Dukes is one of those hotels that feels like a home away from home. Whilst being near to all that London has for offer you can return to the serenity and calm of your room whenever needed.
The hotel is located St James Place, in in a leafy affluent area close to the famous Ritz Hotel and within walking distance to Buckingham Palace as well as being handy for Petticoat Lane Markets, High end shops and Picadilly Circus (but out of the way enough if you know what I mean).
The hotel is on the main tube line meaning you don't have to be out all day, you can pop in and out whilst still staying on the tourist track. Its a quick 1 stop to Hyde Park and the second stop takes you to the famous Harrods Department Store in Knightsbridge. Within walking distance for any traveller Buckingham Palace (an easy and breezy 8 min stroll). In fact, if you want to, you could do all the attractions on foot - if you up for a day of strolling. If not, the nearest tube station is Green Park or you could jump on one of the sightseeing buses from the top of the street just near the Ritz.
After undergoing redecoration, the hotel is covered in relaxing muted tones and always has fresh flowers in common areas and rooms - these are changed regularly we did see a very busy florist tending to the arrangements twice during one of our stays.
All rooms we have stayed in were elegant, cosy, clean, provided good quality linens, slippers, robes, toiletries and were a reasonable size. On one stay we had the pleasure of staying in a suite - my goodness it was like a full sized apartment and we did not want to leave.
The hotel can lay claim to something we now see as a rarity - a high quality room service menu that was delivered fresh and tasty. We ordered dinner twice during our stay enjoying the venison and beef fillet.
At first we had thought the price for break fast was a little steep. However, we needed an early start so decided to order. On receiving breakfast in our room at our specified time, we found it well worth the price (please see image - this is ONE breakfast). There was a fantastic range of choices to be included and all we had t o do was fill out our card specifying our selection and required delivery time.
The hotel has a elegant drawing room and conservatory overlooking a lovely courtyard which is perfect for afternoon tea and the sophisticated bar prides itself on making the best Martini in town.
A health club is located within the hotel providing a wide range of services. However, on each trip we neglected to use it due to being preoccupied with sight seeing, shopping and eating.
As far as hotels in London go, we would rank this with the best of them due to location and comfort level and is most certainly our regular and reliable place to stay when in the capital. However, the hotel may be a little expensive for those travelling on a budget or wanting an extended stay in London with rates starting from £220 per night including breakfast.
