Italy's luxury hospitality sector is undergoing a significant expansion, with Hyatt Hotels and IHG Hotels & Resorts announcing multiple new properties, and Dior opening its first permanent spa in the country. These developments underscore the enduring appeal of the Italian market for high-end travel, from Rome and Milan to Sicily and Apulia.
Hyatt's Italian Portfolio Grows
In June, Hyatt unveiled three new projects that will add 428 rooms and suites to its Italian portfolio, which currently comprises six hotels. Nuno Galvao Pinto, Vice President of Development for EAME at Hyatt, noted that "Italy is an important growth market for Hyatt because it combines strong travel demand with a large base of independent hotels."
The first property, Hyatt Regency Rome Central, is scheduled to open by the end of September 2024 near Termini station. It marks the debut of the Regency brand in Italy and will feature 238 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, and an Asian-inspired restaurant called Niroma. The hotel aims to serve the city's business and events demand, with direct access to transport and convention facilities.
Later in 2024, Hyatt will introduce the Thompson lifestyle brand to Rome. Thompson Rome, housed in a repurposed heritage building near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, will offer 69 rooms and three dining concepts. The hotel is also close to Piazza Venezia, a historic monument locals call the "wedding cake" or "typewriter" due to its distinctive architecture.
Further ahead, Park Hyatt Taormina is slated to open in 2028 in Sicily, becoming Italy's second Park Hyatt. The hilltop town, synonymous with high-end travel, will host 121 suites, each with a private terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The design will emphasize residential-style luxury.
IHG's Four New Projects
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has announced four new hotels in its Italian pipeline. Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for Europe at IHG, stated: "Italy is one of Europe's most dynamic hospitality markets, and we see significant opportunity to continue scaling across both key cities and high-quality leisure destinations."
In January 2027, a dual-branded Crowne Plaza and Staybridge Suites hotel will open in Milan's NoLo district (North Of Loreto), a creative neighbourhood known for its diverse cuisine and street art. The project will include 67 Crowne Plaza rooms and 96 Staybridge Suites apartments, located 20 minutes from Milan Linate Airport.
Also in 2027, IHG will introduce the Garner brand to northern Italy with Garner Hotel Turin Porta Nuova, set in a historic building opposite Torino Porta Nuova railway station. The 57-key hotel is expected to open in mid-2027.
In 2028, IHG's Hotel Indigo Apulia Alberobello will open in southern Italy's Apulia region, known for its sunny climate and preserved landscapes. The 129-key property will include a spa, gym, and convention centre, near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, famous for its limestone trulli structures.
For those interested in Italy's broader travel scene, Europe's cleanest lakes for safe summer swimming include options from the Italian Alps to Hungary.
Dior Spa at Grand Hotel Timeo
Dior has collaborated with Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel in Taormina, to open its first permanent spa in Italy. The spa, described as a "sanctuary of timeless serenity," offers haute-couture-inspired wellness treatments. Christian Dior was reportedly inspired by the Mediterranean as his eternal muse, drawing inspiration away from Paris.
Treatments include the Kobi-Dior facial, a one-hour session combining dry brushing, sculptural massage, firming and hydrating masks, and cryo acupressure to plump and lift the face, neck, and upper back. Prices start at €290.
This expansion comes as Italy continues to attract luxury investments, even as other sectors face scrutiny. For instance, EU investigators seized 4,200 tonnes of illegal textile waste shipped from Italy to Turkey, highlighting ongoing environmental challenges. Meanwhile, Italy's veteran basketballers are redefining ageing, showcasing the country's diverse cultural strengths.
