If you’re after a luxury aparthotel in one of London’s hot spots, Dao by Dorsett is the perfect retreat. The new 74-apartment property in Shepherds Bush, West London, recently opened its doors in June 2022, and is the second aparthotel launched by the Asian brand, Dorsett Hospitality.
Located opposite the iconic Dorsett Hotel, the apartments hold a fascinating history. The eight-storey property was once the Shepherd’s Bush Cinematograph Theatre, first opened in 1910. Since then, it has had many lives as a pub, and eventually serving as office space until Dorsett began developing in 2018. Needless to say, Dao by Dorsett brings a welcome, modern extension to the brand whilst keeping its character and charm.
In addition, it’s in a prime location for short or long-stay visitors. Just a mere five-minute walk from Shepherds Bush train stations, it’s also near the popular, Westfield London shopping centre, right next door to the iconic music venue, Shepherds Bush Empire.
Hotel
Stepping through the revolving doors into the Dorsett offered a warm and quiet retreat from the Saturday night bustle. I was greeted by friendly staff, and the ambience was cosy and relaxing thanks to the soft, muted lighting. The lobby is spacious yet minimalist, with a giant sculpture in the middle, chic seating on the left, and a baby grand piano as you walk towards the Jin Bar at the back. The foyer has two reception desks – one check-in area for the apartments, while the other for the hotel guests.
To access the aparthotels, you’ll need to go through a separate lobby to get to the elevators. Compared to the soft glow of the main lobby, this extension is bright, colourful and quirky – especially the giant £10 bank note that dominates the wall. The plush green velvet chairs work well with the luxury, marble floor tiles, that still has that shine of fresh décor.
The apartment
My retreat for the night was the duplex apartment suite on the seventh floor, which is ideal for a family or group of four. As you enter into a brightly-lit corridor, there is a spacious W.C to the right, and behind a door on the left, an open-plan lounge with a well-equipped kitchen.
The open plan was tastefully designed with high-gloss kitchen cabinets, marble table and contemporary teal furnishings. Tucked in the corner was a mini office space, complete with computer and printer on the desk, ideal for the business traveller. The only caveat was the memory-foam sofa was a little too hard for my liking, making it uncomfortable to lounge on.
Nevertheless, the staircase leads to two cosy bedrooms, should you wish to watch movies in the comfy beds. Besides the wide-screen TV and contemporary furnishings, each bedroom has a luxurious, en-suite shower room that features a rain shower and hand-held shower in a spacious cubicle. It also comes with Elemis toiletries and a woven bag filled with bathroom essentials.
Both feature interesting brass, wall décor above the beds to complement the geometric patterns of the bed throws and carpet. The huge windows in the master bedroom offer spectacular views of the city skyline, giving me the perfect frame for the fireworks display that night. Although the second bedroom lacks windows, there is a retractable skylight above the bed should you wish to stargaze at night. Impressive.
To add to the luxury ambience, the Dao offers several in-room, experience packages (The Dao Journey). In need of some TLC, I opted for the Self Care Club, which consisted of Kombucha tea, CBD balancing oil, face mask, scented candle, and massage voucher. A great finishing touch to an apartment that makes you feel at home but with a luxury penthouse feel.
Food and drink
Shepherds Bush is known for its vibrant nightlife, so isn’t short of exciting restaurants and bars. The hotel’s adjoining Shikumen restaurant specialises in Chinese cuisine but bear in mind that they only seat a minimum of three persons. If you don’t fancy Chinese though, you could always dine in nearby Westfield, that has an abundance of places to eat. I took a stroll down the road to Mikawa, Japan, a charming restaurant specialising in sushi, sashimi, and ramen. Flavours were tasty, rich and authentic, making it a worthwhile walk in the rain!
Breakfast is served downstairs in the Jin Bar, just off the lobby. You can choose from a continental buffet, or also order one hot dish from the à la carte menu. I opted for a full English breakfast, but there are other tasty options to choose from. I did find the crowded dining space rather small to accommodate the constant stream of guests. However, I was content to marvel at the impressive interior design the building had to offer – which was a pleasant distraction.
Things to do
The Dao by Dorsett aparthotels offer several amenities to suit all interests. You can book for your personal, in-room massage if you need much needed rest and recuperation. Or you could opt for a yoga class or day-pass at one of the two gyms. Of course, if you want some retail therapy, head over to Westfield shopping centre, or peruse Shepherd’s Bush Market for a rare find. After you’ve shopped, you can dine in one of the many restaurants and bars nearby.
West London is also a great place to explore, with hot spots such as Notting Hill and Portobello Road to visit, and it’s not far away from other Central London attractions.
In a nutshell
Whether you’re a business traveller, or with a group of friends away for a fun weekend, Dao by Dorsett makes the ideal sanctuary. This fully-equipped aparthotel has all the comforts of home, with a luxurious touch. The duplex offers a spacious apartment with a high-end feel, and plenty of amenities to ensure a relaxing stay. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Westfield shopping centre, music venues, restaurants and bars, you’ll never be short of things to do.
If you’re looking for a contemporary aparthotel right in the middle of a buzzing location, the Dao by Dorsett is a good choice.
Factbox
The duplex apartment starts from £990 for four people.
Address: Dao by Dorsett, West London, 56 Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8TT
Phone: 020 3835 0200
Website: daobydorsett.com