Hotels & Accommodations
Pellicano Hotels Acquires La Badia Estate in Umbria
Pellicano Hotels has acquired its fifth property, La Badia Estate in Orvieto, Italy.
Situated in a former Benedictine Abbey with roots going back to the 6th century, the property stands out in the Umbrian landscape due to its medieval twelve-sided tower and ancient stone fortifications. Since the 1960s, the estate has operated as a four-star hotel with a swimming pool, tennis court and restaurant.
The property is now set for a sweeping renovation aimed at “blowing off the dust and making this hotel live,” Pellicano Hotels chief executive and creative director Marie-Louise Sciò said.
Il Pellicano, the niche hotel group’s founding property in Porto Ercole, has long been a hideaway of the international jet set: photographed by Slim Aarons and frequented by Jackie Kennedy, Gianni Agnelli and Sophia Loren. Since being acquired by Sciò’s father Roberto in 1979, the hotel has continued to attract figures from fashion and culture while preserving a relaxed, unique atmosphere.
As international hotel groups continue to snap up — and typically standardise — iconic properties, Marie-Louise Sciò has worked to scale Il Pellicano’s take on hospitality rather than selling out. Pellicano merged operations with the family’s other hotel, La Posta Vecchia, in Ladispoli (on the coast near Rome), and acquired a third property on the island of Ischia, Mezzatorre, in 2019.
The company raised around €200 million by selling a minority stake to Aermont Capital in 2023 with ambitions to open another 5 to 7 new hotels. Last year the group bought a location in Tuscany, La Suvera, with plans to reopen in 2026. 2024 revenues of €37.4 million grew nearly 10 percent year-on-year.
In Orvieto, Pellicano will invest more than €43 million to acquire and restore La Badia Estate, marking “a compelling new chapter in Pellicano Hotels’ mission to uncover Italy’s most unexpected and authentic destinations, far from the well-trodden tourist routes,” the group said.
Italy’s central Umbria region, known for its verdant valleys and medieval hilltop towns, has attracted increased investment and attention in recent years from both domestic and international visitors. Orvieto has shown particular appeal for secondary homes and vacationers, as it exemplifies the region with its Medieval architecture and Etruscan ruins while remaining more accessible than other hilltop cities. (It’s located just a few minutes from the highway from Florence to Rome.)
La Badia Estate will be familiar to some reality television fans as the set of Lisa Vanderpump’s “Vanderpump Villa” season 2, which aired this spring.
“There’s a lot of excitement bubbling, but it’s still off the main circuit. There’s no luxury hotel group there,” Sciò said. Renovating La Badia’s 25 rooms will be about “bringing its inherent qualities out… It’s not about making it like the Pellicano or any of the others — it will have its own life and legs.”
While Pellicano Group aims to rival leading Italian hospitality brands like Cipriani and Saint Ambroeus, expansion needs to be managed carefully to preserve its signature mix of luxury service with a “human and family approach.” Sciò’s taste and curation, from interior design to food and merch, to the events and people the property targets, remains a key ingredient.
“This is what differentiates us from bigger groups, and people want to travel in that manner in the luxury space — they’re looking for places that aren’t cookie cutter,” Sciò said. “We have to be consistent about finding properties that have that uniqueness, then bringing the way we do hospitality to the table. I have to spend a lot of time there, in the hotels, because I know exactly how I want people to feel in the space.”
Hotels & Accommodations
Capsule Hotels Rise in Singapore- A Smart, Affordable and Innovative Option for Travelers, Everything You Need to Know
Sunday, July 27, 2025
With the increasing cost of travel, today’s traveler is on a constant look out for value for money accommodation without having to give up comfort and style. The capsule hotels has found a happy place in cities like Singapore, where expensive accommodation is notoriously high. These hotels are tiny, cool spaces that provide affordable options for stylish travelers.
Trends in Affordable Travel
As the price of travel to popular locations increases, so does the demand for cheap places to stay. Singapore, one of the world’s most expensive cities to visit, is experiencing a boom in capsule hotels. Affordable and comfortable with a design-oriented touch, these are the hotels for solo travelers, younger tourist and budget backpackers. Its small rooms are aimed at travelers and Singaporeans wanting to visit but not spend the night, according to the Singapore Tourism Board.
Innovation in the Hospitality Industry
The capsule hotel has come a long way since it originated in Japan. Today’s capsule hotels have a glossy, modern design and come with assorted amenities. In Singapore, Cube Boutique Capsule Hotels have app-based offerings and shared spaces for guests to unwind or socialize. It is this mixture of novelty, convenience and comfort that separates capsule hotels from your standard budget accommodation. Featuring smart technologies and shared common areas, capsule hotels are transforming the idea of those cheap budget accommodation. In terms of simplicity and convenience, it would also be appreciated by travelers who’re looking for a little more social cohesion, as well.
Impact of Global Tourism Trends
International Travel Trends reveal the rise of Solo Travel and Millennial Tourism. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourists increasingly look for a place to stay that is in line with their needs for affordable, flexible lodging. Capsule hotels are a reflection of this demand as they provide no-frills, smart hotel accommodation that attracts the young generation. The increasing popularity of becoming a digital nomad and the demand for flexible living and working environments are also fuelling the growth of the capsule hotel as the perfect option for remote workers. Their options are ideal for budget travellers or those with a packed itinerary, ensuring guests concentrate on adventure and not forking out a fortune for a decent place to lay your head.
The Compact Hotel Model of the Future
As capsule hotels become increasingly popular, however, people wonder where this compact model can reach. The experts are of the opinion that the capsule hotels can work well in places beyond Southeast Asia. Capsule hotels are appealing for urban tourists who travel to expensive cities where affordable hotels are small and cramped. Due to space limitations and high rent of the cities, the capsule hotel is also another desirable options for many travelers. This model could quickly proliferate to major world cities, ameliorating space constraints in such densely packed urban areas, while providing an attractive, cost-effective alternative for travelers.
The Evolution of Capsule Hotels
The concept of a capsule hotel has gone a long way since it was first introduced in Japan in the 1970s. Originally conceived as no-frills housing, they have become more comfortable and private. In Singapore, these hotels have grown to encompass a blend of comfort, privacy and style and in so doing have become increasingly attractive to those travelers who might have otherwise stayed in regular hotels. This evolution mirrors what’s happening more broadly in the hospitality industry, too, where compact, efficient design is increasingly in demand, particularly in cities with high population density. As our expectations of travel have changed, so too have capsule hotels, providing a place to stay with form as well as function.
Conclusion
Capsule hotels are revolutionizing the cheap stay. At their cross-section, they offer an interesting time-saving option for those looking for cool, affordable digs. With global tourism industries taking yet another turn, the growing popularity of capsule hotels in cities such as Singapore, typifies the increasing move towards compact, efficient and intelligent living spaces as tourism operators look to cater for the masses with a shrinking cityscape. This momentum is not slowing and is shaping to be a bright future for capsule hotels on the global hospitality scene.
Hotels & Accommodations
Israel Canada Hotels Expands Operations in Greece: A Major Leap in Hospitality and International Growth
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Israel Canada Hotels, a prominent player in the hospitality sector, is taking significant steps to expand its reach both in Israel and internationally. The company is currently engaged in strategic deals worth around NIS 200 million, aimed at strengthening its position as a leading hotel operator. With a focus on key markets such as Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, Israel Canada Hotels is expanding its portfolio of properties to meet the growing demand for diverse, high-quality accommodations. This move comes at a pivotal time as the tourism sector recovers from the challenges posed by the global pandemic, and Israel Canada Hotels seeks to cement its status as a leading hotel brand in the region.
Israel Canada Hotels’ Growing Domestic Presence
In Israel, Israel Canada Hotels is actively enhancing its presence with strategic acquisitions and investments. The company recently signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire a 50% ownership stake in two significant properties: the Galilion tourism complex and the Kfar Giladi Hotel. Located in the northern region of Israel, these two properties represent a major leap forward in the company’s expansion strategy.
The Galilion complex, situated in the beautiful Hula Valley, is a popular destination that boasts 120 guest rooms and suites, making it an ideal getaway for couples and families. The complex includes a spa center, swimming pool, restaurant, wine bar, and conference facilities. The Kfar Giladi Hotel, located in Kibbutz Kfar Giladi at the foot of the Naftali Mountains in the Upper Galilee, spans over 30 acres of well-maintained grounds, providing a serene environment for relaxation and leisure. These acquisitions, valued at approximately NIS 140 million, will be managed by Israel Canada Hotels, ensuring the company continues to provide exceptional service while benefiting from ongoing management fees.
Expansion in Tiberias: A New Lease Opportunity
In addition to its acquisitions, Israel Canada Hotels is in advanced negotiations to lease a 307-room hotel in Tiberias for a 15-year period, with an option to extend the lease for another 10 years. This property, which includes extensive public spaces and great potential for tourism activities, represents an exciting opportunity for the company to broaden its offerings in the region.
Plans for the hotel include a comprehensive renovation, aimed at transforming it into a family-friendly destination. With the growing demand for family-oriented travel experiences, this renovation will position the property as an attractive option for tourists looking for comfort and convenience in Tiberias, a popular location on the Sea of Galilee. The project aligns with Israel Canada Hotels’ broader strategy to expand its footprint in Israel and cater to a wide range of travelers.
Israel Canada Hotels’ Expansion in the South: Eilat and the 42 Degrees Project
Israel Canada Hotels is also making notable strides in the southern part of the country, specifically in the popular tourist destination of Eilat. Through a joint venture with the Karel Group, the company is investing NIS 1.5 million in the 42 Degrees project. This complex consists of nine buildings, public areas, a swimming pool, and a gym, and will be managed under a short-term hotel rental model.
This new investment in Eilat complements the company’s previous leasing agreement for a hotel located adjacent to the apartment complex. Both properties will be managed separately, offering tourists different experiences based on the type of service provided. This diversification ensures that Israel Canada Hotels can cater to various customer preferences, providing everything from family-friendly accommodations to more luxurious offerings in Eilat.
Aggressive International Expansion: Israel Canada Hotels in Greece
On the international front, Israel Canada Hotels is making significant inroads in Greece, a popular European destination that continues to draw millions of tourists each year. The company recently completed the acquisition of a Greek company holding the lease rights to a building on Theatrou Street in Athens, next to its existing Play Theatrou Hotel. This acquisition will allow the company to expand its presence in the vibrant Psiri neighborhood, a popular area for tourists.
The new building is set to undergo renovation and will be converted into a 50-room hotel with a restaurant, doubling the capacity of the Play Theatrou Hotel. With this expansion, the hotel will grow to 110 rooms, making it the largest hotel in the sought-after Psiri neighborhood. This acquisition is part of Israel Canada Hotels’ strategy to capitalize on Greece’s popularity as a global tourist hub and increase its footprint in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations.
In addition to this acquisition, Israel Canada Hotels is negotiating the lease rights to another hotel in a prime area of Greece. The estimated value of this deal is 13 million euros, and it represents another strategic move to strengthen the company’s presence in Greece, a market with significant growth potential. The addition of this hotel will further enhance Israel Canada Hotels’ urban portfolio and allow the company to attract more international visitors.
Strategic Focus on Brand Consolidation
Reuven Alkas, CEO and partner at Israel Canada Hotels, emphasized that these acquisitions and investments are integral to the company’s long-term growth strategy. By strengthening its presence in both domestic and international markets, the company is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the global hospitality market. As the tourism industry rebounds, Israel Canada Hotels aims to consolidate its brand and expand its offerings in key locations both in Israel and abroad.
“We see these deals as an opportunity to expand our footprint in the most sought-after markets, while also maintaining our commitment to quality and exceptional customer service. Our focus on Greece, Israel, and the southern region ensures that we can cater to a diverse range of travelers,” Alkas said.
The Current Hotel Portfolio of Israel Canada Hotels
Currently, Israel Canada Hotels operates 24 hotels in Israel, 11 in Greece, and one in Cyprus, with a total of approximately 3,800 rooms. The company’s diverse portfolio includes properties ranging from luxurious resorts to more budget-friendly options, catering to both leisure and business travelers. The expansion plans in Israel and Greece are expected to significantly boost the company’s portfolio, reinforcing its position as a leading hospitality provider in these regions.
Upon the completion of the new deals, Israel Canada Hotels will not only increase its room capacity but also enhance the variety of vacation experiences it offers, from family-friendly accommodations in Tiberias and Eilat to upscale urban properties in Athens. This growth strategy is designed to meet the increasing demand for high-quality hospitality options in both domestic and international markets.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Israel Canada Hotels
Israel Canada Hotels is making substantial strides in expanding its footprint both in Israel and internationally. Through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and investments, the company is positioning itself as a leading player in the hospitality sector. With a strong presence in key tourist destinations like Eilat, Tiberias, and Athens, and a focus on customer service and quality, Israel Canada Hotels is poised for continued success in the growing global tourism market.
As the company strengthens its brand and expands its portfolio, travelers can expect an even more diverse range of accommodation options and experiences, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. Israel Canada Hotels’ ongoing commitment to excellence ensures that it will remain a key player in the international hospitality industry.
Hotels & Accommodations
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