Marriott has
signed an agreement with Grimit S.r.l. to convert the former Hotel Grande
Bretagne on Lake Como as the first Ritz-Carlton resort in Italy.
Expected to open in 2026, the spectacular
waterfront property in Bellagio is slated to offer 59 guestrooms
and 46 suites, including two Ritz-Carlton suites.
Comprehensive resort
facilities are anticipated to include a destination spa complete
with an indoor pool, casual and fine dining restaurants, and
a choice of meeting and event facilities.
Extensive parkland
and gardens will reflect the typical landscaping of the country’s
Lombardy region and are expected to feature a meditation garden,
historical walking trail, large outdoor swimming pool, and private
boat dock to allow guests effortless access to other
destinations on the lake.
“We are thrilled to announce this
landmark signing with Grimit S.r.l. and to be part of such an
important restoration of one of Italy’s most acclaimed
destinations for luxury travellers,” said Donna McNamara, Vice
President and Global Brand Leader, The Ritz-Carlton. “Lake Como is
the jewel in the crown of the Italian Lake District and we can
think of no better destination to debut The Ritz-Carlton brand in
Italy. This incredible development showcases our commitment to
thoughtfully growing our iconic brand in destinations where we
know our guests want to travel most.”
Situated just outside
the charming village of Bellagio, which sits on a promontory of
land between the two arms of Lake Como, the historic Belle Époque
Hotel Grande Bretagne was one of the destination’s very first and
most distinguished luxury hotels when it opened in 1850.
The
property fell into disuse at the end of the last century and has
since been acquired by the Galbusera family with a clear vision
and passion to restore the prestigious reputation of the former
grand hotel through an extensive restoration and expansion
project.
Spread over a 16,500 sqm estate, the
regeneration scheme will be the most notable hospitality
development project in the Lake Como area in recent years and will
involve a complete conservative restoration and reimagining of the
property with the utmost respect for the historical significance
of the building.
“As a family, we are deeply rooted in the
stunning area of Lake Como and are incredibly proud to be bringing
The Ritz-Carlton brand to Bellagio,” said Emanuele Galbusera,
President of Grimit S.r.l. “Our entrepreneurial spirit has made
our family European leaders in the metal coil-coating sector with
our business Lampre and we will take great pride in bringing that
same dedication and passion to this remarkable project.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Bellagio will be located within a
fifteen-minute walk of the main tourist attractions in Bellagio
such as Punta Spartivento, Villa Melzi and the gardens of Parco
Villa Serbelloni. Milan’s Malpensa
International Airport (MXP) is approximately ninety minutes by car
from the resort.
