Behind the Doors of The Dorchester
Behind the Doors of The Dorchester
by Stacey-Rebekka Karlsson, Managing Director @ Goho
I met Chanelle in Monaco at an inVOYAGE event in October 2019. We hit it off straight away and I have since held countless events at the Dorchester, and had an amazing event booked at the Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris which was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid!
The Dorchester is one of my favourite places in London, and all the events I have ever held there have been perfect in every way. So, in one of my recent catch-ups with Chanelle (right before a spin class, no less!) I fired some questions at her to give you lucky lot an opportunity to get to know her and her workplace.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your role and how long you have worked at Dorchester Collection?
My name is Chanelle Gale and I’ve worked at Dorchester Collection for just under two years. My role focuses on driving business from the UK market into our nine luxury hotels in London, Ascot, Paris, Rome, Milan and LA. We also have a new hotel opening in Dubai in 2022. I’m originally from Vancouver, Canada and have been living in London for six years now. I love all things outdoors, travel, and I’m a big foodie!
What makes the Dorchester Collection so special?
We like to do things differently at Dorchester Collection. That’s why our guests trust us to take the very best care of them, and in return we show our loyalty by putting them at the heart of everything we do.
Since the very beginning, our hotels have been inspired by the idea of people sharing memorable moments and being part of history in the making. We offer unique and legendary experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world, and our guests appreciate being recognised by us as individuals and having the same friendly faces welcome them back to our properties. Together, we thrive on forming meaningful relationships and creating true, lasting connections.
What is the best event that you have hosted at the Dorchester Collection?
There are many that spring to mind but the one I remember most fondly is an event hosted in the famous kitchens at The Dorchester. It was a party designed to showcase the exceptional culinary delights Dorchester Collection has to offer at all of our hotels. Being in the heart of the hotel gave a great atmosphere and the food really was outstanding. The colours, aromas, flavours and presentation were all a real feast for the senses.
We also hosted an interactive wine tasting in The Wine Vault, where guests were able to enjoy fine wines from around the world presented with wonderful storytelling by our master sommelier, Christopher Delalonde.
As the evening progressed, dessert appeared including a crepe suzette station with every topping you could possibly imagine. The champagne flowed and guests danced to a three-piece band. By the end of the evening, even the chef’s was dancing. For me it was a wonderful example of a true Dorchester Collection experience.
What do you think makes a good event?
Listening to our clients requirements and ensuring their expectations are always fulfilled and where possible exceeded. We pride ourselves on ensuring that every event is tailored to their own individual requirements. It’s so wonderful when you hear how delighted a client is by an event that you’ve help organise for them.
What events are most suited to your hotels?
Our hotels offer the perfect venue for any event, from large celebrations for a special occasion to important board meetings and indulgent incentives. Dorchester Collection offers the perfect combination of luxurious surroundings, seamless service and cutting-edge technology to create truly memorable moments.
What plans and safety measures have you put in place to welcome guests and event bookings at your venues?
Employees are receiving regular training on our new standards regarding COVID-19 health & safety protocols. Every member of staff must strictly comply with these protective measures recommended by global governing agencies. The measures include hand hygiene, wearing masks if mandated and social distancing. Employees are also be asked to stay home and seek medical attention if they, or someone in their household, has any COVID-19 symptoms.
When guests arrive at one of our hotels our employees will act as their guide, sensitively communicating all the new hygiene, health and safety measures so they can move seamlessly around our hotels, knowing that they’re being looked after with the greatest care.
Hand sanitiser is available in key places including: receptions, lobbies, guest rooms, restaurant entrances, meeting and event spaces, lift landings, spas, pools and fitness areas. Any medical support required is provided in line with government regulations.
All our hotels have a designated medical partner, such as a nurse or doctor, to provide assistance including testing and health check services. Each guest receives an amenity kit in their room or suite containing masks, hand sanitiser and a COVID-19 awareness card.
Further details can be found on the safety page on our website.
Describe your hotel group in 3 words?
Legendary, unique, iconic
What do you love most about working for this hotel group?
Dorchester Collection has a ‘We Care’ culture and is a company that truly lives by its values of: passion, personality, respect, working together and creativity. Due to the pandemic, it’s been a difficult year for everyone and I couldn’t feel more grateful to be working with Dorchester Collection who have been really supportive of all their employees. They have proven time after time how much their team means to them. They make me feel valued, respected and very proud to work for them.
