The legendary luxury brand will open its first hotel in Asia within Tokyo's Torch Tower, the tallest building in Japan having been selected by Mitsubishi Estate Co and Tokyo Century Corporation to manage the new property, scheduled to open in 2028.
Like its existing portfolio of properties, Dorchester Collection says the new arrival in Tokyo will provide a "strong individuality rooted in the city's culture and heritage," and will form "an integral part of the local community". It will offer "gracious Japanese hospitality," combined with the brand's trademark elevated service and experiences.
Hotel is key component of Tokyo Torch redevelopment in the heart of Tokyo's city centre
The Tokyo Torch redevelopment district aims to become a tourism gateway to Tokyo and Japan with the Torch Tower, a supertall skyscraper, scheduled to be completed in 2027. It will be the tallest building in Japan, surpassing the 300m Abeno Harukas in Osaka.
The hotel will be a key component of this redevelopment in the heart of Tokyo's city centre. Located in the upper floors of Torch Tower, it will offer panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, the city centre, as well as Mount Fuji.
Tokyo has 'long been an integral part' of Dorchester's growth strategy
The new hotel "will become a beacon for Japan's ultra-luxury hotel landscape and set new benchmarks," according to Christopher Cowdray, chief executive officer, Dorchester Collection. He says that Tokyo has "long been an integral part" of the growth strategy for the Dorchester Collection given the city's status as "a gateway to Asia and its global significance".
Dorchester heritage rooted in the historic fabric of cities
The Dorchester Collection is a luxury hotel operator owned by the Brunei Investment Agency, an arm of the Ministry of Finance of Brunei. It was founded in 2006 but its history dates back into the late 1800s with a heritage deeply rooted in the historic fabric of some of the most remarkable cities in the world.
It began with the Hotel Eden becoming the first hotel in Rome to offer conveniences such as lifts and electricity in 1889 and saw The Dorchester hosting post World War II royal charity balls in London.
"Our hotels are the living, timeless actors that have helped to shape the history of their respective locations. Each with a unique story to tell, they represent their cities' past and present, substance and style, and most importantly - their people," says the company.
Middle East debut will precede Asian arrival
Ahead of Dorchester Collection's long-awaited Asian arrival the brand will open its first property in the Middle East. The Lana was expected to open in 2022, but will now welcome its first guests in 2023.
The property takes its name from the Arabic expression meaning 'for us' and the Hawaiian 'floating gently in calm water', which pays homage to the hotel's location beside the Dubai Creek and the Marasi Marina.
It is housed in a 30-storey tower designed by the award-winning architects Foster + Partners in the heart of Dubai, in the Burj Khalifa District and overlooking the vibrant Business Bay area and will feature 225 guestrooms and the promise of "an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience".
The inventory includes 69 suites and all feature floor-to-ceiling windows and lightflooded spaces. Design is contemporary, inspired by the city setting, with details such as stone parquet flooring, triple-height ceilings, and screen dividers to create an ambience that is at once welcoming and discreet.
Dark marble, rounded furniture, and soft hues of gold, beige, and olive are seen throughout the living spaces. A highlight of the in-room experience is the deep-soaking bathtubs, some of which will be positioned in the windows, affording occupants superb city views while they bathe.
A hallmark of Dorchester Collection hotels are the signature suites and at The Lana, their will be 21 signature suites. Residential in feel, each of the signature suites are palatial and an open floor plan that allows for the surrounding lush tropical landscapes to flow from outdoors in.