Hotel Plaza Athenee_Suite 16 Jun 2013
Summer Travel Inspirations| Local Excursions from Dorchester Collection

Dorchester Collection

With locations on both sides of the Atlantic, the luxurious hotels of Dorchester Collection are convenient to some of the world's most significant cultural, sporting and nature attractions. From notable museums and monuments to authentic historic experiences, there is plenty to enjoy nearby the hotel's central locations. Following are some local and nearby attractions, up to an hour away or in close proximity to a Dorchester Collection address:

 

Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles

Dynamic and theatrical, Los Angeles blends cultures and lifestyles only a short distance from breathtaking mountain ranges and 75 miles of coastline. Both Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel are minutes from the business and entertainment centers of Los Angeles including Century City and Rodeo Drive - the city's shopping district that spans three blocks known for its designer labels and haute couture fashion. For those who wish to see the Southern California beach scene to its fullest, ride bikes along Pacific Coast Highway to Venice Beach or stretch out on a beach towel in Santa Monica. Third Street Promenade, also located in Santa Monica, is an eclectic street that offers a variety of upscale shopping and dining options with a quintessentially beach town feel.

 

The Dorchester, London

Conveniently located in the heart of Mayfair, guests of The Dorchester are within walking distance of the British capital's most popular attractions including Buckingham Palace, Lambeth Palace and Westminster Abbey. The iconic hotel is situated in London's fashionable Mayfair district, near the city's most exclusive shopping areas including Bond Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge, where luxury fashion houses, including the likes of Oscar de la Renta and Temperley, have recently opened their flagship boutiques. Christian Louboutin's first boutique dedicated to his men's collection can be found on nearby Dover Street, while acclaimed American designer Tom Ford recently opened up his British standalone store on Sloane Street.

 

45 Park Lane, London

45 Park Lane, steps away from its sister property, The Dorchester, is Dorchester Collection's newly opened contemporary art hotel. It is located within walking distance of London's buzzing art scene with independent art galleries including Gagosian Gallery and Haunch of Venison alongside world acclaimed art destinations such as the National Portrait Gallery and The Royal Academy of Arts. One of Banksy's newer art pieces, 'The Falling Shopper' can be found on Mayfair's Bruton Lane and only a short journey by car or underground is The Photographers' Gallery, the largest public gallery in London dedicated to photography - also the first independent gallery in the world - providing the chance to see photography in all its forms.

 

Coworth Park, Ascot

Residing on 240 acres of Ascot parkland, Coworth Park is less than an hour from some of the most desirable destinations in Southern England. Start with a day trip to Windsor Castle, the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen as well as the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Make sure to stop for a pint at The Fox and Hounds Restaurant and Bar located at the Bishop's Gate entrance of Windsor Great Park, which contains Virginia Water Lake and its affluent village, Virginia Water. Nearby Eton College, opened in 1440 by King Henry VI to provide complimentary education to scholars, remains one of England's most famous public schools. Guests traveling during June can also take part in a quintessentially English affair and watch the annual horse races at Royal Ascot Racecourse.

 

Le Meurice, Paris

Guests of Le Meurice will find plenty of historical and cultural experiences in Paris from its world-class attractions ranging from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Located just 1.5 hours west of the city is the commune of Maintenon and home to the Ch'teau de Maintenon, the formal and low-profile residence of Madame de Maintenon, the secret, second spouse of Louis XIV. While just 20 minutes from Paris is Dourdan, a charming town that was originally the capital of Hurepoix, a former province of France, and surrounded by the Dourdan forest - a real treat for nature lovers. Also situated just 45 minutes from Paris lies the village of Giverny, the
location of Claude Monet's garden and home.

 

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris

For a nearby excursion, guests of Hôtel Plaza Athénée can travel to Ch'teau de Versailles, considered one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French art and design. The Ch'teau harbors myriad architectural and horticultural wonders, including Marie-Antoinette's silk-laden bedroom and the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. Also situated just one and a half hours from Paris lies the Champagne Region, famed for the Benedictine monk who pioneered the art of champagne making: Dom Pérignon.  

 

Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan

Situated in the heart of Milan, Hotel Principe di Savoia shares its address with some of the world's most cherished wonders, while also boasting its title as Italy's fashion and design capital. Located one hour east of Milan lays the secret city of Brescia.

Often overlooked by tourists, Brescia is the second largest city in Italy's Lombardy region and is known for the preservation of its historic structural roots with its Roman ruins, Renaissance squares and medieval city center. Guests looking for more of a rural retreat can travel one hour north to Italy's serene lake destination, Lake Como. One of the deepest lakes in Europe, Lake Como's celebrity-dotted shores are just a day trip from Milan.

 

Le Richemond, Geneva

Set on the banks of Lake Geneva, Le Richemond is located less than an hour from Megève, a charming village in the French Alps renowned for some of the best skiing in Europe. The village has plenty more to enjoy including first-class restaurants, high-end antique shops and art galleries, and boutiques from top-of-the-line luxury retailers such as Hermes, Prada, Escada and Hugo Boss.

The concierge at Le Richemond can arrange a chauffeur or a transfer to Geneva train station for day trips to Megève, where ski trails and walking paths wind through snowy forests for easily accessible enjoyment.

 

Notes to editors:

 

Dorchester Collection

Dorchester Collection is a portfolio of the world's foremost luxury hotels in Europe and the US, each of which reflects the distinctive culture of its destination. By applying its unrivalled experience and capability in owning and operating some of the greatest individual hotels, the company's mission is to develop an impeccable group of the finest landmark hotels through acquisition as well as management of wholly-owned and part-owned hotels, and to enter into management agreements.

 

The current portfolio includes the following hotels (in order of them joining the group): The Dorchester, London; The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills; Le Meurice, Paris; Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris; Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan; Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles; Coworth Park, Ascot, UK; 45 Park Lane, London; and Le Richemond, Geneva.

 

dorchestercollection.com