hotel

Florence’s Skyline Set to Change: Asian Investors Lead San Gallo Luxury Overhaul

By Columbus International,16 July 20249 November 2024

Florence’s real estate landscape is about to be enriched with a new luxury gem, featuring an entrepreneurial twist that brings the flavor of the Orient to the heart of Tuscany. As revealed in a recent article by Matteo Lignelli and Ernesto Ferrara in Repubblica Firenze, the redevelopment project of the former San Gallo military hospital has seen a significant change in ownership, with a Singaporean group now holding the majority stake.

The project, which began last March and has now entered its crucial phase, envisions the creation of an ultra-luxury district that, according to sources, will have “nothing ordinary about it.” The complex will host high-end hotels, prestigious residences, and exclusive restaurants, radically transforming the area of the former military hospital.

The most significant development concerns the ownership and management of the real estate operation. The Gb Invest Holding group, led by Tuscan entrepreneur Stefano Nesti, known in the online betting sector and now at the helm of an empire in the hotel and restaurant industry, has reduced its participation to 20% of the shares in San Gallo Development (Dvp), the company managing the investment.

The majority control has passed into the hands of a Singaporean group, “Liaigre Hospitality Ventures Limited,” which has increased its stake from an initial 10% to the current 80%. This change in ownership marks an important shift in the project’s direction, bringing an international perspective and potentially new resources to the table.

The massive influx of Asian capital into such a large-scale project in Florence’s historic center raises questions about the future dynamics of the luxury real estate market in the city. It could signal growing interest from Oriental investors in Italy’s prestigious real estate, potentially paving the way for further investments in the sector.

As work progresses, it remains to be seen how this new management will influence the final project and what impact it will have on Florence’s urban and social fabric. What is certain is that the former San Gallo hospital is set to become a new landmark in Florence’s luxury landscape, with a distinctly international touch.

Iconic Four Seasons New York to Reopen After Billionaire Owner and Management Reach Agreement

By Columbus International,26 June 2024

In a significant turn of events for New York City’s luxury hospitality sector, the Four Seasons Hotel New York is set to reopen its doors this September, ending a four-year hiatus that began with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening comes after a protracted negotiation between the hotel’s owner, billionaire Ty Warner—best known as the creator of Beanie Babies—and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, the property’s management company.

Sources close to the matter reveal that a key factor in breaking the impasse was the decision to convert approximately 50 of the hotel’s 368 rooms into residential apartments. This strategic move is expected to generate substantial maintenance fees from full-time residents, helping to offset the hotel’s operating costs and address Warner’s concerns about profitability.

The dispute between Warner and Four Seasons centered on the fee structure and operational expenses of the iconic property, which Warner acquired in 1999 for $275 million. The Beanie Babies tycoon had reportedly been pushing for a profit-linked fee model, arguing that the existing arrangement was unsustainable given the hotel’s financial performance.

While the exact terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the resolution appears to be mutually beneficial. Four Seasons will retain management of the property, maintaining its presence in one of the world’s most competitive luxury hotel markets. Meanwhile, Warner stands to benefit from the potential real estate play and a more favorable operational model.

The reopening of the Four Seasons New York is likely to have a ripple effect on the city’s high-end hospitality sector. As one of the most expensive hotels in New York, its return signals renewed confidence in the luxury travel market and could spark further investment in the segment.

However, challenges remain. The hotel still needs to reach an agreement with the New York Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, the powerful union representing hospitality workers. Labor disputes have been a significant hurdle in the property’s path to reopening, with former employees having filed lawsuits over wages and severance pay.

The resolution also extends beyond New York. As part of the agreement, Warner and Four Seasons have committed to reopening the Biltmore Santa Barbara, another luxury property that has been closed since the pandemic began. This California hotel is slated to welcome guests again in spring 2025.

As the Four Seasons New York prepares for its September reopening, the hospitality industry will be watching closely. The success of this high-profile property could serve as a bellwether for the luxury hotel market’s post-pandemic recovery and potentially set new trends in hotel ownership and management structures.

For Ty Warner, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $3.8 billion, the reopening represents a significant milestone in his real estate portfolio. For Four Seasons, it marks the revival of one of its flagship properties in a key global market. And for New York City, it signals another step towards normalcy in its vital tourism and hospitality sectors.

Source: Curbed and New York Post

Photo via Four Seasons New York

In Milan, B&B Hotels Creates High-Tech Urban Sanctuary for Pollinators

By Columbus International,6 June 20249 November 2024

For modern travelers, luxury transcends mere comfort and premium services. A new trend is emerging where sustainability and environmental stewardship are becoming indispensable elements of an elevated travel experience.

B&B Hotels, a rapidly expanding European hotel chain, has astutely capitalized on this burgeoning movement. In the vibrant Cenisio Garibaldi district of Milan, B&B Hotels has unveiled “B&Bees” – an authentic urban biodiversity oasis on the terrace of one of their properties. This unspoiled natural enclave provides wild bees, butterflies, and other crucial pollinators with a sanctuary to find nourishment and refuge, facilitating the rejuvenation of local ecosystems.

“Environmental responsibility is woven into the fabric of our corporate ethos,” declares Liliana Comitini, the dynamic CEO of B&B Hotels Italia. “With B&Bees, we sought to curate an immersive space where our guests can bask in nature’s splendor while nestled in the heart of the city.” This initiative is the fruit of a collaboration with Beeing, a trailblazing urban beekeeping startup. Gracing the terrace are specially designed “Bee Hotels” – natural havens where pollinators can forage and propagate, shielded from the perils of the urban landscape. Surrounding these sanctuaries, a meticulously curated array of nectar-rich plants like lavender, jasmine, and wildflowers beckons these invaluable insect denizens. For Comitini, however, B&Bees represents merely the latest milestone in a longstanding journey. “Reverence for the environment is a paramount priority for us. This commitment is epitomized by our recent Socotec certification, which evaluates our impact on biodiversity, local economies, and community engagement.”

Significantly, 73% of travelers now deem a brand’s dedication to society and the planet as paramount. A proportion poised to escalate as environmental consciousness becomes an increasingly defining hallmark of true 21st-century luxury. B&B Hotels resolutely aspires to spearhead this sustainable revolution.

New Gems of Italian Hospitality in 2024: From Florence to Capri, Here Are the Unmissable Hotels

By Columbus International,3 January 2024

Among the New Year’s resolutions, the enthusiasm for exploring new places and enjoying a bit more luxury during travels is inevitable. Tourist destinations in Italy are enhancing their offerings, with historic hotel groups and smaller boutique hotels ready to welcome tourists with high-quality services, pampering, and captivating designs.

Here’s an overview of the most anticipated hotels in Italy in 2024.

Florence: Collegio alla Querce, a Garden Hotel with a View of the Duomo
Auberge Resorts Collection expands to Florence with a complex that encompasses three 16th-century buildings, complete with original chapel and theater. In the former preparatory school, a new hotel with 61 rooms, 20 suites, and a 210-square-meter master suite has been created. Guests can enjoy baroque gardens overlooking the Duomo on one side and lush Chianti vineyards on the other. The heart of the hotel is an internal garden illuminated by a skylight, adorned with lemon trees, and featuring an impressive fireplace. Collegio alla Querce offers a complete experience with a restaurant, a glass-enclosed garden room, a bar, a cigar lounge in the former admissions office, and a poolside bar offering unique wood-based cocktails.

Florence: Anglo American Hotel Florence, Charm, and Sustainability
Hilton’s Curio Collection presents the new Anglo American Hotel Florence in the historic center of Florence. The structure reflects the city’s majestic charm and places particular emphasis on sustainability, with the restoration of original architectural features. The hotel’s outdoor courtyard hosts a Tuscan menu inspired by local flavors and traditions.

Milan: Max Brown Missori, Milanese Style and ’70s Vibes
The Dutch boutique hotel group Max Brown makes its entrance in Italy with a 64-room hotel in Milan, Max Brown Missori. The mission to infuse the cheerful and refined style of Sircle Collection was entrusted to interior designer Saar Zafrir, who, in collaboration with the in-house design team, renovated and redesigned the property drawing inspiration from ’70s vibes. Most of the original furniture has been restored, while others have been donated to local charities. Max Brown Missori aims to be a welcoming and charming place for travelers wishing to immerse themselves in Milanese life like true locals. For this reason, Italian-made details like colorful SMEG kettles will be incorporated, along with items from around the world, such as a Crosley turntable in each room, and communal spaces designed to encourage social moments (e.g., a basketball court). With many rooms overlooking the Garage delle Nazioni, the hotel also offers a lively ground-floor area ideal for meetings, rest, or work.

Milan: Calimala, a Surprise in the Shadow of the Madonnina
Born in Florence, where it boasts one of the best rooftops in the city, Calimala opens a second hotel in Milan, near Porta Venezia at Via Melzo 7. This will be a 90-room hotel with a gym, 2 rooftops, a bar, a restaurant, and a pool. Little is known yet, but if the style mirrors that of Florence, we can expect interiors dialoguing between historic structures and modern furnishings.

Rome: Casa Monti, an Artistic Residence Celebrating the Dolce Vita
The Leitmotiv family-managed group will debut in spring in Rome with Casa Monti. The new hotel will pay tribute to the Rione Monti, with its craft shops, wine bars, and contemporary art galleries. The five-star hotel will consist of 36 rooms, a restaurant, an aperitif bar, a terrace, and a spa with a panoramic view of the city. The design is by Laura Gonzalez, conceived as an artistic residence open to the world and the city, celebrating the sweet life, inspired by the muse of Rome and its neighborhood. Casa Monti draws from a vibrant community and celebrates eccentricity and pleasure. A color queen, Laura Gonzalez was the right person to interpret that feeling of relaxation and nonchalance that the world envies us.

Rome: Romeo, Between Zaha Hadid and the Sixteenth Century
The Romeo collection, launched in 2023, is making giant strides to become one of the benchmarks of Italian hospitality, thanks also to renowned international architects. The project for the new hotel in Rome is signed by Zaha Hadid Architects and is nestled in a distinctly Italian sixteenth-century palace not far from Piazza del Popolo, once the residence of the Serroberti-Capponi family and now ready to offer dream stays. The studio has had the opportunity to reinterpret its “no stairs-no texture” motif here in an entirely new way: the use of Italian marbles and precious woods creates a new dialogue with the city of Rome, expressed in the 74 rooms and suites, with magnificent views and original frescoes restored to their former glory. The hotel also boasts Il Ristorante, a gastronomic venue directed by Alain Ducasse, the world’s most starred chef. Romeo Roma also has a courtyard with an indoor and outdoor pool, from which you can admire the archaeological ruins. The offer is completed by site-specific installations by renowned contemporary artists, a rooftop lounge bar, and La SPA Sisley Paris.

Rome: Corinthia, Michelin-starred Cuisine under the Frescoes
Corinthia also announces a new opening in the Eternal City, scheduled for summer, in Piazza del Parlamento. The former headquarters of Banca d’Italia, built in 1904, welcomes with an imposing entrance into the two-story lobby. Ensuring hospitality excellence, from food to room service, will be Carlo Cracco. With such a name, it was imaginable that the cuisine would play a central role, and indeed, the ground floor is animated by a restaurant surrounding the garden. The interiors were created by G.A Design, and there are 60 rooms and 21 suites, a rooftop, a luxury spa. The environments have been preserved with original chandeliers and classic marbles, renewed, however, with elements of a more modernist taste. The hotel’s Signature Suites will have private balconies with views of the elegant square and the city’s majestic monuments. Guests will also have access to a spa with a vitality pool, relaxation area, sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms. The Historic Suite, the hotel’s most exclusive, will feature marbles in all its parts (starting with the sculpted bathtub) and full-wall windows.

Rome: J.K. Place Residence Club, a New Way to Stay in the City
A great mystery also surrounds this boutique hotel that will open inside a noble 17th-century Roman palace, once the seat of the architecture faculty, a short walk from Piazza di Spagna. The hotel will be accompanied by the Residence Club consisting of 15 new apartments on Via dei Prefetti, designed by the Florentine architect Michele Bonan. Each Residence will have a butler and a private concierge service, while among the common areas there will be a restaurant, a private lounge, and a state-of-the-art gym, open to both club members and guests staying at J.K. Place Roma.

Capri: Grand Hotel Quisisana, a Rich History Update
Since 1860, the Grand Hotel Quisisana has been synonymous with the splendor of Capri, its sea, and its exclusive clientele. Originally built in 1845 as a sanatorium (as the name suggests), the hotel is rich in history and features a Liberty-style theater designed by Giò Ponti in 1929. Over the years, figures like Ernest Hemingway and Jean Paul Sartre have crossed the marble lobby and admired the beauty of the park. The sun-drenched bedrooms are the quintessence of maritime leisure, with bright floors and furnishings emphasizing the view. For the 2024 season, there are many novelties, starting with the Colombaia restaurant, offering Italian-inspired cuisine and an extensive wine list. An outdoor pool, tennis courts, and new rooms will also be inaugurated. Equally important is the completion of the transition to solar water heating and the production of 100kw, the largest private solar production in Capri.

Source: Elle Decor

The 11 best hotels in Miami to book now, according to Shelby Albo, founder of Travel Fit Love. Source: AD

By Columbus International,11 October 2023

Are you looking to book a stay at one of the finest hotels in Miami? Miami is anything but understated, with its showy, celebrity-filled restaurants and clubs that stay open into the early hours, beaches that serve as fashion runways, and soaring real estate prices. The city’s top hotels are no exception. Shelby Albo, a travel consultant and the founder of Travel Fit Love, a site that promotes active travel, says, “Miami’s hotels tend to be glamorous spots that are the ‘It’ places to hang out in town. In fact, people visit Miami just for the hotels.” Here’s Architectural Digest’s list of 11 exceptional properties in the Magic City, spanning from Surfside to South Beach, and not forgetting Mid-Beach in between.

The Goodtime Hotel: A collaboration between Miami nightlife and restaurant entrepreneur David Grutman and singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams, this hotel guarantees a good time. With trendy public spaces adorned with hand-painted murals and Deco plasterwork, and rooms featuring fun elements like leopard-print benches and pink rotary dial phones. The property boasts a 30,000-square-foot pool club called Strawberry Moon, a spacious gym, and a library for guests to socialize over coffee or cocktails.

W South Beach: After a $30 million renovation in 2020, W South Beach re-emerged as a serene getaway on Collins Avenue, shedding its dark tones and shiny finishes. The 357 guest rooms now feature an airy aesthetic with warm oaks and natural light. The hotel also offers new spa facilities and an art collection valued at $100 million, featuring 21 original Andy Warhols. On-site amenities include tennis and basketball courts, beach cabanas, and an outpost of the celebrity-favorite restaurant Mr. Chow.

The Setai, Miami Beach: With its sleek, dark tones and Asian-inspired design, The Setai oozes elegance. As a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, guests can sip fresh coconut juice by the three guest-only swimming pools or indulge in treatments at the Valmont spa. The signature restaurant, Jaya, serves up exceptional Asian cuisine, complete with fire dancers, aerial acrobats, and live jazz performances.

The Betsy, South Beach: This European-inspired, family-owned luxury boutique hotel on Ocean Drive offers a unique combination of an art gallery, live jazz club, and a coffee shop that hosts book talks and poetry readings. The hotel also features a beach-facing outdoor dining terrace and a rooftop pool with panoramic city views.

Faena Hotel Miami Beach: Located in Mid-Beach, Faena Hotel offers some of the widest and most pristine beachfront in Miami. It’s a maximalist’s dream, featuring pieces by renowned artists like Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons. Dining options include Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, known for Argentine fare from South America’s celebrated chef. The hotel also hosts live shows, has a bar, and a 22,000-square-foot oceanfront spa.

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, Surfside: Originally opened in 1930, the Surf Club has a rich history and a contemporary aesthetic today. Situated on nine oceanfront acres, it offers 77 rooms, three pools with day cabanas, a destination spa, a champagne bar, and an Italian restaurant. The Surf Club is also home to a restaurant by the acclaimed chef Thomas Keller.

The Miami Beach Edition: This luxurious hotel by Ian Schrager and Marriott offers sleek style and ocean views. The bungalow-style rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, high-end linens, and marble bathrooms with products by Le Labo. The hotel offers dining by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, wellness options, a beach club, and a mini nightclub with a bowling alley and skating rink.

SLS Brickell: Located on the mainland, SLS Brickell, designed by Philippe Starck, offers easy access to Downtown Miami, Wynwood’s street art, and hip restaurants. Guests can relax poolside, enjoy spa treatments, and savor wood-fired pizzas and Italian fare at Fi’lia.

Mr. C Coconut Grove: Situated in Coconut Grove, this hotel exudes luxe coastal vibes with lacquered wood paneling and a rooftop bar and restaurant, Bellini, serving authentic Italian dishes. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach: If you seek tranquility, this resort, a 30-minute drive north of Miami Beach, is an ideal choice. Inspired by a Mediterranean villa, it features outdoor pools and a 20,000 square-foot spa, making wellness a priority.

Casa Tua: This chic private members club in Miami’s Art Deco District also offers five rooms for overnight stays. The property feels like a dear friend’s home with an eclectic decor sourced from around the world and a restaurant serving simple yet authentic Italian cuisine.