The Ritz-Carlton brand will debut in Italy in 2026 with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Bellagio in Lake Como.

Marriott International announced on February 28, 2023, that it had signed an agreement with Grimit S.r.l. to bring the brand to Italy through the conversion of the former Hotel Grande Bretagne in Bellagio in Lake Como, one of the country’s most storied destinations.

Expected to open in 2026, the waterfront property is slated to offer 59 guestrooms and 46 suites, including two Ritz-Carlton suites, featuring views of the lake and luxurious furnishings. Comprehensive resort facilities are anticipated to include a destination spa complete with an indoor pool, casual and fine dining restaurants, and state-of-the-art 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 access to other renowned 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 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 reputation of the former grand hotel through an extensive restoration and expansion project.

Spread over a 16,500 square metre 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. Lake Como is an internationally recognized resort destination famed for its dramatic backdrops and charming towns and magnificent villas, which have acted as the setting for several blockbuster films including Casino Royale and Oceans Twelve. The destination is easily accessible from Milan’s Malpensa International Airport in just ninety minutes by car.