The brand will join Dorsett Hotels, Silka, and d.Collection and will provide an antidote to the traditional hotel formula with an aparthotel model, the group’s first foray into this sector of the hospitality industry. The first Dao by Dorsett property will open on 1st June in West London, centrally located in the lively neighbourhood of Shepherd’s Bush.

Dao by Dorsett will bring socially driven and locally minded aparthotels to guests in central locations across the world, offering guests their own custom living space and the chance to interact with their neighbours and local environments. Each Dao by Dorsett property will be situated in the heart of its community and will comprise high quality fully serviced apartments, catering to guests looking for longer stays or just wanting to immerse themselves in their destination in a home away from home accommodation. The apartments will offer guests independence and encourage them to get out into the local area to explore, without compromising on the service and hospitality that Dorsett is renowned for. With slick and chic city interiors, Dorsett bespoke beds, and all the amenities guests need to make their stay as seamless as possible, guests will feel at home as soon as they step through the door.

Translating into English as ‘the way’, the brand’s name Dao emphasises its goal to lead the way and pave the way for individuals to explore the community and for locals to interact with guests and visitors in a harmonious and uplifting way. Dao will be a social brand, providing not only a place to stay but creating opportunities for shared encounters both within and without the apartments. The Custom Fit mantra means each stay and space is catered to each individual guest, and staff prioritise a guest-first mentality, ensuring they are receiving hotel level service with all the benefits of their own apartment.

All apartment units in Dao by Dorsett properties will come in either one or two bedroom configurations with multi-functional kitchenettes, living space to work and relax, and in some cases private outdoor terraces from which to take in the sights and sounds of the local area. There will also be accessible studios available.

The brand’s first opening, Dao by Dorsett West London, is set to open on 1st June and will comprise 74 high quality fully serviced apartment units overlooking Shepherd’s Bush Green, just a five-minute walk from the underground station and Westfield London, as well as the vibrant White City area. The site of the first Dao by Dorsett property is one with a rich cultural history that dates back to 1910 when it was opened as the Shephard’s Bush Cinematograph Theatre. Over the subsequent decades the property changed hands but maintained its cultural ties with cinematography. Today, Dao by Dorsett West London seeks to continue the building’s connection with the local community by creating a property that champions the local area and encourages visiting guests to explore the wealth of activities and culture on the property’s doorstep. Dao by Dorsett West London offers easy access to West London’s highlights, including Kensington, Notting Hill and the West End, as well as great transport links to Heathrow Airport.

Of the launch of Dao by Dorsett, Dorsett Hospitality International President Winnie Chiu comments: “The world has changed incredibly quickly in the last two years of the pandemic but it has also reaffirmed the value of connection. The Dao by Dorsett experience will be tailored from arrival, offering a new way to travel which is intrinsically linked to the local community and the flexibility to custom-fit each stay. Being able to provide a longer-stay option with thoughtful services and amenities will enable our guests to get the most out of their time reconnecting with friends and loved ones as travel resumes.”