Construction is underway, and the name of the project sounds like the title of an architectural novel: the Grand Hotel in Gardone Riviera, a jewel built in the late 19th century, is preparing for a profound transformation that aims to combine its historical heritage with internationally renowned services and brands. According to the owners and official press releases, the renovation—which will transform the current four-star hotel into a luxury property under the LXR Hotels & Resorts banner (a high-end brand within the Hilton group)—will have a significant impact on Lake Garda's tourism profile.
Behind the operation are international players already known to the market: the Lithuanian group Apex Alliance, with the support of Romanian investor Pavăl Holding, acquired the property and planned the relaunch. The investment figure reported in the press is not unequivocal: many newspapers speak of a commitment of about 45 million euro, others relaunch estimates up to 50–60 million, probably depending on the expense component accounted for (works and any additional interventions). The hotel's official communications and preliminary financial reports confirm the presence of foreign partners and the intentions to convert the property into a luxury property.
The project, as described on institutional websites and in local news, involves the construction of over 160 rooms, wellness areas with indoor and outdoor pools, two signature restaurants, two bars, a fitness center, and large event spaces (including a ballroom and terraces overlooking the lake). The announced timelines indicate construction will begin between late 2025 and 2026, with a hoped-for reopening for the 2027 season. These decisions have raised expectations—but also questions—in the local community regarding traffic, employment, and the balance between tourism and heritage protection.
The building is protected by the Ministry of Culture and represents a piece of Garda's history (it has hosted prominent figures on the European scene). For this reason, official statements emphasize respect for the façade and its valuable elements, leaving the architectural designs—designed by the De.Tales studio and other consultants—the task of translating the Belle Époque language into a contemporary one without distorting it. However, local observers and associations urge continued attention to materials, colors, and the management of adjacent public spaces, as the modernization risks becoming a form of "luxury that erases the place."
The growth of high-end visitors could foster an attractive supply chain for restaurants, transportation, and services, creating new skilled jobs. At the same time, the demand for housing, parking, and infrastructure could increase local costs and redefine the use of the lakefront. The balance between development and quality of life for residents will be the key to determining the effectiveness of the project.
The Grand Hotel Gardone project isn't just a construction site: it's a cultural and economic gamble. Sources—from the local press to the owners' press releases, to international reports on the deal involving Apex Alliance and Pavăl Holding—tell a coherent story, albeit one not devoid of variables (amounts, timing, execution methods).