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The Dorchester's 80th Anniversary
Our roots go back to 1931.
Now we’re planting a legacy for our 80th Anniversary.
The Dorchester will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary throughout 2011 in a unique collaboration with international charity Trees for Cities by planting 80 new ‘Future Great Trees’ in London.
On Monday 14 November 2011, the first tree, a ‘Liriodendron Tulipifera’ or ‘Tulip Tree’ was planted on Curzon Street by entrepreneur Jo Wood. Roland Mouret, Lily Cole and Anya Hindmarch have also lent their support to the project. In coming months, an English Oak will be planted in Green Park and an Ash in Hyde Park, whilst further sites are identified by Trees for Cities.
The listed plane tree that has marked the entrance to The Dorchester since the hotel opened its doors in 1931, was designated one of the Great Trees of London by Trees for Cities in 1997. Inspired by this landmark tree, the 80th Anniversary celebration will see 15 ‘Future Great Trees’ planted in Mayfair and St. James’s to form ‘The Dorchester Anniversary Walk’. A further 65 trees will be planted across London in areas to be identified by Trees for Cities.
The Dorchester’s 80th Anniversary ‘Future Great Trees’ legacy was proposed by the hotel's Corporate Responsibility team, winners of the Considerate Hoteliers Association ‘Green Team of the Year’ Award in 2010. Over the next few months experts in urban tree planning Trees for Cities will work in partnership with Westminster Council and other landowners to identify locations, so that planting can begin in November 2011.
The Dorchester will be unveiling a number of ways guests can participate in the 80th Anniversary celebrations and support the planting legacy over the next few months. For example, a commemorative cocktail will be launched on 18 April by Bar Manager Giuliano Morandin - the perfect way to toast the occasion. This year The Dorchester will also renovate a number of suites under the design direction of Alexandra Champalimaud refreshing the hotels inherently British, classic residential style.
Recent refurbishments at The Dorchester have included the expansion and renovation of The Dorchester Spa in 2009, the launch of three Michelin starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in 2007 and the addition of three contemporary designed roof suites also by Alexandra Champalimaud the same year. In 2011 The Dorchester will also renovate The Ballroom in the latter half of the year.
For 80 years The Dorchester Plane Tree has born witness to countless illustrious moments in London’s history played out at the hotel, launch the History Tool below to view a selection of images.