Gianluca Miserendino

🏨 IHG Hotels & Resorts introduces the mid-scale brand Garner to Rome, renaming The Smooth Rome to Garner Rome Aurelia after partnering with Pacini Group. The rebranding emphasizes IHG's commitment to strengthening its portfolio in Italy's mid-scale segment, adding to over 88 Garner properties in development. Launched in 2023 as IHG's 19th brand, Garner Hotels is recognized for its flexibility and solid returns. Garner Rome Aurelia is located west of Rome on Via Aurelia, providing convenient access to Fiumicino Airport, Vatican City, Trastevere, and central historical attractions. After Pacini Group's total renovation in January 2025, the hotel features 58 modern rooms, a restaurant, bar, open terrace, and meeting area, focusing on essential elements like strategic location, comfort, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour fresh ground coffee, and quality H24 snacks at the Garner Shop. Willemijn Geels, VP of Development Europe at IHG, sees this expansion as a milestone for growth in Italy, while Emidio Pacini, Founder & CEO of Pacini Group S.p.A., expresses pride in the partnership and the ability to meet the increasing demand for quality hospitality in Rome.

🏡 Vista Ostuni, a luxury 5-star hotel by the Passera family, is confirmed to open in summer 2025 after two years of construction. Located 37 km from Brindisi Airport and near the White City, it’s part of The Leading Hotels of the World and housed in the former 14th-century Manifattura Tabacchi. The hotel operates year-round, offering 28 rooms and suites with an average size of 60sqm, two restaurants, three pools, a rooftop bar, a library bar, a Spa, a beauty center, and a gym. Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton oversees the food & beverage, with two dining experiences: Bianca Bistrot and Berton al Vista. The hotel features over 16,000 sqm of gardens designed by landscape architect Erik Dhont, private beach club transfers, historical and artistic site visits, and 70 staff members. Architect Roberto Murgia of RMA led the restoration with a vision of discreet luxury.

🏡 Gruppo Ginobbi's management company enters the villa market, partnering with Torre Sponda, a collection of five private residences in Positano, Amalfi Coast. President Giacomo Crisci aims to offer an authentic experience embodying customer care, respect for local history, and a commitment to sustainability. The villas range from one to five sea-view rooms, reflecting designer Fausta Gaetani's distinctive style. Torre Sponda, acquired by Alfred Pattinson in 1905 and now owned by Raimonda and Fausta Gaetani, blends historical charm with natural beauty. The villas, adorned with local ceramics, artisan textiles, and fine furnishings, feature Mediterranean gardens, panoramic terraces, and private pools. Highlight villa “La Torre,” a meticulously restored UNESCO World Heritage site, offers an exclusive look at Positano. Bookings for Torre Sponda villas start February 2025, with options for reserving the entire property.