Radisson Hotel Group is focusing on building its presence in the Italian hotel market, where it will open seven hotels during 2025.
The launches are part of a commitment to growth in the country, where Radisson has also signed five more properties in the last year. Traditionally a market that is dominated by family owned businesses, and domestic brands, Italy presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the major international hotel brand groups.
Fast growth
Over the last six years, Radisson has grown its presence from just three to 20 hotels. Now, with stronger momentum, it is closing on its next goal of achieving 30 Italian hotels open or signed by 2027.
One of the group’s core brands is Radisson Blu, Europe’s largest upper upscale brand. So it is no surprise that there are three more Italian hotels in the works under the flag, starting with Radisson Blu Bergamo, due to launch before the end of 2024. The 107 room property will be part of a new Chorus Life mixed use project, and will feature a panoramic rooftop restaurant open to all.
Also on the way is the Radisson Blu GI Rome, a modern property with 199 rooms in the Ostiense neighbourhood of the city. And then there is Radisson Blu Florence, a larger hotel with 329 rooms on the hillside just outside the city centre, with plentiful meeting spaces. The hotel will feature a new urban resort concept, designed to suit travelling families, with sporting facilities including tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool.
Also in Rome, Radisson’s European development partner PPHE is finalising construction of the new art’otel Rome Piazza Sallustio, the first outing for the boutique lifestyle brand in Italy. The 99 room hotel will feature an art gallery with rotating exhibitions.
In Como, the town alongside the famous lake, Radisson has signed the San Gottardo hotel to its Radisson Collection brand. Opening in autumn 2025, the 72 room hotel will have rooms allowing many guests great views of the lake.
New brands launched in Italy
Elsewhere, Naples will be welcoming a Radisson RED hotel, a vibrant brand for a vibrant city. The hotel will be the first RED in Italy, and is being created from the conversion of the former offices of Il Mattino, the region’s leading newspaper. And in Pisa, a refurbishment of an existing 128 room city hotel will create Radisson Hotel Pisa – just metres from the famous leaning tower.
“These hotels highlight our commitment to create more opportunities for our owners and possibilities for our guests by introducing new brands to the country and cementing our presence,” said Elie Younes, executive vice president and global chief development officer at Radisson Hotel Group. “We thank each of our partners for their valued trust in our brands and people”.
