Palazzo Ripetta has opened the new Etere Rooftop terrace.  

Restoration on the interiors 

The new Rooftop is in the hotel which opened a year ago in the heart of Rome, between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna. Palazzo Ripetta founded in the late 17th century, was purchased in the 1960s by the Ginobbi family, who entrusted the renovation project to architect Luigi Moretti, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Italian architecture. In 2020, further restoration was done on the rooms and public areas and new menus introduced. 

Iconic pieces of art and design

CEO Giacomo Crisci is a collector of art works and Palazzo Ripetta has many iconic pieces of art and design, such as Pomodoro’s Sfera and the works of other great artists such as Giacomo Manzù as well as pioneers of New York street art, including Angel Ortiz.

“We put sustainability at the centre”

"The intention is not only to offer the city a new landmark with a building of great value, but also to tell a story with the art, history and culture of our country, as well as sustainability at its centre," says Crisci.

In addition to the new Etere rooftop, the hotel boasts 78 rooms and suites, four meeting rooms, a gourmet restaurant, a cocktail bar and an inner courtyard.

The new 4-star Borghese Contemporary Hotel is just a few steps from Rome’s Spanish Steps.

The hotel has 24 keys and a concierge-defined lifestyle

Part of the Space Hotels collection, the Borghese Contemporary Hotel is a two-storey 2023 conversion of an historic palazzo that had undergone renovations in the early 19th century. Part of the Mascagni Collection, which boasts the hotel of the same name and the Mascagni Luxury Rooms & Suites, both Space Hotels affiliates, it has 24 rooms with a contemporary look and feel. In addition to a concierge-defined lifestyle, including a library, the Borghese Contemporary Hotel offers a multi-purpose room which serves as a breakfast area or meeting space.



For information: https://www.mascagnicollection.com/borghesecontemporaryhotel/hotel-a-roma-centro/

The newly-opened property is Catania’s second 5-star hotel.

Renovations lasted three years

The new Palazzo Sangiorgio features 25 rooms, including five suites, a rooftop restaurant and spa. The hotel is the result of a three-year renovation of the old palazzo Hernandez and now bears the name of its new owner, Antonino Sangiorgio. 

Catania’s other 5-star is the Romano Palace Luxury Hotel

Up to this opening the offer of five-star hotels in Catania had been limited to one property: the Romano Palace Luxury Hotel, with 104 rooms.

VRetreats has made Florence's the Tornabuoni an official new entry. With the confirmation last year of five VRetreats new entries for the first part of this year, now comes the official rebranding of the Tornabuoni. Already part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, the property has now become part of the luxury collection of the Group's hotel division.

A Renaissance-style building and many celebrity guests

Located in one of the oldest buildings in Florence, a symbol of prestige and charm since the 13th century, built by the Bombeni family and then passed on to the English Minerbetti family, descendants of the Becket family, the Tornabuoni’s architecture was inspired by the Renaissance style. Celebrated guests have included Henry James, John Steinbeck, the actor Fredric March, Lord Spencer, the Agnelli family and Barbara Bush, to name but a few.

The Tornabuoni has four F&B outlets

At the crossroads of Florence’s historic Via de' Tornabuoni, Piazza Santa Trinità and Via del Parione, the hotel has 62 rooms and suites designed by interior designer Andrea Auletta. It has four food outlets, including a terrace, and a multi-purpose wine cellar. On the ground floor the Il Magnifico Restaurant celebrates the flavours of traditional Tuscan cuisine, while the Il Magnifico Café is ideal for those in search of bistro-inspired food, paired with a good glass of wine or cocktails with an international flavour. On the fourth floor the Butterfly Terrace, also open to the public, is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to relax with a drink while admiring the rooftops of Florence and Brunelleschi's dome, while the Lucie Gourmet Restaurant is the soon-to-open fine dining restaurant, which will feature both traditional Italian and more international cuisine.

A wine cellar and a gym with a personal trainer 

For wine lovers, La Cave, the wine cellar on the minus one floor boasts a unique collection of Italian wines and French champagnes, and is a perfect choice for organizing tastings, events and private dinners. Other services available to guests include a 24-hour concierge, a small wine cellar in each suite to enjoy a selection of wines, and a fully equipped gym with a personal trainer for personalized workouts or private yoga sessions.

Green Key International certification has been granted to Le Massif Hotel & Lodge in Courmayer.

Attention to environmental protection

The Italian Hospitality Collection Group property in Courmayeur in the Valle d’Aosta region, has obtained the important international eco-label recognized to accommodation facilities that have implemented significant sustainable practices. This is an important achievement for Le Massif, the result of the constant attention to environmental protection and to environmental, social and governance policies introduced since its opening in December 2018.

“Increasing the green awareness of our employees and guests”

"This recognition is a source of great pride for us,- says Le Massif’s GM, Eduardo Peregrino. -Respect for the environment has always been a very sensitive issue for our group, and obtaining this certification is the result of a green vision shared with our entire team. It is an important commitment, which involves all our working procedures: from monitoring waste to reducing water and energy consumption, to collaborating with local organizations to promote and organize virtuous activities for the environment and increase the green awareness of our employees and guests".

Tétris Italia has completed works on the Hanna Group’s Kingdom Hotel in Rome.

The hotel has an exclusive Penthouse Suite

Kingdom Hotel, the second Roman property of the Hanna Hotels Collection Group, has recently undergone renovation by Tétris Italia. Located in a historic 16th century building, home to the ancient Littorio Library dating back to 1927, the building has been completely renovated, preserving its original features. There are 22 rooms and the exclusive Penthouse Suite with a private terrace on the seventh floor.

Sound-proofing and modern furnishings

The redevelopment project of the new boutique Kingdom Hotel, located in the heart of Rome in Via del Corso, was completed in ten months. In addition to the rooms, the works involved the reception area, the restaurant, the bar and the panoramic terrace, as well as the roof terrace on the sixth floor which has views over the capital's skyline. The flooring and all the new and existing walls were sound-proofed and the interiors furnished with Lago designs which play on the contrast between the classic tone of the building and the modern lines of the decor.

“Travel agencies face serious difficulties managing the ticketing of carriers awarded territorial continuity tenders," says Giuseppe Ciminnisi, president of the Fiavet-Confcommercio association of travel agents.

“Easier to manage ticketing via GDS”

“Coordinating these call centre bookings is very difficult both for passengers who buy independently, and for those who rely on intermediation. It would be much easier for travel agencies to manage ticketing via GDS.” To take the load off call centres.Fiavet-Confcommercio has called for territorial continuity fares to be sold via GDS.

Without a waiting list seats are often not filled

One example is Aeroitalia, which operates territorial continuity from Alghero to Rome and Linate, and from Olbia to Linate, which announced it would make ticketing available on GDS from March 2023. This has not happened although it is compulsory under the call for tender, and as there is no waiting list seats are often not filled because it is impossible to contact the call centre.

Manfredi Fine Hotels Collection in Rome has opened the RHINOCEROS Le Restau & Roofbar with  spectacular views over Rome.

A menu that focuses on Roman traditions

On the rooftop of The Rhinoceros Foundation, Alda Fendi's 17th-century art palace which was inaugurated in 2018, Manfredi Fine Hotels recently took over the management of RHINOCEROS Le Restau & RoofBar. This gastronomic & mixology space is under the supervision of Executive Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio of the Michelin-star AROMA Restaurant.  The menu is a celebration of Italian cuisine, with a focus on Roman traditions inspired by Chef Di Iorio’s vision and by resident chef Alessandro Marata. 

A minimalist layout with a rhinoceros theme

The Lounge bar on the terrace of RHINOCEROS Le Restau & RoofBar is dedicated to mixology helmed by Bar Manager Christian Comparone while the interior design gracefully blends into the minimalism of the layout, with the rhinoceros that gives the place its name remaining the thread running through the entire concept. The restaurant's culinary philosophy celebrates the Romans and the Italians with a menu that combines typical flavours with contemporary techniques and dishes that are faithful to their own history and are based on genuine and seasonal ingredients. 

A terrace overlooking Rome’s ancient Palatine Hill

The all-round experience offered by the RoofBar at RHINOCEROS Le Restau & Rooftop is an evocative journey to discover stories and flavours and culture, and of refined mixology that becomes a moment to live and enjoy immersed in the Great Beauty of the views of Rome’s ancient Palatine Hill from the terrace.

For information: https://rhinocerosroma.com/ristorante/

The match between Lufthansa and ITA Airways is one the Germans would not like to see going to extra time. To avoid this happening they have to be very open to the demands of the European Commission, from which we await the final word on the deal.

But what is the Italian government doing? Every other day it accuses one commissioner or another (even taking aim at economy commissioner Gentiloni, who is not in charge of the file, or dossier as they are calling it these days). Of course this headline-grabbing posturing serves no purpose, except to annoy the European commissioners who, as we know, are not easily swayed by government pressure.

So, a little advice to the Italian government. Calm down, reply to Europe's questions as you must, trying to be as clear as possible, with simple explanations, and in time Europe will ratify the agreement between ITA Airways and Lufthansa. By repeatedly attacking everyone it becomes much more difficult. Much more difficult.

Giuseppe Aloe
Editor in Chief

With Visit Emilia, the Land of the Slow Mix, every holiday is unique and eclectic with a blend of culture, nature, food and wine. 

Emilia Romagna is Italy’s third largest region

In the areas around Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia, the Land of the Slow Mix, every itinerary is customizable and pedal-friendly, thanks to the Emilia Bike Experience project, which networks the cycle tourism itineraries of the entire Emilia region. Emilia Romagna is Italy’s third largest region after Veneto and Lombardy, and is very popular with cycle tourists.

Castello di Torrechiara Ph credits: Tiziana Azzolini Visit Emilia Bike trails for nature lovers  

Those who prefer an itinerary which is a full immersion in nature should take the Ciclovie dei Parchi and Castelli del Ducato trail, which is 150 kilometres long and winds through protected areas and past splendid castles and villages in Emilia. Among these, the Ciclovia del Trebbia (Trebbia River Cycle Route) connects the historic centre of Piacenza with Rivergaro. 

Medieval villages and woodland animals

The Stirone Cycle Route in the Stirone and Piacenzano Regional Park, which runs for 42 kilometres along the stream of the same name, with stops in the medieval village of Vigoleno, Fidenza is also a good way to admire the Art Nouveau architecture of Salsomaggiore Terme.  Just a few kilometres from Parma you enter the Carrega Regional Park with its oaks, chestnuts and conifer woods which is populated by roe deer, woodpeckers and many woodland animals.

The Land of the Slow Mix for gourmets 

Gourmets cannot miss the routes and tastings of the Food Valley cycle route that connects Parma, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, to Busseto, and is 80 kilometres  long. This journey on cycle paths and tracks through the Land of the Slow Mix crosses the birthplaces of Giuseppe Verdi and Giovannino Guareschi. Culture lovers will find Pedalart's slow thematic itineraries of 19 bike routes that bring them into art, history, castles, parish churches, spas, museums, and the flavours of Emilia. To get directions, rent bikes, find bike-friendly accommodation and restaurants, and expert guides contact the Parma By Bike product club. And check out the tailor-made tours on the Visit Emilia website: https://www.visitemilia.com/terme-outdoor/bike-experience