Hadi ko
Google
The Plaza has long been one of my favorite destinations for dining, staying, and socializing. However, I regret to say that my recent experiences have been extremely disappointing due to increasingly unprofessional, disrespectful, and seemingly discriminatory behavior from certain members of the staff.
Most notably, a staff member who claims to be a “physio” – a bald gentleman – has shown a concerning attitude, particularly toward non-European guests. On two separate occasions, I was denied entry under the pretext of a “private event.” These refusals were delivered with a clear lack of respect. Ironically, on one occasion, I was later allowed in due to the presence of a friend who is a member of a royal family – a fact the staff member could not challenge.
On another occasion, while dining in the gallery, I observed numerous guests who were clearly not hotel residents, including several young women affiliated with a promoter group and a number of European patrons. When I attempted to enter again, I was met with the same fabricated excuse about a private event, suggesting a pattern of selective and discriminatory enforcement.
It is important to remind the staff that the Dorchester Collection, which The Plaza is part of, is owned by the Brunei Investment Agency, representing a Muslim nation. It is both ironic and troubling to see such apparent bias and gatekeeping happening under such ownership.
Additionally, I was shocked to overhear a manager instructing staff (assuming I did not understand French) to demand a 20% tip from customers, and to “point them out” if they refused, as a way to remember and possibly target them in the future. This kind of behavior is highly unethical and utterly unacceptable in a five-star hospitality environment.
I am genuinely disheartened by how the values of hospitality, inclusion, and respect seem to be eroding at The Plaza. I hope this message reaches the appropriate individuals who care about the brand’s reputation and values. I am prepared to escalate this matter further to ensure it receives the attention it deserves.