Hotel d'Inghilterra Roma Reopens After Major Renovation

Hotel d'Inghilterra Roma Reopens After Major Renovation

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 3, 2024

Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma – Starhotels Collezione reopened its doors September 27th, following an extensive refurbishment that included a renewed facade, updated rooms and suites, and redesigned common areas like the bar and the renowned Café Romano restaurant. The renovation involved Italian master craftsmen, bringing together historical charm with contemporary luxury and comfort.

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Originally constructed as a private residence for the guests of the adjacent Palazzo Torlonia, Hotel d'Inghilterra Roma became a hotel in the mid-19th century and has since been a favorite among the international jet set. Its prime location, steps away from the iconic Spanish Steps and Via Condotti, along with its natural elegance, has made it a top destination for travelers.

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The refurbishment was carried out with careful attention to preserving the historical elements of the property. The hotel’s historic facade, protected by Italy's Soprintendenza (the office for the Protection of Historic and Artistic assets), has been restored to its former splendor. The rooms, suites, Café Romano restaurant, and lounges that have hosted countless artists, writers, and travelers were also upgraded.

The restoration was led by Starhotels' team of designers, coordinated by President and CEO Elisabetta Fabri. It was intended as a tribute to the hotel's rich heritage, preserving architectural features and restoring antique furnishings while reimagining spaces inspired by the charm of the Grand Tour era.

The project involved collaboration with Italian master craftsmen as part of the “La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory” initiative, an effort by Starhotels to promote Italian craftsmanship. The artisans’ work has imbued the hotel with a renewed grandeur, blending traditional Italian design with a modern twist.

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The renovation reduced the number of rooms and suites from 84 to 80, allowing for more spacious interiors. Each room has its own distinct character, featuring restored antique furniture alongside new creations by contemporary artisans.

Café Romano has also been transformed into a sophisticated Roman lounge, providing a fresh gastronomic experience in the coming weeks. In addition, Hotel d’Inghilterra will soon open an intimate spa and an exclusive rooftop terrace, offering a stunning view of the Eternal City, making it an ideal retreat in Rome.

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History of Hotel d'Inghilterra

The history of the Hotel d'Inghilterra dates back to the mid-16th century when it served as a noble residence for guests of Palazzo Torlonia. The property was converted into a hotel in 1845 and named Hotel d’Angleterre, reflecting its popularity among British visitors. Its deep ties with England are evident in the logo, inspired by the coat of arms of the English royal family. Over the years, notable guests such as John Keats, Lord Byron, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and Ernest Hemingway have stayed at the hotel.

About Starhotels

Starhotels is a leading private Italian hotel company, known for its portfolio of 4 and 5-star hotels. The group manages 30 properties with over 4,200 rooms in key locations across Italy, as well as in London, Paris, and New York. The prestigious Starhotels Collezione properties are recognized for their prime locations, sophisticated design, and personalized services. The Starhotels Premium properties, located in major Italian cities, provide a perfect combination of elegance and comfort with a contemporary flair.

Image Credits: Starhotels


Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

Emirates has unveiled 'Emirates First', a new premium check-in zone at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, offering a private and elevated experience exclusively for its First Class travellers and Skywards Platinum members.

Just steps from the dedicated Emirates entrance, the new facility is designed to mirror the airline’s First Class luxury—with interiors featuring marble finishes, gold and bronze accents, and plush seating areas. The space is intentionally free of digital signage to maintain a calm, lounge-like atmosphere. Instead, the check-in process is handled via iPads or at elegantly crafted counters, providing a personalised, tech-enhanced experience.

The zone also includes family-friendly seating, allowing one member to complete formalities while others relax. Luggage is seamlessly routed through dedicated First Class belts for smoother transfers.

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“Emirates First reflects our continued investment in luxury travel,” said Adel al Redha, Deputy President & COO, Emirates. “It offers privacy, efficiency, and comfort at every step of the journey.”

Post check-in, passengers can proceed directly to the First Class lounges for à la carte dining, spa treatments, shopping concierge services, and more.

This initiative is part of Emirates’ broader First Class upgrades, which include Robert Welch caviar bowls, curated wine pairings, and a more refined onboard service. With over 26,800 First Class seats available weekly, Emirates continues to set the standard for top-tier travel experiences.


EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2025

Foreign travellers heading to Europe may soon have to pay nearly three times more for the region’s new digital travel permit. The European Union has proposed increasing the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee to 20 euros (approx. USD 23), a steep rise from the originally planned 7 euros.

This change, unveiled by the European Commission, comes as the EU aims to adjust for inflation, operational demands, and to better align the permit cost with global equivalents. For instance, the U.S. charges USD 21 for its ESTA, while the UK’s ETA costs 16 pounds (around USD 21).

Expected to roll out in the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS will be mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, entering any of the 27 EU member states (excluding Ireland) as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The permit will be valid for three years.

While travellers aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee, others will need to apply online before their trip. The system is intended to enhance border safety by identifying security risks, irregular migration, and other concerns in advance, making travel both safer and smoother for eligible visitors.

The European Parliament and member states now have two months to review this fee adjustment. Once approved, it will go into effect with the launch of the ETIAS system, which has already seen multiple delays, largely due to its link with a yet-to-be-implemented automated border control system.

This proposal comes amid the EU’s broader financial plan, including a two-trillion-euro long-term budget (2028–2034), which aims to fund priorities like defence and agriculture. Brussels hopes to raise funds through new revenue tools such as a carbon border tax and an e-waste levy, targeting 58 billion euros annually.

As the EU moves to strengthen both financial sustainability and border security, the updated ETIAS fee stands as a key piece of its evolving travel and economic framework.


Yen Dang Joins Alma Resort Cam Ranh as Director of Sales and Marketing

Yen Dang Joins Alma Resort Cam Ranh as Director of Sales and Marketing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 19, 2025

Alma Resort Cam Ranh has appointed Yen Dang as its new Director of Sales and Marketing (DOSM). With over two decades of experience, Yen is known for her dynamic leadership and creative sales strategies in Vietnam’s hospitality sector.

She steps into the new role at Alma, an award-winning, 30-hectare beachfront resort on Vietnam's Cam Ranh peninsula, after serving as DOSM at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills. Her previous roles include DOSM at Movenpick Resort Cam Ranh, cluster director of sales at Mercure Vung Tau and ibis Styles Vung Tau, and DOSM during the pre-opening phase of Melia Cam Ranh Bay. She also held the position of director of sales (wholesale) at Novotel Phu Quoc Resort.

Yen began her career in 2005 as a sales secretary at MGallery La Veranda Resort and Spa in Phu Quoc Island and climbed the ladder to become assistant sales manager. She later held key roles at Novotel Halong Bay, Novotel Saigon Centre, and Pullman Danang Beach Resort.

A graduate in hospitality and tourism management from Ho Chi Minh City’s Van Lang University, Yen brings a strong background in sales leadership, market understanding, and team development.

In her new role at Alma, she will lead sales and marketing strategies across the resort’s key segments and report directly to Frederic Savoye, Alma’s chief commercial officer.

“Yen is a dynamic and creative professional with a wealth of experience with many leading international hotels from Vietnam's south to north,” said Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler. “Her savvy in leading teams, drawing out each member's strengths, to not only hit but exceed budget places her in excellent stead with our Alma family.”

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