I have stayed at the Dukes many times in the last 15 years. It is comfortable and friendly with a certain charm. Unfortunately I feel unable to stay there again. Starting with the positive, the bed is comfortable, the rooms clean and the food good. However the hotel is tired, the lift, a quaint contraption, failed 3 times while we were there, the bathroom is a bit rough around the edges with sealant missing from joints and there is absolutely no drawer storage in the room for clothes. Beyond this it is impossible to actually experience the charm and comfort that is undeniably possible. In the drawing room there are never tables available as they are all booked by non residents, all of them, all of the time. There is a reason for this, the food is excellent, the afternoon tea to die for - but want to sit and read the Sunday paper or a book, no that isn’t possible as that table is reserved. Every time I asked for a table I was met with incredulity as if I could assume such a thing. It got tiring.
Similarly with the bar, a famous martinis lounge, that also requires a reservation, so no relaxed dropping in.
Quaint it most certainly is, but comfortable - not in the slightest