Tried & Tested

Hotel check: Dorset Square

30 Jan 2013 by Tom Otley

BACKGROUND Reopened last June, this refurbished addition to Firmdale Hotels’ stable of boutique properties (which includes the Soho, Haymarket and Charlotte Street hotels) has gone through a couple of changes of ownership. It was the first Firmdale property from 1985 to 2002, then independent, and now is back in the fold. 

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The entrance to the 38-room property is very discreet – the Regency frontage is similar to other houses on the square. Dorset Square was the original site of Lord’s cricket ground, and it’s this that informs a lot of the design, from framed cricket bats on the walls to door handles made from mini cricket balls and old sketches of players in the sitting room. This has a colour scheme of “ointment pink, heritage green and burnt sienna” to “reflect the location’s Regency architecture”, and an honesty bar housed in a beautiful dresser.

Another design theme is the colourful wallpaper in the corridors, which takes its inspiration from a 1950s French botanical school poster. It takes a little getting used to, but certainly brightens up the internal spaces. Staff were friendly and, since staying here is like staying in someone’s London townhouse, you get to know them pretty quickly.

WHERE IS IT? In Marylebone, though the more residential end north of the extremely busy, four-lane Marylebone Road. It’s a ten-minute walk from fashionable Marylebone High Street, and close to Marylebone station and Baker Street Tube. You are in London, but away from things here – which means a considerable walk from the West End or a lot of taxis, but the upside is that for those who know the capital well, it offers an alternate view, and one that could become addictive – there’s a reason people pay several million for the Georgian townhouses in the area, and it’s not just the joy of being in Zone 1.

ROOM FACILITIES The 38 rooms are all different sizes, and start with some for solo travellers – very small, at either 10 sqm for a Single room or 12 sqm for a Superior Single – then from 18 sqm for the entry-level Double Superior up to the 35 sqm Marylebone room. All come with free wifi, iPod docks, minibars, flatscreen LCD TVs, Tivoli radios, Frette bed linen, safes, robes, Miller Harris bath products in the marble bathrooms, granite, oak and glass furnishings, heated towel rails and walk-in showers. Most overlook the square or neighbouring houses. They are elegant in a homely way, while still having designer touches such as the tailor’s dummy in one corner (a Firmdale signature).  

RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Potting Shed restaurant and bar makes the most of its basement position with its skylight up to the street, sage green walls, crisp white linens and grey oak floors. Along one wall is an art installation by Martha Freud, which has 198 small lights sat in ceramic cups that fade on and off, spelling out famous cricket sayings. The menu is inspired by the best of British cooking and some Mediterranean classics. The continental breakfast (£14.50) includes big bowls of fruit and yoghurt, toast, pastries, cereals, and freshly made cappuccinos, with à la carte options on offer as well. The bar displays two large Peter Rocklin cricketing paintings, reflecting the square’s history.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES None, though I saw one guest working on a laptop in the sitting room, rather as they would do at home, I imagine.

LEISURE FACILITIES None, although you could go for a run in nearby Regent’s Park.

VERDICT The location won’t suit everyone and the rooms are small, but this is an excellent hotel with friendly service, beautiful furnishings and a comfortable feel that grows on you the longer you stay – in contrast to most corporate hotels. It’s also a pleasure being surrounded by such lovely design.

Fact file

  • HOW MANY ROOMS? 38 – four Single, three Single Superior, five Superior, six Luxury, three Luxury Garden View, nine Deluxe, six Deluxe Garden View, one Dorset Square and one Marylebone.
  • HIGHLIGHTS Very comfortable beds, free wifi, heated towel rails and wonderful design – like you’d want your home to be.
  • PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in March started from £260 for a Superior room.
  • CONTACT 39-40 Dorset Square; tel +44( 0)20 7723 7874; firmdale.com

Tom Otley

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