The Dorchester

“Afternoon Tea”

We went for afternoon tea to celebrate a family member's birthday, great selection of teas and coffees, sandwiches, cakes, and pastries, but also great service from the staff, especially Michelle who went the extra mile towards making our visit a memorable one. Even offered us extra sandwiches afte… more

We went for afternoon tea to celebrate a family member's birthday, great selection of teas and coffees, sandwiches, cakes, and pastries, but also great service from the staff, especially Michelle who went the extra mile towards making our visit a memorable one. Even offered us extra sandwiches after we finished - I'm not sure if that is standard but it was a great touch!

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“Could be better”

While the amenities and room service met the standard you’d expect, the service behind the scenes fell noticeably short. After arriving from a gruelling 24-hour journey, dressed comfortably rather than extravagantly and carrying a well-worn backpack, I experienced a clear shift in how I was treated… more

While the amenities and room service met the standard you’d expect, the service behind the scenes fell noticeably short. After arriving from a gruelling 24-hour journey, dressed comfortably rather than extravagantly and carrying a well-worn backpack, I experienced a clear shift in how I was treated. It became evident that not all guests are afforded the same level of respect. There was an air of judgement based on appearance, and at one point I even overheard myself being described as “discourteous,” which was both surprising and disappointing. The tone among certain staff felt insincere and overly sycophantic, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere rather than a welcoming one. It’s a familiar and unfortunate story—if you don’t look like you belong, you’re treated as though you don’t. That should never be the case in hospitality at this level, or in any. I’ll be choosing to stay elsewhere in the future, where discretion and respect for all guests are handled with greater care. If your role is on the administrative or back-of-house side of the hotel business, it would be best to leave guest-facing interactions to trained hospitality professionals.

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“Disappointing afternoon tea”

Recently went for the first time for afternoon tea at the Dorchester. To be honest, considering the price, I was underwhelmed. I have only ever had afternoon tea in lounges that were exclusively for afternoon tea; the setting at the Dorchester is beautiful, but to be sharing the area with guests… more

Recently went for the first time for afternoon tea at the Dorchester. To be honest, considering the price, I was underwhelmed. I have only ever had afternoon tea in lounges that were exclusively for afternoon tea; the setting at the Dorchester is beautiful, but to be sharing the area with guests eating cooked food such as burgers and chips and fish, was very off putting; i didn't expect to have that smell wafting over my table; we passed a grill on the way to our table, shouldn't this food be in there? The people on the table closest to us appeared to be constantly complaining about their food which was also quite irritating; staff appeared to be trying to resolve issues but it was never ending. A small child on the table opposite was constantly running around in front of the service doors until a member of staff pointed out the danger, only then was she seated. I was disappointed the sandwiches came out on a plate on their own, I expected the classic 3 tiered stand, the cakes did come out on a 2 tiered stand. We were presented with a bill despite having already paid online, not acceptable. The worst part; we asked to take the uneaten cakes and scones home, I also had a small chocolate 'happy birthday' which I hadn't eaten so I put it with the cakes, got home, no scones, no chocolate, extremely disappointed. Staff are attentive, room is beautiful, piano player good, food okay, won't return though.

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