The Romanian group Pavăl Holding, controlled by brothers Dragoș and Adrian Pavăl, together with the Lithuanian operator Apex Alliance Group, is carrying out an investment of over €60m to renovate and reopen the legendary Grand Hotel Gardone on the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy. Scheduled for 2027, the property will become the first hotel in Italy operated under Hilton’s luxury brand LXR Hotels & Resorts, representing one of the most important expansions of Romanian capital in the European hotel industry.
The project involves transforming the historic building constructed at the end of the 19th century into a five-star complex, while preserving its original facade and Belle Époque heritage protected by Italy’s Ministry of Culture. Acquired in 2023 from the Mizzaro Papini family, the hotel will undergo a renovation process coordinated by international studio De.Tales, with an estimated construction duration of 18 to 24 months. According to the project’s sole administrator, Giorgio Pilone, work will take place predominantly indoors to avoid affecting road traffic in Gardone Sotto during the tourist season.
Upon completion, Grand Hotel Gardone Lake Garda, LXR Hotels & Resorts, will feature a built area of approximately 14,000 sqm out of the property’s total 16,700 sqm. The offerings will include 160 rooms and suites — including an 87 sqm royal suite and two 75 sqm presidential suites —, two signature restaurants, two bars, a wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facilities, event spaces, and a ballroom with a lake-view terrace. Unlike the predominantly seasonal operational model of the past, the new concept provides for year-round operation and the creation of at least 80 permanent jobs.
The transaction and development mark a strategic milestone for both the partners and the Hilton chain. Karina Pavăl, vice president of Pavăl Holding, and Vytautas Drumelis, partner at Apex Alliance, highlighted the opportunity to reposition the property as a symbol of premium tourism. In turn, Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of Hilton Group, emphasized that the LXR brand’s entry into the Italian market complements its international luxury portfolio present in destinations such as London or Kyoto. Welcoming guests since 1884 after being founded by Austrian Luigi Wimmer, the building boasts a rich cultural heritage, having hosted over time personalities such as Winston Churchill, poet Gabriele d’Annunzio, King George of Saxony, W. Somerset Maugham, and Nobel laureate Paul Heyse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of Pavăl Holding’s investment on Lake Garda?
The total investment for the renovation and reopening of Grand Hotel Gardone exceeds €60 million.
When is the hotel expected to reopen?
The reopened luxury complex is scheduled to welcome guests in 2027 under Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts brand.
How many rooms and suites will the renovated hotel offer?
The hotel will feature 160 rooms and suites, including an 87 sqm royal suite and two 75 sqm presidential suites, operating year-round.