Accor is proud to announce a series of new hotel developments now underway across Italy, sitting across several of the Group’s world-leading luxury hospitality brands: Raffles, Sofitel and Emblems Collection. Underscoring Accor’s strategic focus on luxury brand growth and dedicated expertise in the luxury hospitality space, these new projects come on the heels of several significant hotel openings for the Group across Italy this year, including the first Orient Express hotel – Orient Express La Minerva, which is now open in Rome. With more than 75 hotels across Italy, making Accor the second biggest hotel player in the country, spanning brands from ultra-luxury to economy, Accor is ambitiously expanding its presence in this popular tourism market, while drawing upon its wealth of hospitality offerings and services – from hotels, trains, and sailing yachts to branded residences; from award-winning restaurants and bars to co-working spaces, wellness clubs and spas; from resorts to all-inclusive.
Southern Europe, especially Italy, holds a significant place in Accor’s long-term vision for the development of its luxury brands. Our approach is guided by respect for local culture and identity, a commitment to sustainable growth, and close collaboration with trusted partners. The relationships we’ve built with hotel owners across the region are central to our strategy. Together, we aim to strengthen Accor’s presence in key leisure and corporate destinations throughout Italy such as Rome, Milan, Sicily and to contribute to the evolution of the hospitality landscape in a way that is thoughtful, responsible, and relevant to the travelers of today. Paul Rosenberg, Accor’s Regional Vice President of Luxury Brands in France, Southern Europe, and North Africa
Orient Express La Minerva, the first Orient Express hotel in the world, is now open in Rome. The breathtaking revival of a 17th-century palazzo situated on Piazza della Minerva, the hotel was meticulously restored by award-winning artist-architect Hugo Toro. Coming soon in 2026, the ultra-luxury brand’s second hotel will open in Venice – Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli – a treasured palace originally built in 1400 and now being restored by Aline Asmar d’Amman.
The captivating and slow travel train journeys of La Dolce Vita Orient Express also premiered this year, with guests treated to eight curated itineraries blending art, landscapes, and three-Michelin-starred cuisine, courtesy of Chef Heinz Beck. Once Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli opens next year, passengers of La Dolce Vita Orient Express will be able to disembark directly at the Venice Santa Lucia Station and reach the hotel by a short walk or a leisurely gondola ride.
Raffles Lake Como will mark the brand’s first arrival in Italy. Scheduled to open in 2027, following an extensive renovation of an existing hotel on the left bank, Raffles Lake Como will reside along the most exclusive and attractive lakefront area of Lake Como, positioning it among the most sought-after, ultra-luxury hotels of the city. Combining the signature experiences of Raffles – including the Library, Writers’ Bar, Long Bar, and Patisserie – with the prestige of Lake Como culture, Raffles Lake Como will create a world of elegance and enchanted glamor. Features will include a private beach bar accessible through a historic tunnel, immersive concept restaurants, a commitment to sustainable luxury, and a focus on regional foods, wines, and products throughout the guest experience.
Sofitel Genova Marina will be the luxury French brand’s second destination in Italy, joining Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, a much-loved 19th-century palazzo which is currently being refreshed with a new sense of French zest and modern luxury infused with Roman style. Sofitel Genova Marina, a newly designed five-story luxury hotel on the waterfront of Genova, is expected to open in 2027. Highly coveted architect Renzo Piano – renowned for his work at The Shard in London and Centre George Pompidou in Paris – is overseeing the architectural design of the hotel. With remarkable savoir-faire and generous service, the new Sofitel Genova Marina will raise the bar as the city’s first truly international luxury hotel and is expected to become a favorite among Milanese weekend travelers. A new high speed rail connection between Genova and Milan is set to begin in 2026, promising a travel time of under an hour.
The hotels of Emblems Collection are where luxury meets intimacy, through singular design, rich storytelling, and a profound sense of place. Designed to preserve the visions created by its founding hoteliers, Emblems Collection will celebrate the unique essence and spirit of four new properties opening across Italy in 2026:
- Hotel Bellevue, Emblems Collection, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a charming 80-room luxury chalet nestled in the prestigious Dolomiti Superski area of northern Italy. Beloved by ski aficionados, Cortina is also popular in summer due to its pristine mountain air and scenic beauty, combined with luxury boutiques and popular restaurants.
- Palazzo Sozzini Malavolti, Emblems Collection, Siena is a noble 38-key residence steeped in centuries of art and architecture. Hidden gardens, ancient caves, and original 19th-century frescoes evoke a world where time stands still. With a serene spa and interiors that celebrate Tuscan craftsmanship, the property invites guests to experience the soul of Siena.
- Relais San Clemente, Emblems Collection, Umbria will be reborn as a 51-key estate with nine private villas, expansive wellness offerings and a consecrated chapel dedicated to San Clemente at its heart. Once a Benedictine convent, the retreat is nestled in a 40-hectare park of century-old trees near Perugia, where silence, design, and sacred heritage reign in harmony.
- Masseria Furnirussi, Emblems Collection, Apulia will celebrate Mediterranean craftsmanship and lifestyle with 60 suites, most featuring private pools. Residing amongst the largest fig orchard in Europe, this refined Masseria reimagines traditional Salento architecture in local white stone, surrounded by a living garden of fruit trees, herbs, and native botanicals.
Italy represents a key focus in Accor’s strategy for luxury development in Southern Europe. We see strong potential in both established and emerging destinations, where demand for high-end, culturally rooted hospitality continues to grow. With recent openings and upcoming projects in authentic regions such as Puglia, home to the first luxury collection brand in the area, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, where Emblems becomes the second international luxury brand to enter the market, the Group is deepening its presence in markets where global travelers are seeking out one-of-a-kind luxury experiences. Our tailor-made approach, particularly through our luxury division and collection brands, offers unique added value to the many boutique, independent luxury hotels in Italy’s largest cities and areas with strong leisure potential, supporting their individuality while contributing to the long-term growth of the country’s hospitality landscape. Ettore Cavallino, Accor’s Senior Development Director Luxury Brands, Europe
Other notable hotels that have already opened in Italy for the Group this year include The Hoxton Florence (March 2025) and Hotel Giacomo Morra Alba – Handwritten Collection (March 2025). The Group’s most recent debut was Mövenpick Hotel Bari, Italy, which opened this past summer.
- Mövenpick Hotel Bari, Italy (Summer 2025) – Located in Apulia’s coastal city Bari, in the popular Murat district, just steps away from the charming old town and key international travel routes, the hotel is set in the historic Palace Hotel, which was completely renovated and reimagined with a sustainable and sophisticated design approach that reflects the Mövenpick brand throughout. The hotel offers 186 elegant rooms, all designed to offer a refined balance of comfort, functionality and style, in line with Mövenpick’s vision. Guests also have access to a private SPA, a fitness room and 12 versatile meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The hotel also offers an authentic Apulian culinary experience at the on-site Connubio Bistrot, showcasing a diverse array of local delicacies and a meticulously curated collection of wines and cocktails.
About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor’s mission is reflected in the Group’s purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
Alexis Blottière
Media relations & PR Director
Accor
