, at ease and at home!

With a ratio of almost three staff to each bedroom, The Dorchester’s guests are assured the highest level of personal care and attention, 24 hours a day.

Your special requests, needs and wishes are recorded in your personal guest history and automatically noted for each return visit.