IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its first Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property in Italy. This initiative adds to IHG's portfolio of luxury and lifestyle products. The property is scheduled to open in the second half of 2025 under a management agreement with partner Società Turistica Alberghiera Taorminese.
The addition of the Kimpton Hotel in Sicily marks IHG Hotels & Resorts' 30th property in Italy and adds to Kimpton's portfolio of eight hotels in the UK and continental Europe.
The decision to bring Kimpton to Sicily underlines IHG's strategic focus on key markets. Following a number of luxury and lifestyle openings and signings in 2023, including the debut of Six Senses in Rome and the introduction of Hotel Indigo and InterContinental properties in several Italian cities, the addition of Kimpton further strengthens IHG's presence in Italy.
Located in the hilltop town of Taormina on Sicily's east coast, the new Kimpton Hotel will blend local heritage with Kimpton's distinctive style. Featuring 59 charming rooms, the hotel will offer dining options as well as a terrace bar and wellness services such as an outdoor Mediterranean garden, a 20-metre swimming pool and a tennis court.
Founded in 1981 by hotelier Bill Kimpton, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants pioneered the boutique hotel and restaurant concept. Acquired by IHG in 2018, Kimpton has expanded globally, with properties in Europe and beyond, including Barcelona, Paris and London.
With expansion plans in place, Kimpton is expected to exceed 100 hotels worldwide in 20 countries by 2025.
“Italy has long been known for its reputation of luxury travel, breath taking coastal locations, and vibrant communities – and our growth strategy in the country has been designed to complement this. Following a surge of activity in 2023, which saw us more than double our luxury and lifestyle offerings in this market, we’re now excited to be partnering with Società Turistica Alberghiera Taorminese to further expand our presence in Italy with this boutique lifestyle property on the picturesque island of Sicily. This expansion underscores the demand, and trust, from our owners to embed IHG's luxury and lifestyle portfolio in one of Europe's most coveted leisure destinations. We look forward to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests and helping them create unforgettable memories once we open our doors in the second half of 2025." - (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, VP Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts
“We are delighted to be partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the first Kimpton branded hotel to Italy, in Sicily. This new and exciting chapter means we will welcome visitors to this one-of-a-kind destination once we open our doors in 2025, and provide guests with the unparalleled service, amenities, and experiences the Kimpton brand is known for.” - Raffaele Ranucci, Owner, Società Turistica Alberghiera Taorminese