We love visiting Dukes. The service, cocktails, restaurant… everything is five stars. A slice of elegance in London
Wife took me here for my 50th birthday. Amazing experience with very little wait. Extremely lucky to have Alessandro prepare our martinis for us! Hope to return again soon!
It is rare I leave such a poor review, however my experience at Dukes yesterday evening left me feeling embarrassed, and such I want to express my disappointment. When I arrived, my party were already seated at the back of the bar, and the seat I had faced away from the entire bar. As I had been super excited to ‘experience’ Dukes, and watch the barman who was directly behind me with the trolley pour martinis, I decided to move my chair around. I thought it easier to do that by switching my chair with the one better positioned behind me on the empty table. No sooner had a stood up, the barman looked at me with what I can only describe as utter disgust, and rudely/loudly said ‘are you ok?’. The bar was so quiet that all customers stared at me and listened to the entire interaction which was incredibly embarrassing, he offered zero discretion. I told him I just wanted to be able to see what was going on and he dismissively said ‘fine, but a party of 5 are soon arriving and now won’t have enough room to sit so you will have to move’. I totally understand that me moving a chair in a civilised bar, and unintentionally messing up the seating plan may not have been ideal. Had the barman politely explained that I would have been totally understanding. But it was a small, well meaning action on my part, and quite frankly he was rude, unprofessional and ruined my entire experience. I then had to be served by him and spend £27 on a cocktail whilst feeling ashamed. I would expect that 5* service in a bar/hotel such as Dukes extends to not only the quality of drinks but the warmth, hospitality and professionalism of your staff.
I recently visited Dukes Bar in London with high hopes for a pleasant evening, but I was met with an experience that left a sour taste in my mouth. Despite being initially welcomed and told we could be seated, everything took a turn for the worse when the staff member went to consult with someone else, only to return with an abrupt “sorry, you can’t come in.” It was disheartening to see such blatant exclusion happening in 2025, a year where inclusivity should be the norm. The whole situation felt premeditated, as if they were actively judging patrons based on criteria that had nothing to do with the quality of service or the experience they offer. It’s a shame that in a vibrant city like London, there are still places that perpetuate a culture of exclusiveness and elitism. Instead of feeling welcome and valued, we left feeling dismissed and frustrated. There are countless venues in London that embrace diversity and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or appearance, is welcomed with open arms. Dukes Bar clearly has a long way to go in fostering an inclusive environment for all its patrons. This experience was not just disappointing; it was a sad reminder that places like Dukes still exist, choosing to judge rather than celebrate the richness of our diverse society. I would strongly advise anyone seeking a warm and inviting atmosphere to look elsewhere. There are many better options in London where every type of person is genuinely welcomed. Shame on the staff and management for perpetuating this outdated mentality.
We stayed at the Dukes Hotel with our sons to celebrate Christmas, and had the best time. The staff’s hospitality was wonderful, and our boys really were blown away by what they did to make our stay special... Christmas cookies in the room, tea service. Each morning when we left to explore London, the staff took interest in what we were up to for the day. The boys were excited to return and tell them about our day. The bar is delightful and cozy and lives up to the hype. The tea is delicious. We really had the best time with the Dukes Hotel as our homebase to explore London at Christmastime!
For the most classic martini experience, Duke’s bar is a must. Also the home of a classic, the Vesper. There is a two drink limit per guest (for very good reason), and there is a sign at the door saying dress code is strictly enforced. Throw on some oxfords and a nice sports jacket and you’ll be fine.
I travel a lot for work. The Location of the hotel was good. Rooms are noisy with single glaze window, fridge is empty. Squeaky floor, Lack of toiletries that you find in 5 star hotel.. Not all The staff are trained to the standard of a 5 star hotel. Room service had to deliver a simple breakfast order over 3 attempt. The house keeping calls the room even when they see dont disturb to ask when I am going to leave the room! . Front desk asked me to sort the reservation with the bar directly as its full and he could not be bothered to find a solution when I mentioned that i could not get a booking through out my stay. The female staff at front desk where much more skilled to handle front desk then the men specially the young one. Head to Connaught hotel for a proper old school hotel service and great bar!
We had an afternoon cream tea. The staff couldn't have been more friendlier or helpful. The tea room was lovely. The sandwiches, scones and cakes were scrumptious and there was an option of a refill of food, but there was ample and wasn't needed.
The hotel is incredibly disorganized. Let’s hope that it’s due to COVID and that they had to lay off essential staff - and that it will improve over time. We had mistake after mistake- mixing up of rooms- not confirming bookings of meeting rooms-staff not being informed of reservations nor being able to assist. Not to mention the absolutely appalling service at the bar - the manager is grumpy, downright rude and potentially the worst experience I’ve ever had in london (I lived there 16 years.) It’s true what the other reviews say - listen and DONT GO. The bar might be legendary - but there are plenty of other places to go that are worth it. At the end of the day, the guest feels like the fool as the prices are high at this hotel- and at the moment it’s not worth it. It’s overdue a makeover - looking a little like a retirement home, with staff that should retire, and definitely no longer a “luxury” hotel .
Tobias & the staff at Dukes London were absolutely amazing. Traveling from the USA to London they made every moment at this hotel convenient and enjoyable. They were incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating. They made my trip to London so amazing with great suggestions & directions I felt at ease.
DUKES LONDON is located at 35 St James's Pl, London SW1A 1NY, UK
You can contact DUKES LONDON at +44 20 7491 4840
You can find directions to DUKES LONDON by following this map link
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