Marriott International has announced plans to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Italy through a conversion of the former Hotel Grande Bretagne in Bellagio. The project, which is being undertaken in partnership with Grimit S.r.l., will mark the brand’s debut in Italy and is expected to open in 2026. The waterfront property will feature 59 guestrooms, 46 suites, a destination spa with an indoor pool, casual and fine dining restaurants, state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities, and extensive parkland and gardens. These facilities will reflect the typical landscaping of the Lombardy region, and will feature a meditation garden, a historical walking trail, a large outdoor swimming pool, and a private boat dock for easy access to other renowned destinations on the lake.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bellagio will be located 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, which dates back to 1850, was one of the destination’s very first and most distinguished luxury hotels. The property fell into disuse at the end of the last century and has since been acquired by the Galbusera family, who are undertaking an extensive restoration and expansion project to restore the prestigious reputation of the former grand hotel.

The regeneration scheme will involve a complete conservative restoration and reimagining of the property with the utmost respect for the historical significance of the building. Spread over a 16,500 square metre estate, the project will be the most notable hospitality development in the Lake Como area in recent years.

Lake Como is an internationally recognised resort destination famed for its dramatic backdrops, 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.

Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader of The Ritz-Carlton, said, “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.”

Emanuele Galbusera, President of Grimit S.r.l., said, “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. 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 strategically 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. This significant luxury hospitality project in the region is expected to boost Marriott International’s portfolio of properties across the company’s luxury brands in Italy.