The Dorchester, the iconic London flagship of the Dorchester Collection, will be participating in Open House London – the Capital’s largest architectural showcase – on Sunday 19 September 2010.

Open House London celebrates great design by encouraging buildings that aren’t usually open to the public to open their doors to Londoners completely for free. This year for the second year running, The Dorchester, a grade II listed building featuring spectacular interior design from the last eight decades, will be providing a private tour behind-the-scenes of the hotel and its award winning restaurants and spa for 20 lucky people.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London commented “Open House allows you to get up close and personal with some of the city’s most iconic buildings as well as its hidden gems.”

Roland Fasel, General Manager of The Dorchester and Regional Director UK commented “The Dorchester is one of London’s most treasured luxury hotels. Last year we opened our doors for the first time and were delighted by the heartfelt thank you letters we received. It will be a great pleasure to provide a second opportunity for people to share in the extraordinary effort that goes into creating this magical world.”

Within months of its opening in 1931 The Dorchester’s sumptuous décor and unrivalled standards of personal service established its reputation as one of the world’s great hotels. Over the decades, The Dorchester has employed the finest of interior designers to update rooms and design additions. The hotel’s first consultant designer was Oliver Ford, who handled decoration of the Queen Mother’s residences at the Royal Lodge, Windsor, and Clarence House in St. James, and in 2002 the hotel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment. In May 2009 award-winning interior designers Fox Linton Associates completed a multi-million pound redesign of
The Dorchester Spa inspired by the art deco 1930’s to compliment the building’s historical context. Most recently the Park Suite underwent refurbishment, also by Fox Linton Associates. Decorated in earthy tones to give it a neutral and fresh feel and overlooking London’s Hyde Park, the events suite retains the original painting that was present in the room when Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh held his stag party in that very room.

The lucky few will be guided around the lavish rooms and hallowed corridors of the hotel to hear about its unique design and watch the traditional rituals and personal attention that create each perfect guest experience at The Dorchester. Highlights of the visit will include watching the head valet steam, press, fold in crested paper and box one of the hundred shirts valeted in under a minute every day, the Florist arranging one of the many bouquets arranged for guests staying in house and sent around Greater London, and the Head Pastry Chef add the finishing glaze to 1000 afternoon tea cakes.