The Dorchester will once again participate in Open House London with a ‘behind the scenes’ tour on Sunday 18 September hosted by Thomas Messel, nephew of the renowned theatre set designer, Oliver Messel.
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. For the third 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 of its award-winning restaurants and spa for 20 lucky ballot winners.
The exclusive tour will include access to The Penthouse and Pavilion, a stunning eighth floor banqueting suite designed by Oliver Messel in 1952. Respected furniture designer, Thomas Messel, will host this year’s tour, giving a unique insight into the work of his uncle and talking guests through the intricate design inspired by the stage set for Sleeping Beauty in The Penthouse and by scenes from The Magic Flute in The Pavilion. The Dorchester remains the only place in the world where the public have physical access to Oliver Messel’s work.
Roland Fasel, General Manager of The Dorchester and Regional Director UK commented;
“The Dorchester is one of London’s most treasured luxury hotels. It is with great pleasure that, once again, we will be providing the unique opportunity for a select few to glimpse behind the scenes and share in the extraordinary effort that goes into creating this magical world”.
This year sees The Dorchester celebrate its 80th anniversary. Guests on the tour will witness that while rooted in the best of British tradition and service with 80 years at the head of its game behind it, The Dorchester also recognises the importance of constant renewal. In celebration of the 80th anniversary, The Dorchester has formed a unique collaboration with international charity Trees for Cities (TfC) to plant 80 ‘Future Great Trees’ in London. Inspired by The Dorchester’s listed plane tree, which has graced the entrance to Mayfair’s most famous address for 80 years, the project will see 15 trees planted in Mayfair and St. James’s to form The Dorchester Anniversary Walk and a further 65 planted across London in areas to be identified by TfC.
Recent refurbishments at The Dorchester have included the expansion and renovation of The Dorchester Spa in 2009, the launch of three Michelin starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in 2007 and the addition of three contemporary roof suites by Alexandra Champalimaud. This year The Dorchester will also renovate a number of suites, also under the design direction of Alexandra Champalimaud, refreshing the hotel’s inherently British, classic residential style. The 1000-capacity ballroom will also undergo complete refurbishment this summer.
For a chance to enter the ballot for the tour, please email competition.dorchester@dorchestercollection.com. The draw will take place on Monday 5 September 2011 and winners will be notified by email.
