The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2025 - Issue 38

bitetravel R Collection Hotels Announces Strategic Expansion and New Openings on Lake Como R CollectionHotels, the Italian luxury group owned by the Rocchi family, has announced ambitious growth plans for 2026–27, marking a significant step in its expansion across Italy’s most desirable des‑ tinations. The group will make its debut in Como with two landmark properties, strengthening its position as one of the country’s leading independent luxury hotel brands. The Palace Hotel and Hotel Excelsior Barchetta, both centrally located on Lake Como and currently operat‑ ed by the Villa d’Este Group, will return to R Collec‑ tion’s management. Extensive renovations are planned for their 2027 reopening, designed to elevate the brand’s international profile. The Palace Hotel will undergo a comprehensive redevelopment, upgrading it from four to five stars and blending contemporary design with lo‑ cal heritage and refined Italian hospitality. Meanwhile, the Excelsior Barchetta will be fully refurbished, ensur‑ ing both properties reflect the group’s standards of excel‑ lence and innovation. To guide this new chapter, Riccardo Bortolotti has been appointed Area General Manager for Como. Previously General Manager of the Grand Hotel Bristol Spa Resort in Rapallo, he was instrumental in redefining the prop‑ erty’s identity and securing its membership in the Vir‑ tuoso luxury travel network in 2025. Leadership conti‑ nuity in Rapallo will be maintained by Ivan Parodi, who steps into the role of General Manager after serving as Hotel Manager since 2023. Parodi will continue to en‑ hance the Grand Hotel Bristol’s reputation as a destina‑ tion for experiential luxury, with a renewed emphasis on art, music, and gastronomy. Ludovica Rocchi, Owner and Brand Director, described the developments as an exciting new chapter for R Col‑ lection Hotels, highlighting the group’s commitment to sustainable growth, talent development, and the consist‑ ent delivery of exceptional Italian hospitality. The an‑ nouncement reflects a long‑term investment strategy fo‑ cused on expanding its portfolio of owned and operated properties in Italy’s most iconic destinations, including Lake Como, the Portofino Coast, the Mont Blanc region, and Milan. Today, R Collection’s portfolio comprises 11 leisure and business hotels, each designed to embody a unique iden‑ tity. The group’s mission is to express authentic Italian hospitality through refined cuisine, wellness experiences by Erre Spa, contemporary design that reflects the spirit of each location, and tailor‑made experiences crafted for every guest. www.rcollectionhotels.it Images courtesy of Grifco PR