FH55 Hotels celebrates its 70th anniversary
FH55 Hotels celebrates 70 years with 34m. euros revenue, strategic renovations, brand evolution, and strong focus on luxury, sustainability, and team empowerment.
Seventy years of history, four iconic properties between Rome and Florence, and a managerial vision that looks to the future while honoring the value of its roots. In 2025, FH55 Hotels celebrates its 70th anniversary with solid economic results, prestigious accolades, and a well-structured relaunch plan focused on quality, innovation, and brand identity. Leading this new phase is Claudio Catani, Vice President of Operations since 2023, a seasoned executive in the luxury hospitality industry who has brought a fresh strategic and operational direction to the Group and now reflects on his first two years at the helm.
'2024 was a turning point: we closed the year with 34 million euros in revenue, up 8% from 2023 and 30% compared to 2019. But the real achievement lies in having laid the foundation for sustainable, consistent growth aligned with our market positioning,' says Claudio Catani.
At the core of this transformation are targeted initiatives in governance, organizational structure, operational management, and marketing. A comprehensive evolution that has touched every aspect of hospitality: 'We redefined our customer mix, introduced the USALI method for financial control, streamlined internal processes, and most importantly, we focused on the value of our people. The foundations were strong – what we needed was a new vision.'
This transformation extended beyond assets and numbers to the people who bring the hotels to life each day. 'You can't accelerate operationally without growing internally. Our team members are not just process executors; they are agents of change,' explains Claudio Catani. Over the past two years, the Group has invested heavily in training, cross-functional engagement, and empowerment, fostering a more horizontal company culture focused on delivering true service quality. 'Guests perceive consistency through even the smallest details. That's why enhancing skills and team motivation has been one of the most strategic moves we've made.'
The flagship of this new phase is the Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome, located just steps from the Roman Forum and Colosseum. The hotel is undergoing an ambitious €20 million renovation, which has already seen five floors upgraded and the introduction of new luxury suites.
'The Grand Hotel Palatino perfectly represents our concept of hospitality: central, authentic, and now with a strong identity tailored to the luxury segment. The renovated rooms have already delivered a 48% increase in average room revenue and a 40% rise in RevPAR. Guest ratings have jumped from 8.1 to 8.7 out of 10 in just a few months. And we're only getting started.'
By the end of May, the new Presidential Suite will also be inaugurated, and the full renovation will bring the hotel to five-star luxury classification by 2026. 'We haven't just changed the décor – we've created a new narrative for the guest. Every detail was designed to generate value, enhance our reputation, and foster loyalty.'
But the Grand Hotel Palatino is just one example. The development plan has also extended to the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo, Hotel Calzaiuoli, and Hotel Villa Fiesole, where the Serrae Restaurant earned a Michelin Star in 2024.
'We've invested approximately 2.5 million euros in these properties over the past two years. The results are visible not only in the metrics but also in guest perception, with an average quality rating of 9.1 out of 10. F&B has become a fundamental driver of our offering. When aligned with the property's identity and local territory, it becomes more than just a service – it becomes a memory, a story the guest takes home. And today's travelers recognize, seek out, and reward that.'
On the operational front, FH55 Hotels has implemented a systemic approach to sustainability, earning three ISO certifications (quality, environment, and safety), adopting dedicated quality control software, and establishing an HSE division to support strategic decisions. 'Our goal is to integrate efficiency with responsibility. More than ever, hospitality must be transparent, agile, and aligned with ESG principles.'
In 2024, the Group received the Industria Felix Award as a business excellence and in 2023, the Grand Hotel Palatino was named among the Top 10 hotels in Rome by Condé Nast Traveler. According to Catani, these accolades 'are not goals, but indicators that we're on the right path.'
What's next? 'Our 70th anniversary is a meaningful milestone – but not a destination. It's a new beginning. We're evaluating new opportunities together with the Board, but we're selective. We only pursue projects that reinforce our identity.'
From Florence to Rome, FH55 Hotels enters its eighth decade with forward momentum, powered by leadership that blends strategy, experience, and passion. 'We have a rich history behind us. Now, we're building our future.'
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