Luca Virgilio, General Manager of The Dorchester, ahead of the much anticipated renovation completion (Exclusive Interview)

The Dorchester is currently undergoing the final stages of its ample renovations. What motivated these renovations? Why now? 

We recognise that everything evolves, even for a hotel as acclaimed and recognised as ours. We feel that this is our time to evolve. The Dorchester has undergone many alterations and changes during its nine decades in order to stay at the forefront of the luxury hotel market and to offer its guests the very best of everything. But we have an opportunity now to one of the most significant renovations of The Dorchester since it first opened its doors in 1931, and to reaffirm The Dorchester’s status as a world leader and reset its position in the London architectural landscape.

In the process of choosing interior designers / architects, what were the essential aspects you had be outlining?

Respect for the history and heritage of The Dorchester was front of mind when choosing design and architecture partners. This is a hotel that has been part of the London landscape for over 90 years and that requires a certain humbleness in any partnership we embark on. When the renovation is complete, it’s important that our guests walk in and feel the true essence of The Dorchester rather than a specific designer’s mark on the place. Our design partners, Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki Studio are working with the utmost respect for the hotel.

Is there a DNA of The Dorchester which you are seeking to preserve or to re-interpret? Are you enlarging or reducing your accommodations inventory? What about suites? 

The Dorchester will remain the remarkable hotel that stands tall in Mayfair on the edge of one of the world’s finest parks. The design will be classical, vibrant, bright, modern and exciting, and will set the scene for our guests who turn and thrive in the spirit of London. As The Dorchester, we don’t deny our past but we do recognise that we must embrace our future, and in order to do that we must evolve. 

This is a phased renovation with the first phase including a complete redesign of the forecourt, garden, lobby, Promenade, Bar and 1st and 2nd floor guest rooms and suites. The rooms and suites inventory will be slightly reduced to allow for more space within some of our signature suites. 

Many tend to associate The Dorchester with a predominantly classic style, nevertheless, the hotel always had some intriguing (fun) aspects, which provided that unique desirability, WOW factor. Will this be preserved with the renovations? – or maybe new elements added. 

One of our key objectives as we reposition this hotel into this new era is to elevate a sense of social vibrancy throughout. We want our guests to walk into The Dorchester and feel excited about all we have to offer them throughout their stay. Our bars and restaurants have always had a reputation amongst the very best in London and we’re excited to be introducing two new offerings as we come out of renovation.

Our Cake & Flowers boutique, with its own dedicated entrance at the front of the hotel, will showcase the passion and mastery of our in-house designer florist and executive pastry chef with captivating showpieces in the feature windows and signature pastries and cakes to take away, floral bouquets and a selection of Champagnes and artisan chocolates.

We’re also launching a new champagne bar at the end of the Promenade and our legendary cocktail institution, being entirely redesigned by Martin Brudnizki, is being transformed into a bar with movie star looks and a supporting cast of talented bartenders ready to curate evenings of mature fun. 

Despite its luxury positioning, its illustrious history and unparalleled prestige, The Dorchester has never felt intimidating. 

No, and this is something we are very proud of. It all comes down to the people. We have an exceptional team of colleagues who put our guests at the centre of everything they do. We strive to exceed our guests’ expectations every day by cultivating and encouraging sophistication without snobbery, style without excess and curiosity without judgement.

A specific interior designer was chosen for each part of the hotel, i.e. lobby, reception, rooms etc. Tell us more. 

We’ve enlisted Pierre-Yves Rochon to oversee the design of all interiors with the exception of the main bar, which is being redesigned by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Both were chosen not only because of their exceptional experience and credentials but also because we knew that they would be able to interpret the history and storytelling of The Dorchester and weave that into their work. 

Does the renovation also including technical aspects such as soundproofing, piping, AC etc?

Yes, everything has been taken care of. 

Do you think the newly redesigned and renovated The Dorchester may attract a different clientele too? Maybe younger guests? Do you anticipate resistance for the many long time returning guests of tee hotel 

We do believe that The Dorchester, once relaunched, will attract a new clientele and we’re excited to welcome them to the hotel. We’re enhancing our offering throughout our bars and restaurants and we’re confident that the introduction of the two new spaces, Cake & Flowers and the new Promenade bar will attract people from the local area. Through the design, we’ve been sure to respect the spirit and the DNA of The Dorchester so it will very much still feel like the hotel that our long-time and returning guests know and love so well. We’re looking forward to bringing them on this journey with us as we enter this new chapter. 

Many luxury hotels in major destinations are challenged by staffing. What has been your approach? 

This is a common challenge across hospitality and so of course we are not immune to it either. However, we have an incredibly loyal team, which is seen across Dorchester Collection as a whole. The company put colleague welfare at the core of their values and that has resulted in many long serving colleagues and a reputation that means new people are always keen to join us.

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