StyleNest took time out to visit The Firmdale Group’s quaint and tranquil boutique Marylebone hotel, Dorset Square. Offering home comforts and serving great British fair, it’s a home away from home.
Located off the busy Marylebone Road in a quiet residential square, Dorset Square Hotel, a charming Regency townhouse, is a surprisingly tranquil and calm oasis. Ideally situated close to all the shops and amenities the Capital has to offer, yet tucked away enough to offer a little respite form the hustle an bustle of the city.
Dorset Square has recently been refurnished, decked from head to toe with the style, elegance and personality that is synonymous with Firmdale Hotels and Kit Kemp’s signature style. However, unlike its sister hotels, Charlotte Street, Soho, Covent Garden and the Haymarket, Dorset Square has a slightly more boutique and masculine feel to it.
The theme of the hotel, and the key to its masculine “personality” is cricket. Dorset Square was once the site of Thomas Lord’s first cricket ground and later became the inspiration for Kit Kemp.
In true Firmdale style, design is at the forefront. Kit combines unusual fabrics, contrasting textures and bold colour combinations to create a truly unique take on a country home. The cricket bats that adorn the walls, in particular, transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Adding to the warm and homely atmosphere of the hotel is the sophisticated drawing room complete with open fire. We can imagine many a male guest wishing he too had a gentleman’s room quite as splendid. As with all Firmdale Hotels, the drawing room is also home to the honesty bar making it the perfect spot for a night cap.
The 38 individually designed bedrooms all incorporate the history of the building and the square whilst showcasing Kit’s contemporary design aesthetic.The rooms are on the small side (well, it is a townhouse after all) but what they lack in size they make up for in comfort and style. The space is intelligently used and with views overlooking the square we can see why the hotel is such a hit with businessmen and couples visiting the Capital for a night or two.
The real star of the hotel however has to be the Potting Shed and Bar. Open all day to both guests, locals and tourists, The Potting Shed serves great British cuisine from breakfast through to supper. The English brasserie style cuisine is locally sourced and always seasonal. With several office blocks nearby and residential properties, we can imagine that it’s a favourite go-to spot in the area.
We highly recommend the fish pie and ham hock salad, and before checking out you should most definitely try the omelette. Simple plates and full of flavour – what more could you want?
Before dinner we recommend taking a seat at the bar and sampling one of Firmdale’s signature cocktails. StyleNest’s favourite has to be the orange and chilli Martini – a must try.
Whilst there is no spa at Dorset Square, for those wishing to pamper themselves Soholistic is on hand and offers a range of body and beauty treatments for guests to enjoy in the comfort of their rooms.
Dorset Square is the perfect boutique hotel for businessmen and couples stopping over in the capital and looking for a chic, relaxed and stylish hotel. It may not have the facilities and space of Firmdale’s larger hotels but the service and style is second to none. Whilst the hotel does cater for children, a children’s menu is offered and cots and babysitting services are provided, we would recommend their sister hotel, The Haymarket for families spending a few nights in the city.
Need To Know:
Number of rooms: 38
Check-in/check-out times: 2pm and 11am
Room service: Yes. A full menu is available from the in-house restaurant.
Swimming pool: No. Although there is access to the local Fitness First swimming pool at additional cost.
Spa: No. But in-room treatments can be arranged upon request through Soholistic.
Child-friendly: Yes.
Dogs welcome: Guide dogs only.
Restaurant & Bar: The Potting Shed bar and restaurant services offer a delicious selection of English brasserie-style dishes. Relaxed and informal.
Getting there: Marylebone Railway and Underground Station is 5 minutes’ walk away offering direct access to Birmingham, High Wycombe, Banbury and Leamington Spa. The Underground Station is on the Bakerloo Line, while Baker Street Station offers access to the Jubilee, Hammersmith and City, Circle, and Metropolitan Line services.
To book your stay visit Firmdalehotels.com.
To find out more about Firmdale Hotels read our interview with CEO and designer Kit Kemp.