DUKES Hotel in London

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comments 5

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  Bec Empey

  :: 09 April 2018 13:45:09

  A misogynistic and sexist establishment that I will never step foot in or recommend again. If you are without a man, go elsewhere. We had a lovely time in Duke’s Bar on Friday night, and really enjoyed our martini’s until the bar manager Alessandro, proceeded to gesture us to ‘shut up’ with his hand by miming the closing of the mouth. We had a group of seven men sitting next to us which as you can imagine caused quite a noise and as a result we were not whispering in order to hear each other in competition with the other group. The group of men were not gestured to ‘shut up’ as we were. If he had politely approached us and explained the situation we would have been much more receptive. Looking back, I now realise that Alessandro had an issue with a group of four young women being in his bar from the moment we arrived, asking us to shove our coats into the nooks and crammies on the floor behind the chairs and behind the sofa. I thought at the time it was a little odd that an establishment charging £20 for a martini was asking us to do this, but we carried on without complaint. We went to the bar in the St James’ Hotel afterwards which had infinitely better service, and I highly recommend over Duke’s Bar any day. The experience only became worse when the friend who was shushed approached Alessandro to express that she did not appreciate the incredibly rude hand gesture. Further astonishment came when she discovered he was the manager. How can a five star hotel have such an incredibly rude and sexist bar manager? He then asked what she was ‘trying to get out of the situation’ implying she was only complaining to get free drinks. What an absolute insult, this made it crystal clear he had an issue with four independent women in his bar paying for their own drinks without a man present which is astounding for 2018. I strongly recommend the hotel re-evaluates their choice of bar manager to reflect the time we are living.

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  Robert Cappin

  :: 08 April 2018 19:01:53

  Exceptional service, this five star 90 room hotel has the feel of a boutique hostelry with facilities exceeding those of one of the Dorchester's standard. It is a pleasure to stay in a London hotel where we are treated as individuals. We will definitely return.

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  David Luther

  :: 06 April 2018 14:25:23

  Nice Hotel good location but very disappointing bar. Having to queue to enter a hotel bar is rubbish and not even an option to serve in the lounge or lobby. Back to the Charing Cross Hotel next time

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  Chip Smith

  :: 22 March 2018 20:55:55

  The Dukes Hotel has all of the sophistication and clubbish ambiance one would expect of a First Class hotel, indeed. It is in an exceptional location and off noisy London main streets. The staff is exceptionally accommodating with a proper balance of quiet service neither aloof nor obsequious. Once upon my arriving very late the Hall Porter asked if I was hungry. He asked, I did not. Though the kitchen was closed he returned promptly with the perfect chicken sandwich, crudites and (astonishingly) a warm glass of milk on a cold February night. Following a miserable inbound trip from the Middle East complete with delays and a multitude of hassles, his service was the perfect cap to a rough day of travel. I am sure if I had asked for the Queen's Brandy, some would have appeared. This is one of many stories where the hotel staff naturally perceives the need of a guest and then meets it. Uncommon service and pride are endemic throughout the crew. The bar is perfect. It is subdued and clubby generally with some business or pleasure travelers that may be found pleasant to engage conversationally or merely enjoy well-made drinks. The bartender will remember your name next time you visit. The location of the Dukes Hotel just down St. James and close to Green Park station is ideal for being near the heart of London. Rooms are a bit small but adequate and completed with high quality furnishings, fabrics, and bed linens. Besides, if you are in your hotel in London, you should be sleeping or ... busy before sleeping. You will enjoy The Dukes. I have, many times.

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  David Salter

  :: 17 February 2018 08:53:09

  Excellent service. Small luxury hotel. Worth a visit if you don't paying a little more than some hotels.