Dorsett Shepherds Bush – hotel review

It's a calm haven in the middle of this busy West London spot – the tinted windows hide the passing traffic and block out the constant noise – but the hotel, which clearly has grand ambitions, still feels a little out of place in its setting.

Having said that, it's just a minute's walk to Westfield's giant shopping centre, multiple restaurants and five tube stops (Hammersmith & City, District, Circle and Central lines, as well as the Overground) making it a handy place for tourists planning on travelling into the city.

Set in a recently redeveloped Grade II listed building, which was formerly a cinema and bingo hall, the hotel has a grand, gold-covered lobby with high ceilings and swathes of space, as well as a restaurant and bar. Upstairs, there is also a spa with sauna, steam and treatment rooms.

Check in and check out is very speedy, and the helpful staff are quick to offer advice on how to store your bags, explore the area or best continue your journey – a plus if you're new to the city.

Each of the 317 rooms reflects the meeting of this Chinese hotel brand with its London location, with simple, clean interiors and calming colours. The rooms are basic and come without gimmicks or quirky added extras.

I'm not a fan of any hotel room where you can't open the windows, so the frosted panes made me feel a little claustrophobic, but you can see why they don't want you to look out over the backs of run-down shops and businesses in the area. It would break the spell somewhat.

It also took me about 10 minutes to work out how to turn all off the many lights in my room. There's a very high chance that's not Dorsett's fault (I'm far from the most technically minded of travellers) but there's something to be said for simplicity when staying away from home.

Dining: Dorsett Shepherds Bush has one bar and one large dining room. The Jin bar, in the centre of the hotel atrium, is edged by plush curtains and has an extensive drinks list and attentive, chirpy staff.

The hotel's restaurant continues the theme of functional east meets west, serving up fairly uninspiring dishes, including duck and watermelon salad, massaman curry and crispy squid, as well as steaks and more traditional English fare.

In the mornings, the restaurant lays out an extensive breakfast buffet full of cold and hot options, as well as some traditional Chinese breakfast dishes – if you're feeling adventurous or are over from China.

Price: Rooms start at £130

Address: 58 Shepherds Bush Green, London W12 8QE dorsetthotels.com

Radio Times Travel rating: 7/10 A functional West London hotel inspired by its Chinese roots

Ellie was hosted by Dorsett hotels. All of our contributors maintain editorial independence at all times and conduct first-hand research.

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