| London
is probably not the first place that comes to mind when
you think about chic boutique hotels. When you mention hotels
in London, most people think about design hotels, grand
hotels and all things regal. However, London is deceptive,
and really does have it all – chic, boutique, quirky
– you name it London has it. Executive Traveller has
hand-picked hotels and private meetings or events destinations
which are private and unique.
Dukes
in St James
Duchess rooms, a female general manager, mothering Sunday
treats and James Bond style martinis – whatever happened
to rogues and royalty?
Historique
Dukes in St James’s Place has a new General Manager,
Debrah Dhugga so Executive Traveller ‘popped in’
to see how the old place was fairing and what Debrah had
in store for Executive Travellers. Debrah says “These
are challenging times for the hotel industry but with a
stunning product and a strong team, I am confident that
we can continue to stand out from the crowd”. So what
has Debrah got in mind?
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Dukes
is what we would probably like to call a typical
English residence but it appears that with Debrah’s
exceptional nine years’ experience in building
the brand of boutique hotels at Malmaison, we are
definitely in for a boutique treat at Dukes.
Traditionalists need not worry though because if
you are one who likes to appreciate the classic
British history in your residence, there has been
royal presence in Dukes courtyard since 1532 and
Dukes has been welcoming guests for over 100 years.
One
could be forgiven though, for regarding Dukes as
a Gentleman’s Club especially as Dukes Bar
is the place to go if you want to be served legendary
martinis in James Bond style; but with a new General
Manager
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in situ, Dukes now has “Duchess Rooms”
created especially to offer a warm welcome to women.
Hoorah – after 100 years of welcoming rogues
to royalty, poets to politicians, cosmopolitan crowds
and women can join in and feel just as at home as
gentlemen and enjoy the discrete service tailored
to female business and leisure guests. |
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Debrah
is saying it with style and women travelling alone, on
business or with friends can expect the following feminine
touches as standard:
• A personal welcome card from the female General
Manager, yours truly, Debrah Dhugga;
• A female room attendant will escort them to their
rooms and handle all room service and housekeeping requirements;
• Makeup mirror, hair dryer and styling accessories
are positioned at easy reach from the dressing table;
• Female slippers;
• Fresh flowers brighten every room and a complementary
fruit bowl is on offer;
• Female amenities, including a sewing kit are in
every bathroom;
• A choice of glossy lifestyle magazines are laid
out on the dresser or coffee table;
• A quite corner table is allocated to female guests
dining alone, when available;
While we are on the women’s affairs, this mothering
Sunday, guys, you can treat your spouses or mothers to
a Van Gogh and Afternoon Tea Package at Dukes. Dukes is
offering entry to The Royal Academy to enjoy the revered
“Van Gogh: The Artist and his Letters’ exhibition,
coupled with a delectable Champagne Afternoon Tea served
at the hotel.
For those who prefer a more relaxing treat, Dukes is offering
a “Total Relaxation” package which includes
a back massage, a rejuvenating express facial and a calming
scalp massage.
Guests
can also book a Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Drawing
Room or a special Mothering Sunday Lunch in the Dining
Room which includes a glass of Rosé Champagne.
All Mothers that are welcomed to Dukes will be presented
with a box of delicious handmade truffles to take home,
to round off a perfect day.
Costs of Mothering Sunday Packages per person
• Van Gogh & Afternoon Tea = £34.75
• Total Relation (60 minutes) = £70
• Champagne Afternoon Tea = £19.75
• Lunch with glass of Rosé Champagne = £35
Facts
about Dukes
Bedrooms: 85
Suites: Five
Penthouse: One
Private Dining rooms: Four
Bar: Yes
Restaurant: Yes
Health Club: Yes – 24 hours
Internet access: Free WiFi for guests
Private telephone lines: Two in each
room plus voicemail
Room Service: 24 hours |
Dukes
35 St James’s Place
London
SW1A 1NY
Tel: +44 20 7491 4840
US toll-free: (1) 800 381 4702
www.dukeshotel.com
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