Rome continues to solidify its position as a leading destination for high-end hospitality. On June 11, the capital hosted the annual Hotel My Passion event, which brought together managers, entrepreneurs, hotel directors, investors, architects, and industry professionals for an evening dedicated to discussion, networking, and new perspectives on the hotel industry.
Guests were welcomed at Palazzo Ripetta, a five-star hotel in the heart of the city, which hosted an event dedicated to the world of hospitality—combining design, culture, and hospitality.
Following the Milan event on June 4, Rome also confirmed the success of the format, which has now become a regular event for industry professionals. In an increasingly international market, Hotel My Passion focuses on the value of relationships and networking among hospitality professionals.
The event took place in the courtyard of Palazzo Ripetta, enhanced by modern floral arrangements by House of Flowers featuring flowers and artistic creations, as well as a DJ set and live performances on the violin and saxophone.
Tonight’s Menu
Also taking center stage was Executive Chef Christian Spalvieri’s culinary offering, featuring a menu inspired by summer cuisine. The aperitif included a tartlet with hummus and seasonal crudités, blinis with whipped butter and anchovies, a roll of carne salada and vegetables from the Galli Group, a tartlet with roasted eggplant, a three-tomato cream, ricotta and spinach bonbons, and beef tartare with citrus mayonnaise.
Next up: “Pomodoro e pomodoro” risotto, glazed sirloin with salmoriglio and beef stock, and a barbecued eggplant medallion. For dessert: Perla al Vin Santo on a cocoa shortcrust pastry and a creamy Delizia with fruit coulis, accompanied by Pommery Apanage Champagne.
The Partners
Event partners include Simmons, Sambonet, Rosenthal, Pedersoli Milano, HORO DIVANIA, and Apir, with contributions from Gruppo Galli, House of Flowers, and Champagne Pommery.
The format
The format was conceived by Monia Ronconi, a journalist specializing in the hospitality industry and the founder and director of Hotel My Passion. With *The Glamour Hotel Event*, she has created an annual event dedicated to the key players in the luxury hospitality sector, designed to foster discussion, networking, and analysis of industry trends, taking place in two Italian cities: Milan and Rome.
The stars of the evening in Rome
The host, Alessia Meli, Chief Operating Officer of Palazzo Ripetta. Among the representatives of some of the most dynamic groups in the international and Italian hotel industry were: Edoardo Barucca, F&B Manager at Palazzo Talia; Giacomo Battafarano, Managing Director & Southern Italy, Hotel de Russie; Gaetano Caccialli, Hotel Manager, Aleph Rome Curio Collection by Hilton; Ilaria Carini, Revenue Manager, Waldorf Astoria; Claudio Ceccherelli, Director of Operations, Le Graal; Pauline Charles, Hotel Manager at Palazzo Experimental Roma; Demetrio De Giorgio, CEO of Mercati Spa; Camille Delarue, Pre-Opening Team Member at Rosewood Rome; Andrea Fiorentini, Cluster General Manager of Gran Melia Roma & Melia Genova; Valeria Fruscio, General Manager at Aleph Rome Curio Collection by Hilton; Marco Gilardi, Senior Operations Director for Italy & the U.S. – Operations, Italy Office; and Fernanda Lopez, General Manager of W Rome; William Picher, General Manager of Waldorf Astoria; Vanessa Schiano, Hotel Manager at Corinthia; Marina Toti, Owner of Le Méridien Visconti Palace – Capo d’Africa; Roberto Vannoni, Owner of Bio Hotel Raphael – Relais & Châteaux; Ciro Verrocchi, General Manager of 4L Collection; Max Zanardi, General Manager (pre-opening) of Baccarat Hotel; and Danilo Zucchetti, Managing Director of Corinthia Palace.
The Luxury Market in Italy
Italy remains one of the most attractive markets in Europe for luxury tourism, thanks to its unique cultural and natural heritage and its well-established reputation in the high-end hospitality sector. According to a Deloitte survey titled “Luxury Hospitality Reloaded: Repositioning and Balancing Sustainability,” approximately six out of ten investors consider Italy the top choice in Europe for investment attractiveness, ahead of Greece and Portugal.
The study highlights how market interest is focused primarily on existing hotel properties, while historic buildings—though in high demand due to their cultural significance—are often subject to architectural and regulatory restrictions that limit renovation projects. In this context, Italy continues to stand out for the breadth of its lodging offerings and for the opportunities associated with the conversion of historic buildings and prestigious properties, which represent a strategic lever for the future development of the luxury hotel industry.
Hotel My Passion thus reaffirms its status as an event dedicated to the world of luxury hospitality, where relationships, expertise, and industry vision come together to shape the future of hospitality.
