H.n.h. Hotels & Resorts, one of the largest independent players in the Italian hospitality industry, has signed an agreement to manage the DoubleTree by Hilton Trieste.

The hotel will be located in Piazza della Repubblica and housed in the historic former headquarters of the Ras Insurance Company, now owned by Allianz Italia.

H.n.h. Hotels & Resorts is leasing the building from Allianz Italia and has signed a franchising agreement with Hilton. It joins more than 25 Hilton properties trading or in development in Italy, and will be the first Hilton property in Trieste.

Renovation and conservation works have begun and opening is scheduled for early 2019.

A significant renovation, interior restoration and transformation project, it will be directed by design studio CaberlonCaroppi. With plans that reflect the character of Trieste - a haven for ships and a vibrant cultural city - the historic space will be redefined and include the Fountain of Lions made by the sculptor Gianni Marin, showcase rationalist architecture and will boast panoramic elevators and innovative furniture design.

Luca Boccato, CEO of H.n.h. Hotels & Resorts said: "This will be the second property which H.n.h. Hotels & Resorts will manage through a franchise agreement with Hilton, and is an important milestone in the growth of this partnership."

"From the very beginning, we were enthusiastic about the lease proposal and immediately we put great passion in this project. The shared passion for this building has been a key factor for Allianz Italia to giving it back to the city, and for CaberlonCaroppi to design the new rooms and the communal areas," Boccato said.

"Trieste, capital of the Friuli Venezia-Giulia region, is a flourishing hub for business and leisure travellers alike. It is also the most important sea port in Italy", said Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of Development, EMEA at Hilton. "Hilton will be one of the only international hotel groups with a presence in the city. This signing is an important milestone in Hilton's expansion in Italy." - TradeArabia News Service