Some of the most sumptuous hotels in London and Paris are owned by the Dorchester Collection, which is offering some excellent packages over the season. Baroque Travel takes a look…
The Dorchester, London
If you’re looking for a stunning, plush hotel to get together with family over Christmas and New Year, this iconic London hotel is ideal. Every year, Christmas at The Dorchester is extra special, with the elegant hotel decorated with festive cheer as well as a beautiful gingerbread house, a replica of this luxury hotel in the lobby.
The hotel, which has been pampering guests since 1931, is famous for its superlative service and luxury accommodation. It’s also renowned for its delicious afternoon tea, and the festive versions are even more delightful. The festive afternoon tea includes carols offered by the resident pianist, and there’s also a special Christmas Carols Afternoon Tea, which includes a local children’s choir as well as a pianist. Both events feature champagne for adults as well as sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a selection of festive pastries and cakes to enjoy with the guest’s choice of tea. Both hotel restaurants – the Grill and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester – offer exemplary Christmas Eve dinners and lunches on Christmas Day with their signature luxe offerings including Scottish langoustine, blue lobster, Christmas pudding and much more.
45 Park Lane, London
This contemporary hotel located in Mayfair and overlooking Hyde Park is the perfect location for a festive getaway. If you’re lucky enough to visit London during a White Christmas, staying at 45 Park Lane takes on a whole new meaning, as every room and suite in the hotel overlooks Hyde Park. Viewing this famous park under cover of snow is quite spectacular.
The hotel’s famous Wolfgang Puck’s CUT restaurant offers superlative seasonal menus throughout the festive season, including a lavish three-course Christmas Eve dinner, a four course lunch on Christmas Day and a pick-me-up brunch on Boxing Day. Dishes are spectacular and sumptuous, all accompanied by champagne. Throughout the festive season, the hotel offers a special daily festive brunch with live music as entertainment and cocktails to follow. The food is sublime. Christmas Eve dinner: $188 per person, lunch on Christmas day: $245.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris
This exceptional Paris hotel is not only one of the top luxury establishment in the city, it’s also a haute couture hotel, offering a level of service, accommodation and facilities that are unmatched. This year, the hotel will boast the first-ever Dior Couture Christmas tree, which is sure to be a crowd-puller. From 15 December onwards, the hotel will also host a charming exhibition in partnership with leading French doll brand, Corolle. Another highlight of a visit here is to go ice skating on the hotel’s famous ice rink in La Cour Jardin.
When it comes to festive delicacies, the hotel’s new pastry chef, Angelo Musa, will be creating a delicious Christmas Yule log that guests can enjoy in the days leading up to Christmas and all the way till after New Year.
Le Meurice, Paris
This iconic hotel is offering a very special package over the festive season that includes luxury accommodation in a room or suite with breakfast daily as well as some delectable treats in the room, including champagne and chocolate from the famous Manufacture de Chocolat by Alain Ducasse. If you book a suite at the incomparable Le Meurice, the room will be specially decorated with festive cheer. This offer is available from 11 December 2016 until 8 January 2017.
Gourmet offerings over the festive season include a Hazelnut Chocolate Yule Log by pastry chef Cédric Grolet.