Review: Dukes London
BACKGROUND: Dukes London has been an operational hotel for more than 100 years. In 2006, the boutique property, which is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, became part of the CampbellGray Hotels group. In September of the same year, the hotel’s ownership was taken over by Seven Tides — the company behind the development of the four new Movenpick properties in Dubai.
THE ARRIVAL: When I mention to the London cabbie I would like to be dropped off at Dukes, he replies: ‘Oh yeah, that’s the one tucked away behind The Ritz — serves great Martinis.’ Well, black-cab drivers, eloquent or not in their delivery of information, know their stuff and his description of Dukes is apt. Located at 35 St James’s Place, just off St James’s Street in Mayfair, close to Piccadilly and on the edge of Green Park, the hotel is indeed, just behind The Ritz. But unlike such grandiose properties, Dukes is discreet, both in its luxury offering and location. The property has its own little cul-de-sac cum courtyard so you feel as if you are arriving at your own grand, yet private, London residence.
THE ACCOMMODATION: Understated luxury epitomises the accommodation offering at Dukes. The rooms are comfortable with quality fixtures, fittings and furnishings and are tastefully decorated. The necessary amenities are available — some would argue a little sparse in the bathroom area — but on the whole sufficient, and a sobering contrast to the over-the-top offerings of some larger properties where you are often bombarded with a mini feast that for most is unnecessary and quite frankly, wasteful. Instead, there was free Wi-Fi — much more useful to most guests and less damaging on the waistline. There are 90 rooms including 11 suites and The Penthouse. Many overlook Green Park.
THE F&B: Dukes has one restaurant — The Dining Room — where a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner is served in intimate and residential surroundings. The hotel’s bar, Dukes Bar, has become a very popular evening hang out with the Mayfair set and reservations are recommended. It’s the perfect place to sip champagne or as the cab driver said, a Martini. There are even Martini master classes on offer where the ‘apprentice’ can learn how to make a mean mix. Dukes Bar also serves a daily ‘Chef’s Plate’ at lunchtime. For afternoon tea there’s the Drawing Room or conservatory, plus private meeting/function rooms are available.
FACILITIES: Dukes boasts a Health Club with a gym, Italian marble steam room and a beauty treatment room. Personal trainers are available plus running enthusiasts might like to pound the paths in nearby Green Park.
SERVICES: The Head Concierge, Ian Steiger, will help with all requests, from dinner reservations and theatre tickets to information on car transfers and valet parking. Email iansteiger@dukeshotel.com
PRICES: Advance purchase rates start from £220 (US $344) per night for two people in a Dukes Room. Luxury Hotels by Dnata offers packages from AED 6200 ($1688) per person including return flights from Dubai to London, three nights in a Dukes Room, breakfast and one complimentary three-course dinner for two guests. Package is valid until March 31 for check-in from Thursday to Sunday.
BOOKING IT: Call Luxury Hotels by Dnata on +971 (0)4 316 6154, email luxuryhotels@dnata.com or visit www.dnata.com. To contact Dukes directly, email bookings@dukeshotel.com or call +44 (0)207 318 6585.
EDITOR’S VERDICT
Dukes London suits clients seeking understated luxury in a private, discreet and intimate environment. It’s in a corner of London most are yet to discover, yet close to so many shops, restaurants, galleries and entertainment venues should you require them.
It’s easily accessible by road, rail or tube and the right side of London for Heathrow. The service is personal and friendly – I’ve never seen a member of hotel staff run so fast to hail a cab for a guest as one at Dukes did for me. Dukes could almost be a family-run hotel in this sense, yet the luxuries associated with London’s finest establishments are readily available.