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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Award-winning Mixologist Francisco to Headline World Cocktail Day Celebration in Hanoi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2026

Award-winning mixologist Nipichthorn “Francisco” Junkaew from Meliá Chiang Mai is set to headline a special guest shift at Garbo, the cinematic cocktail bar at Meliá Hanoi, as part of the World Cocktail Day celebrations this May.

The two-night event, titled Garbo’s Signatures Reimagined in Chiang Mai Flavors, will take place on May 14 and 15 from 4 PM until midnight. During the takeover, Francisco will present a fresh interpretation of Garbo’s signature cocktails by blending them with distinctive Northern Thai flavours, herbs, spices, and citrus elements inspired by Chiang Mai.

Known for its old-Hollywood-inspired interiors and cocktail menu that pays tribute to iconic films and cinema legends, Garbo has collaborated with Francisco to create three exclusive cocktails for the occasion.

One of the highlights, Black Glamour, draws inspiration from Greta Garbo and the 1936 film Camille. The cocktail combines Johnnie Walker Black Label, cacao-infused Averna Amaro, coffee, and tonka bean tincture, finished with Chiang Mai stout cacao and cava air foam.

Another creation, Call Me By Your Name, inspired by Humphrey Bogart’s role in Casablanca, blends Chiang Mai tea-infused vodka with clarified pomelo juice for a refreshing twist.

The third cocktail, Chiang Mai Confidential, pays tribute to Ginger Rogers in Top Hat and features neem leaf-infused gin, Lillet Blanc, and soda water, delivering a herbaceous and refreshing flavour profile.

To elevate the experience further, each cocktail will be served with a limited-edition coaster inspired by the Hollywood icon and film connected to the drink. Guests can also scan a QR code on the coaster to explore the story behind each creation.

Francisco has gained recognition in the mixology space after winning the Thailand Hotel Bartender’s Championship 2025. He was also named second runner-up at the World Class Thailand 2025 national competition and won the Zacapa “Above the Clouds” Challenge.

With more than eight years of experience in luxury hospitality and mixology, Francisco played an important role in the pre-opening journey of Meliá Chiang Mai before taking charge as the hotel’s beverage manager. He currently leads the beverage program at MAI The Sky Bar, the hotel’s rooftop venue known for its panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the Ping River.

“This guest shift gives me the chance to recast Garbo’s signature cocktails through the flavours and atmosphere of Chiang Mai, with Northern Thai ingredients stepping into the spotlight,” said Francisco. “The drinks still carry that old Hollywood glamour and mystery, but with Northern Thai ingredients playing the leading role.”

Fairfest Media Appoints Simon Press as Managing Director – International

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 11, 2026

Fairfest Media has announced the appointment of Simon Press as Managing Director – International, marking an important step in the company’s global growth strategy following its recent acquisition of WTE Miami.

In this newly created role, Simon Press will lead Fairfest’s international business portfolio with a focus on expanding WTE Miami into a leading global travel trade event. He will also play a major role in identifying and bringing high-potential international event intellectual properties (IPs) into India, one of the fastest-growing exhibition markets globally.

Simon will be based across Miami, London, and Mumbai while overseeing the company’s international operations and strategic growth initiatives.

Bringing more than two decades of experience, Simon has worked extensively in launching, scaling, and managing large-scale international exhibitions and B2B media brands across Europe and the Middle East. Most recently, he managed a portfolio of leading European technology events. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions at globally recognised travel industry exhibitions, where he handled growth strategies, international partnerships, and expansion across multiple markets.

Commenting on the appointment, Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO of Fairfest Media, said,

"Simon's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Fairfest as we expand our global footprint. His extensive experience in leading world-class exhibitions and building global platforms aligns perfectly with our vision. We are confident that under his leadership, WTE Miami will scale rapidly and I am equally excited about the new opportunities we will unlock together to bring world-class shows to India."

Sharing his thoughts on joining the company, Simon Press said,

"Fairfest has built a remarkable reputation as a leading trade show organiser in Asia, and the acquisition of WTE Miami creates a compelling global platform to build on. I look forward to growing WTE Miami into a truly global event and exploring new opportunities to connect international markets with India's rapidly expanding exhibition ecosystem."

With this appointment, Fairfest Media aims to further strengthen its presence across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company is also actively engaging with global event organisers for co-development and co-investment opportunities in high-potential event IPs within India, backed by its strong local expertise and decades of industry experience.

Manoli Brings Authentic Greek Island Flavours to Coconut Grove, Miami

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

Manoli is set to open in early summer 2026, bringing the authentic flavours and spirit of the Greek islands to Miami’s Coconut Grove neighbourhood.

Led by Greek Chef Emmanouil Aslanoglou, the restaurant is rooted in traditional Greek culinary heritage while shaped by global experience across some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens. Chef Aslanoglou’s journey spans Greece, the UK, Spain, and the United States, including roles at renowned establishments such as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and Arzak, as well as leadership positions in leading Greek restaurants.

Manoli is conceived as a table-first dining experience, where shared plates and communal eating reflect the warmth and hospitality of Greek culture. The restaurant features approximately 140 seats across indoor, outdoor, and bar spaces, designed as a neighbourhood destination that transitions seamlessly from daytime dining to lively evening gatherings.

The menu reflects a deep connection to Greek culinary tradition while embracing modern interpretation. Guests can begin with small plates such as Dolmades, Saganaki, Crispy Feta with thyme honey, Keftedes, Mediterranean Mussels, and Gyro Tacos made with Black Angus ribeye. A raw bar selection includes Bigeye Tuna Tartare, Beef Tartare, and seasonal oysters, alongside classic Avgolemono soup prepared with roasted chicken, egg, and lemon.

The offering expands into housemade pastas including Pastitsio, Makarounes, and Athenian Lobster, followed by grilled specialties such as Greek-style lamb chops, prime beef, Whole Branzino, and rotating fresh fish selections. Traditional sides like Lemon Potatoes, Horta Chicory, and hand-cut fries complete the experience.

A standout feature of the restaurant is its Dessert Trolley Service, designed to bring a theatrical, shared-dining finish to the meal. Tableside selections include Baklava, Profiteroles, Chocolate Cake, Crispy Cream Custard, and Yogurt with Preserves, along with warm Greek donuts served fresh from the kitchen.

The beverage program, titled Sober Souls Diaries, is curated by Greek Beverage Manager Fotis Mexi and draws inspiration from classical Greek tragedy, with cocktails such as Hybris, Eris, and Mira, alongside a curated selection of Greek wines and inventive mocktails.

Speaking about the concept, Chef Aslanoglou said, “Manoli is deeply personal to me. It reflects the way I grew up eating in Greece—food made with care and meant to be shared. I wanted to bring that feeling to Miami, where every table feels like home and every meal feels like a celebration.”

With its focus on authenticity, storytelling, and shared dining, Manoli aims to introduce a transportive Greek island experience to Miami, blending culture, cuisine, and hospitality into a cohesive neighbourhood destination.

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