Dorchester gets 21st century makeover

The Dorchester in London is embarking on a multi-million pound refurbishment programme to benefit business travellers. Leave your laptop at home and find all the facilities you need in luxurious surroundings.

A high-tech system will enable guests to work and play in the comfort of their hotel room providing access to Word, Powerpoint and Excel, email and internet facilities. Laptops can be connected to the system via a high-speed link at the desk. Guests may print documents and make business presentations with ease.

The custom-built console will contain a fax, DVD, CD player and printer with modems for UK and US plugs. Never miss a call with the revamped phone system built to handle several incoming and outgoing calls simultaneously, complete with voicemail facilities.

For entertainment, these screens provide news, sport, film, music, shopping and international channels. Each room will have 60 films to choose from, including 15 of the latest releases, and more than 2,500 music tracks. All bedrooms and bathrooms will be totally refurbished and upgraded in the existing "English country house" style.

Larger desks are being designed and lighting fixtures improved. Bathrooms will feature new de-misting mirrors and new shaving mirrors. The Boardroom Business Centre is open six days a week to help guests with all their business requirements. And an e-butler is on hand to satisfy computer and entertainment problems.