The Dorchester – Mayfair, W1

This legendary British hotel, which recently unveiled the results of an extensive renovation, has a real sense of self: it’s fun and magical, managing to retain ties to the past while keeping pace with the present. It is magnificent during the festive season, when The Promenade comes alive with sparkling Christmas trees (in other months, you can enjoy a vibrant dining experience in this sociable setting at the heart of the hotel). The Dorchester has an unrivalled selection of restaurants and bars, including modern British favourites at The Grill by Tom Booton, contemporary French cuisine at three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse and authentic at Cantonese China Tang. The award-winning team of alchemists dream up first class cocktails in Vesper Bar, and the Artists’ Bar is a glittering spot for champagne, seafood and live entertainment. The spa offers treatments by Valmont, ishga and Carol Joy London, while Cake & Flowers combines two of life’s most splendid delights in the prettiest of boutiques with its own entrance on the famous forecourt.  Bedrooms and suites are everything you’d expect from this Park Lane legend: classically opulent and exquisitely cosseting. 

Doubles from £750 

+44 (0)20 7629 8888; dorchestercollection.com