Spotlight: Dorchester Collection

I am beginning a new series called “Spotlight” where I will highlight the best of the best of my travel partners & suppliers.  This week, I will begin with the Dorchester Collection!

The Dorchester Collection is a portfolio of iconic luxury hotels based in the USA and in Europe, each of which reflect the character of their location.  All of their hotels have a true sense of place- history in the destination- culture and a back drop that provides guests a truly memorable experience “authentic” to its destination.

The difference is all in the detail. From captivating style to state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding locations, each hotel embodies the culture of its surroundings. The natural charm and heritage is matched with exceptional service designed to give you a true sense of belonging and a strong desire to return, knowing that every time you visit you’ll experience heartfelt hospitality.

Best of all, my host agency, Brownell Travel, recently became one of only a handful of the top travel firms invited to join the exclusive Dorchester Diamond Club.  As a Diamond Club advisor, I can offer my clients the following value-added amenities at Dorchester Collection hotels:

24/7 access to Diamond Club ambassadors

These are fabulous benefits that can translate to hundreds of dollars of savings on your stay.  So at which hotels can you take advantage of this amazing program?  (Photos courtesy of the Dorchester Collection.)

The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, California.  Built in 1912, this hotel sits on 12 acres of tropical gardens, is known as the “Pink Palace” and contains the largest hotel pool in LA.  Accommodation choices include rooms and suites in the elegant main building, or one of 23 stand-alone bungalows situated throughout the gardens.  The Polo Lounge has been a favorite gathering spot for Hollywood stars for generations.  This property is family-friendly with children’s menus, swimming, and babysitting.  Fun fact: Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned here with 6 of her 8 husbands.

Hotel Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, California.  The Hotel Bel-Air is a sister property to the Beverly Hills Hotel, and guests have signing privileges at both.  This boutique property has just 103 rooms and suites, and at 66 years old was recently re-opened after an extensive renovation.  It is located on a secluded 12 acre estate in residential Bel-Air.  More of a retreat for couples, it is still near all the great shopping and restaurants that the Beverly Hills area is known for.

Le Meurice, Paris.  Occupying one of the best locations on the Right Bank, Le Meurice is located in the 1st arrondissement, opposite the Tuileries Garden, between Place de la Concorde and the Musée du Louvre.  “It’s a magical, serene place, where the refined splendours of 18th-century architecture meet the latest in contemporary comfort and elegance.  Each of the seven floors has a distinct style, with 160 beautifully appointed rooms and suites decorated in a style redolent of Louis XVI with exquisite Italian marble bathrooms.”  Its restaurant, Le Meurice, has an impressive three Michelin stars.

Hotel Plaza Athenee, Paris.  This palace hotel is located in the 8th arrondissement on a wide shaded street, just steps from famous fashionable shops such as Prada, Hermes, and Chanel.  It is over 100 years old and was recently closed this fall for a partial renovation.  Surrounding buildings were purchased and will be converted into additional space for Plaza Athenee, with a planning reopening in May 2014.

The Dorchester, London.  Just over 80 years old and the namesake to the collection, The Dorchester occupies one of the best blocks in London, in Mayfair overlooking Hyde Park.  The Dorchester is very family-friendly, offering many connecting room options and providing resources for nanny and babysitting services.

45 Park Lane, London.  This 45-room boutique property is a more contemporary counterpoint to its sister property The Dorchester.  It is aimed at guests who seek luxury and a smaller feel, but without all the fuss and pomp of a larger hotel.  Guests can access the spa and retail facilities at the Dorchester.  Wolfgang Puck’s CUT steakhouse is located at 45 Park Lane.

Coworth Park, Ascot.  This property is about an hour outside of London, set in 240 acres of parkland and adjacent to Windsor Great Park.  It is a warm, boutique country house hotel and spa and well-situated to explore the countryside and London in one trip.  There is an on-site equestrian center available for locals and hotel guests to use.

Le Richemond, Geneva.  This property is set in the heart of Geneva’s business district and located just across the river from Geneva’s historic Old Town.  Complimentary children’s books, baby amenities and concierges who can organize multi-generational activities ensure that this hotel is very family friendly.

Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan.  This is considered one of Milan’s best luxury hotels, and would be a great base to explore the town for a few days, perhaps before heading north to the Italian Lakes region.  Renovated in 2009, it is set back from the busy Piazza della Repubblica and combines Old World style with modern touches. This hotel is also known for its very attentive personal service.

Hotel Eden, Rome.  The newest jewel in the Dorchester Collection’s crown is the Hotel Eden in Rome, very recently acquired from Starwood.  This elegant property dates back to 1889 and is located near the Spanish Steps and the Villa Borghese.  Hotel Eden overlooks the hills of Rome and is known for its fantastic view of the city, especially from its restaurant and bar located on the top floor.