Pavăl Holding, the investment vehicle of the brothers Adrian and Dragos Pavăl, owners of Dedeman, and their partners from the Lithuanian group Apex Alliance presented the first images and details of the architectural vision for the Grand Hotel Gardone in Italy. The €45 million investment will transform the historic property on the shores of Lake Garda into the first hotel in Italy to be operated under the luxury LXR Hotels & Resorts brand, part of the Hilton portfolio.
The new design, created by Milan-based architecture firm DE. Tales, was unveiled recently and includes restoration of the historic facade, revitalization of the interiors and the addition of a new pavilion with an indoor pool overlooking the lake. The project is described as a complex one that aims to preserve the building’s historic heritage. “This transformation is a complex, multi-phased project that allows us to honor this iconic hotel with meticulous attention to preserving its historic heritage. Throughout each phase of the renovation, we are committed to working closely with local suppliers and partners,” said Vytautas Drumelis, Partner at Apex Alliance.
Upon completion, scheduled for 2027, the property will be renamed Grand Hotel Gardone Lake Garda, LXR Hotels & Resorts and will feature 160 rooms, two restaurants, two bars and a wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools. The offering will be complemented by 825 square meters of event space, including a ballroom with terrace. Hotel management will be provided by Apex Alliance Hotel Management.
The entry into the Italian market is a strategic moment for the LXR brand.”The addition of the Grand Hotel Gardone Lake Garda to the LXR Hotels & Resorts collection marks a defining moment for us, our debut in Italy, set in a symbol of the Belle Époque, where the spirit and decor capture the essence of LXR”, said Feisal Jaffer, Global Head, LXR Hotels & Resorts.
Acquired in 2023, Grand Hotel Gardone is a historic property dating back to 1884, known for hosting the likes of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1949. Before it was closed for modernization, the hotel registered between 45,000 and 50,000 visitors annually. This is the Pavăl brothers’ first investment outside Romania. Renovation work is due to start next year, and an agreement has already been reached with the local administration to organize the site.