Luca Virgilio tells us more about the final phase of The Dorchester's renovations

Walpole: We last caught up with The Dorchester in 2023 when you had just unveiled the first phase of your renovations. Which areas have you renovated since then?

Luca Virgilio: Since our last conversation we have finally completed the renovation of all our eight floors with the unveiling of our Signature Suites.

Two of your flagship suites have been the focus of this final phase of renovations. First, the Royal Suite, which reopened this past June. Can you tell me a bit more about how this space has evolved?

The reopening of the Royal Suite in June was a particularly exciting moment for us as it marked the final chapter of our transformation. Designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the suite has evolved into a true reflection of modern British luxury whilst remaining unmistakably The Dorchester at its core. One of the most noticeable changes is the stronger connection to its surroundings. Perched high above Hyde Park, the suite draws inspiration from the British landscape through soft pastel tones, floral motifs, bespoke carpets and elegant parquet flooring, creating a residential feel that is both sophisticated and welcoming. We've also reimagined the suite to better suit the way guests travel and entertain today. From the expansive living and dining spaces to the private study and beautifully appointed master bedroom, every element has been thoughtfully designed, and the result is a suite that feels incredibly private and personal, yet is perfectly suited to hosting and entertaining. 

What is your favourite element of this space? Is there anything in particular a guest should look out for in these rooms?

For me it is all the small details; the Royal Suite is a testament to the art of craftsmanship that embodies the spirit of London. Every single element has been carefully considered, and this is reflected in the whole feel of the suite. However, if I had to choose one particular space, I would say the study room. I love the contrast and its cosiness.

One of your most iconic suites is the Oliver Messel Suite. Why is this such a special space and so central to The Dorchester’s heritage?

The Oliver Messel Suite is one of the most important spaces in The Dorchester because it's a living piece of British design history. Created in 1953 by renowned stage designer Oliver Messel, it embodies the creativity, craftsmanship and theatrical spirit that have long defined the hotel. What makes it truly unique is its authenticity. Rather than reinventing the suite, our recent restoration carefully returned it to its original splendour, preserving a remarkable legacy for future generations while ensuring it remains relevant for today's guests. The suite also opens onto the Oliver Messel Terrace, redesigned by Luke Edward Hall, offering extensive views across London's skyline, including landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye and Hyde Park.

Its cultural significance also extends beyond the hotel itself, with a model of the original suite held in the permanent collection of the V&A, cementing its place in British design history.

You have chosen to work with artist Luke Edward Hall on the terrace. What has he done for the space and why was he such a great fit for this particular project?

We wanted the terrace to feel like a natural extension of the Oliver Messel Suite, and Luke Edward Hall was the perfect person to bring that vision to life. As a long-time admirer of Messel's work, he has created a space that celebrates the suite's theatrical spirit while feeling fresh and relevant today. Luke took direct inspiration from the suite's interiors, drawing on its soft pinks, blues, greens and yellows, as well as original materials and motifs, and he carefully curated a mix of antique and contemporary furniture, bespoke textiles and handcrafted pieces to create a seamless transition from the suite to the terrace. What made him such a great fit was his genuine appreciation for Messel's legacy. Rather than competing with the interiors, his approach was to enhance and complement them, creating what feels like a private oasis above Hyde Park that is both respectful of the suite's heritage and wonderfully inviting for today's guests.

Throughout this renovation, you have worked with Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki. What is it about their work that made them perfect candidates for this project – and what has each brought to the table in particular?

Pierre-Yves Rochon and Martin Brudnizki were the ideal partners for this project because both share a deep respect for heritage while bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective to iconic spaces. Together, they understood that the goal was never to reinvent The Dorchester, but to evolve it thoughtfully for a new generation of guests. 

Pierre-Yves Rochon led the transformation of our forecourt entrance, the public areas including our stunning Promenade, guestrooms and suites, including the Royal Suite. His approach balanced The Dorchester's glamour and history with a more residential sense of comfort, drawing inspiration from British landscapes and Hyde Park to create spaces that feel timeless, elegant and unmistakably London. Martin Brudnizki, meanwhile, brought his signature sense of energy and character to the Vesper Bar. His work helped create vibrant, social spaces that complement the hotel's heritage while ensuring it remains relevant and exciting for today's guests. 

What both designers brought to the project was a shared understanding that The Dorchester's greatest strength lies in its history. Their work has allowed us to celebrate that legacy while creating spaces that feel as compelling and welcoming today as they will for years to come.

Craftsmanship has been of paramount importance to you during this evolution of the hotel. How has this manifested?

Craftsmanship has been at the heart of every stage of our transformation. Rather than simply renovating spaces, we focused on preserving and celebrating the artistry that makes the hotel so distinctive.

The best example is the restoration of the Oliver Messel Suite, which involved more than 2,000 hours of specialist craftsmanship, from the application of over 2,750 sheets of gold leaf to the careful restoration of original decorative details and hand-painted artwork. 

That same commitment can be seen throughout the hotel, from bespoke furniture and hand-finished interiors in the suites to the layered design details across our guestrooms and public spaces. Every element has been approached with a focus on quality, authenticity and longevity, ensuring that The Dorchester's heritage is preserved while creating something that will endure for generations to come.