Dorchester responds to grooming policy controversy
The iconic Park Lane hotel said that its policy is part of its "world-leading" hospitality standards and "in line with other luxury brands".
According to a report in the Daily Mail, the five-AA-star, 250-bedroom hotel in London's Mayfair emailed all female employees with a list of personal grooming requirements including manicures, full make-up and shaved legs.
The article claims that the policy document states "body odour is not tolerated" and it discourages bad breath, garish make-up and oily skin. It also alleges that women working in the hotel are advised to have shaven legs even if they are wearing tights.
But the Dorchester's general manager and UK regional director, Roland Fasel, has defended the policy and said: "The Dorchester has a proud community of employees who uphold world-leading hospitality standards including grooming, in line with many other luxury brands. All new applicants are sent a copy of our grooming standards in advance of interview."
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