It’s a big year for tourism in Italy: 2019 marks the 500-year anniversary of Leonardo di Vinci’s death, and many top tourist cities like Milan and Florence will be paying tribute with special events and celebrations. It’s also the year that the southern Italian city of Matera becomes Europe’s Capital of Culture. To keep up with the ever-present demand, this perpetually popular country is also ushering forth several new—and improved—hotels for 2019. Here’s your luxury Italian hotel hotlist for the year ahead:
The First Roma Dolce ROME - Opening February 2019
Set in a 19th-century palazzo on Rome’s historical Via del Corso, the five-star First Roma Dolce will have 23 warm and inviting guests rooms and suites, as well as an in-house Italian pasticceria (pastry shop). As if you need more to look forward to, expect bathrooms dressed in Nero Saint Laurent marble and Acqua di Parma toiletries.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como LAKE COMO - Opening Early 2019
CastaDiva Resort & Spa has always been one of Lake Como’s most prestigious five-star properties. This spring it’s slated to join the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, which is known worldwide for their high standard of hospitality. There’s not much information yet on what Mandarin Oriental will add to the property, but at least we know that the stunning lakeside location—set between the glittery shore of Lago di Como and a fragrant botanical garden—won’t be changing.
Il VesConte TUSCIA - Opening March 2019
About halfway between Florence and Rome standing proudly in the middle of Piazza San Rocco in the town of Bolsena, you’ll find the dreamy Il VesConte, a palatial B&B resplendent with priceless family heirlooms and memorizing frescos. Dripping with history and charm, Il VesConte is already generating underground buzz. It won’t stay a secret for long, so book now while there’s still room.
Hotel De La Ville ROME - Opening May 2019
Rocco Forte Hotels already has one hotel in Rome (the lovely Hotel de Russie), but in the spring they’ll be opening Hotel De La Ville, a prestigious new property housed in an 18th-century palazzo perched atop the famous Spanish Steps. With around 100 rooms and suites, the new hotel will also feature a spa spread across two floors with six treatment rooms, as well as several dining and drinking options including a bistro cellar and 7th-floor bar with panoramic vistas of Rome (and most likely some divine classic cocktails too).
Masseria Torre Maizza PUGLIA – Reopening May 2019
Puglia is seriously on-trend at the moment and it’s about to be even more desirable, as Rocco Forte Hotels takes over at Masseria Torre Maizza, a former 16th-century coastal estate surrounded by ancient olive trees. The property will reopen under the Rocco Forte Hotel brand after a major refurb costing over €6 million. Expect new suites, a rooftop bar, a restaurant overlooking the swimming pool and a 9-hole golf course.
