Francesco Roccato

Rocco Forte Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Francesco Roccato as General Manager of Hotel de la Ville, Rocco Forte's second property in Rome that will open in June 2019.

An Italian native, Francesco has over 20 years' experience in the hospitality industry across a variety of five-star properties in the US, UK and Europe.

Roccato joins Hotel de la Ville from Nobu Hotel Marbella, Spain where he was the General Manager for just over two years. Prior to this, Francesco was the General Manager and Area Director of F&B for the Lungarno Collection in Florence, Italy, where, under his leadership, the hotels were consistently recognized as some of the top hotels in Europe.

In his new role, Francesco will oversee the pre-opening and day to day operations of Hotel de la Ville. He will report to Martin Elsner, Area General Manager of Italy.

Located at the top of the Spanish Steps, near Hotel de Russie, the historic 18th century palazzo will be transformed into Rome's most vibrant hotel. Hotel de la Ville will have 104 rooms and suites designed by Olga Polizzi in collaboration with Tommaso Ziffer.

In addition to three bars, including a rooftop bar with 360 degree views of Rome, Chef Fulvio Pierangelini will oversee the culinary concepts for the three restaurants.