BTO 2025, Florence: Zero Click, Zero Friction. A New Grammar for Hospitality.
Lobby's CEO and Elegia's founders presented how AI automation can bridge the gap between guest expectations for instant service and hotels' outdated manual workflows.
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Expedia Guess The Guest: A Conversation on Hospitality, Dead Internet Theory, Artificial Intelligence, and Human Stupidity
Expedia executive Elisa Ragno discusses AI's impact on hospitality and the balance between technology and human connection in guest services.
All aboard Rome’s new hotel inspired by the Orient Express
Architect Hugo Toro transformed five 17th-century Roman buildings into the Orient Express brand's first hotel, drawing design inspiration from the Pantheon and Roman fountains.
Rocco Forte Hotels Launches The Carlton in Milan
The Carlton opens today, marking the debut of Rocco Forte Hotels' tenth Italian address. With seventy-one suites and rooms, two restaurants, a bar, and a serene spa, the hotel redefines one of the city's most prestigious locations.
The Lake Como Edition Debuts on Italy's Most Iconic Shoreline, Bringing New-Era Luxury to the Legendary Destination
Lake Como, with its placid turquoise waters surrounded by towering, sharp-peaked mountains, has been one of the most dreamt-of destinations in the world for centuries. EDITION, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio, Omnam Investment Group ("Omnam"), and private investment firm Bain Capital boldly reimagine this storied locale with the opening of The Lake Como EDITION - marking a radical departure from traditional Lake Como hospitality.
Radisson Blu Hotel debuts in Florence, the gateway to Tuscany
Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Florence , a landmark addition to the Tuscan capital. Located just minutes from Florence's historic center with sweeping views of the Tuscan hills, the hotel blends contemporary design with the city's Renaissance heritage. Featuring one of Florence's largest conference facilities, along with a full-service spa, wellness center, and tennis courts, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Florence sets a new benchmark for both business and leisure hospitality in the region.
Nobu Opens in the Heart of Roma with a Spirited Sake Ceremony
Nobu Hospitality, the globally renowned luxury lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, celebrated the official opening of Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Roma with a traditional Sake Ceremony on November 6, 2025. The event marked a significant milestone for the brand, as it debuts its first hotel in Italy, deepening its presence in the country and continuing its European expansion.
La Dolce Vita Orient Express: 24 hours on board Italy’s new luxury train
Italy has an expensive new transport experience, and it’s not a Ferrari. The Dolce Vita Orient Express — unveiled earlier this year — is the country’s first homegrown luxury train, pitched as an homage to the 1950s and ‘60s, when glamor meant Fellini, Valentino and sunglasses after dark.
Ruby Group unveils Ruby Giulia in Rome
The Ruby Group, led by CEO and founder Michael Struck, is expanding its presence in Italy with the opening of Ruby Giulia. The hotel is located on Via Agostino Depretis, just steps from Piazza Venezia. The former Ministry of the Interior, measuring approximately 5,300 square meters, has been transformed into a 164-room hotel. Ruby Giulia is designed as an urban retreat in the heart of the city, featuring a 24/7 bar and café, inviting lounge areas that blend seamlessly with the neighborhood, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the ancient city.
André Buldini has been appointed as Cluster General Manager at Six Senses Milan & Six Senses Rome
Six Senses has announced the appointment of André Buldini as Cluster General Manager for Six Senses Milan and Six Senses Rome, bringing more than two decades of international luxury hospitality experience to the brand's growing Italian portfolio.
Minor Hotels Announces the Expansion of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts in Italy with the Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, announces a new Tivoli Hotels & Resorts in Italy, in the heart of Puglia. Following a comprehensive renovation, the Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce is set to open in April 2026, establishing itself as a new landmark in luxury hospitality for one of Italy´s most sought-after and fastest-growing travel destinations.
Bartolomeo Fusco has been appointed as General Manager at Orient Express Venice
Orient Express is pleased to announce the appointment of Bartolomeo Fusco as General Manager of Orient Express Venice, effective immediately.
Milan Hotel Market Spotlight YE JUL 2025
The sample of branded full-service hotels* in Milan recorded a slight increase in profit during the 12 months ending in July 2025, compared to the same period last year. GOP per Available Room (GOP PAR) rose by 0.9%, driven by a 0.2% increase in revenue and supported by a 0.2% decrease in expenses.
By Davide Barbaro and Francesco Calia
The Renaissance of Villa San Michele Forever Flourishing above Florence
An emblem of Renaissance architecture and a peaceful sanctuary with the most iconic view of Florence unfurling beneath, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel reopens on 28 April 2026 following a meticulous 18-month renovation. Inspired by its storied heritage and idyllic hillside setting framing a picturesque vista, the hotel's reimagination sees an emphasis on Tuscan craftsmanship, refined cultural curation and a harmonious connection to nature. The former 15th century monastery with its beloved cascading gardens, reveals 39 completely redesigned suites and rooms exuding indulgence and grandeur.
Orient Express La Minerva, in Rome, Unveils Its Signature Suites
Orient Express La Minerva presents its opulent signature suites, deeply rooted in Roman history yet infused with a modern spirit. Each distills the soul of Rome and the codes of the railway legend: spaces conceived as richly layered cabinets of curiosities, where original frescoes converse with golden coatings, deep walnut and Rosso Verona marble.
Formula 1 drove Milan room rates to record-highs
Driven by the Italian Grand Prix and Fashion Week, Milan posted its highest average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) on record, according to preliminary data from CoStar, a global leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
Introducing Villa D’este La Collezione
Villa d’Este, an international icon of luxury hospitality with over 150 years of history, proudly introduces Villa d’Este La Collezione, the new brand that unites the group’s finest properties. Alongside Villa d’Este on Lake Como and Villa La Massa in Florence, two new destinations are slated to join the portfolio in the coming months: Palazzo Venezia in Como and Miralago Luxury Apartments in Cernobbio.
Francesco Roccato has been appointed as Managing Director of Northern Italy and General Manager of The Carlton, Milan at The Carlton Milan
Francesco Roccato, Managing Director of Northern Italy, will now also be leading the brand's newest property, The Carlton Milan. Francesco has over seven years of experience working with the group, joining as Cluster General Manager Northern Italy and General Manager at the Hotel de la Ville and Rocco Forte House in Rome. Previously, the General Manager at hotels including Nobu Hotel Marbella, The Franklin London, and Hotel Lungarno Florence, Francesco offers a wealth of experience to the successful launch of The Carlton Milan on November 6th.
Matteo Gentile has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel Savoy
Matteo Gentile will join as General Manager of Hotel Savoy in Florence from 3rd November, bringing more than two decades of experience in hospitality. Currently overseeing operations at Lungarno Collection, he has held pivotal leadership roles in iconic destinations throughout his career, including The Beverly Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, as well as several Four Seasons properties across Europe, the US, and Asia. In addition, he also founded a Los Angeles-based consultancy, where he advised restaurants and hotels on developing both operational frameworks and creative strategies.
Anna Gricini has been appointed as General Manager at Hotel De La Ville
Anna Gricini has been appointed as the General Manager at Hotel de la Ville from 1st November 2025. Having played a key role in the growth of Rocco Forte Hotels in Italy as Regional Sales and Marketing Director, Anna now embraces her new leadership position at the helm of one of Rome's most iconic properties.