So the following day we packed an unnecessary amount of belongings into our bags and headed across the park (a different view, if nothing else) to check in to 45 Park Lane. And my, what a treat we were in for.
We arrived around three and were greeted by the smartest looking doormen who insisted on carrying our bags through the entrance and to check in, all of about 200 metres. From the second we stepped into the reception we were in interior heaven. 45 Park Lane, the latest addition to the Dorchester group is fabulously understated with tasteful artwork and plush leather seating in rich chocolate and bronze hues. We were greeted with warm sincerity from every member of staff and while our room wasn't ready when we arrived, we were happy to sit in the lounge and enjoy a caffeine fix and watch the world go by.
Half an hour later our "host" came over to escort us to our room. If you can call it that. We had a suite on the seventh floor with views over Hyde Park (as nearly all rooms do) that was at least 3 times the size of mine and the girls apartment. The room came equipped with a state of the art TV in the bathroom mirror, a touch screen control pad to operate everything from the blinds, lights and calling our host and the most incredible view over Hyde Park. Yes, Melissa and I were going to do just fine here.
Living the dream!
After getting myself a bath, complete with wine, Vogue and a 45 Park Lane rubber duck it was time to get ready for the evening. Having secured ourselves last minute tickets, Melissa and I were heading into the West End to see Wicked, a musical I have been dying to see for the last ever!
So wearing my And Other Stories dress as a top, clever I know, and stealing an A line skirt from Melissa's wardrobe we headed down to the hotel bar, The Cut.
The bar boasted an array of lotions and potions in the most wonderful glasses and teapots that transports you into something not dissimilar to Wonderland. The cocktail menu is divided by spirit, and each one is crafted by the incredibly talented bartenders. But not in an adventurous mood, I asked for a French Martini (of course) while Melissa chose a G&T (again no surprises) and we chatted about the evening ahead before grabbing a car over to the theatre.
The show, still on at the Victoria Apollo, was bustling with people and was almost packed out. We had seats in the Upper Circle with a clear view down to the stage and had to wait no more than 10 minutes before the show began...
...and what an incredible show it was!! From the set on stage, to the incredibly talented performance from the cast, I would go and see it over and over again and I can promise Defying Gravity and Dancing Through Life will be straight on my playlist!
We then grabbed a late night wasabi, something the girls and I are becoming quite accustomed to, and took it back to our suite to finish our wine and watch Sex and the City, before filling out our room service requirements (picking practically one of everything on the menu) and getting an early night to head back to normality tomorrow!
At exactly seven-thirty there was a knock on our door after the comfiest nights sleep. And that meant one thing. Breakfast. The politest waiter walked in, bidding us good morning and preparing our breakfast at the end of the bed, laying out the table and pulling our hot food out before leaving us to tuck in. And we had most definitely over ordered. Greek yoghurt, Fruit salads, croissants, muffins, toast, bacon, porridge, eggs, and the worlds most delicious pancakes and syrup left Melissa and I never needing food again and set us up perfectly for the day ahead.
And with that I bid you good morning from the 7th floor of 45 Park lane, possibly one of the greatest trips of my whole life. I cannot wait to return!
All information on 45 Park Lane reservations and Wicked tickets here:
http://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/london/45-park-lane
http://www.wickedthemusical.co.uk
