London is brimming with exciting hotels offering a wealth of experiences. From family-friendly boltholes to boutique digs to flashy big names like The Savoy, the choice can often be overwhelming. But the English capital is now offering visitors a new way to stay with Dao by Dorsett West London, a chic aparthotel concept.

P.S. you may like our art-filled guide of fun things to do in London and our list of great restaurants in London that we always go back to too.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of Dao by Dorsett West London

Dao West London exterior
Dao West London was the first of the new Dao by Dorsett properties to open worldwide

While I love a hotel, when you spend a lot of time on the road, you sometimes just need the comforts and convenience of home. And that’s exactly what Dao by Dorsett West London, with its thoughtfully conceived apartments, offers. The spacious, moody lobby feels like walking into the foyer of a high-end apartment building—check-in desks are discreetly located to one side of the lobby so you could almost miss them.

The room

Minutes after checking in, I’m kicking off my boots and luxuriating in the space of my signature One-Bedroom suite, one of 74 apartments here. It’s a comfortable space where chic simplicity reigns supreme and welcome functionality wins out over fussy opulence. Like the rest of the property, the design here is contemporary—think shades of black and white enlivened with pops of jewel-toned turquoise.

Dao by Dorsett West London one-bedroom suite
Small, but perfectly formed, the apartments are a wonderful choice for travellers who want access to laundry and kitchen facilities

The open-plan kitchen and living space has everything you’d need in a fully-functional apartment, from a cosy pull-out sofa and flatscreen TV to a built-in breakfast bar where I tap furiously at my laptop while downing a pain au chocolate and coffee early the next morning.

The kitchen, complete with a double-hob stovetop, oven, kettle, toaster, and Nespresso machine, is fully-equipped for whipping up simple home cooking. Glancing quickly at the marble-topped side table next to the sofa, I’m pleasantly surprised to see a copy of “Pretty City London”, a personal favourite coffee table book that I consider a brilliant visual guide to the city.

Through sliding doors—perfect for added privacy—the bedroom has both electric and USB outlets built into the nightstand that flanks the king-size bed, along with a sit-down vanity and wardrobe to unpack in. The charcoal-shaded bathroom is stocked with decadent Elemis products and features a walk-in rainforest shower (and yes, the pressure is great!)

Amenities plus

Given that Dao by Dorsett West London is a serviced apartment, you wouldn’t expect all the extra facilities that would come with a fully-kitted-out hotel. But, after several weeks on the road, I’m thrilled to discover one much-needed home comfort—there’s a laundrette in the basement. The surprisingly well-designed space—decked out in light wood and a feature wall of greenery and neon signs—has a kitchen and coffee bar, vending machines, and a wall of washer-dryers.

Dao by Dorsett West London bathroom
Luxuriate is a huge shower with great water pressure

Because the apartments share dining facilities with Dorsett Shepherds Bush, guests have access to Jin Bar—ideal for quiet breakfasts and evening drinks—and Shikumen, the hotel’s speciality Chinese restaurant. And, although there’s no onsite gym, the property partners with swish local sports centres—think GYMBOX, Fitness First, and Yoga West—to offer guests discounted day passes to maintain their fitness on the go.

Location, location, location!

I quickly realise the property’s location is ideal for hitting the best of West London—and feeling like a local. From here, guests can walk to Westfield London in five minutes, or get to most London airports in a one-hour drive. Fancy popping out for a swish dinner with friends or hitting the shops? Jump on the tube at Shepherds Bush station and you’ll be in Kensington, Notting Hill, Paddington, Bond Street, or Oxford Street in minutes. There’s also a convenient bus stop just out front.

To really drive home that live-like-a-local feel, guests also have insider access to local community events and a wealth of neighbourhood gems like fitness studios, local cafés, and neighbourhood restaurants.

Offering the convenience of a home base, Dao by Dorsett West London is a comfortable serviced apartment property that ticks all the boxes. There’s plenty of space to kick back, hang up your clothes, cook, do laundry, and even work. So, whether you’re here for business or leisure, you’ll find a welcome space at this West London gem.

Discover more about Dao by Dorsett West London

And don’t miss our interview with Winnie Chiu, President of Dorsett Hospitality International.

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