Some companies export products. And then some companies export experiences. Starhotels belongs to this second category: a hotel group that, for over forty years, has represented Italy through the art of hospitality, transforming every stay into a journey into our country’s style and culture.
The group’s history began in Florence in the 1980s, when the Fabri family decided to invest in the hospitality sector with a clear vision: to build an Italian hotel company capable of competing internationally. Over time, that vision has transformed into one of the strongest hotel groups in Europe, while maintaining independent, family-run management.
Today, the group is led by President and CEO Elisabetta Fabri, who has guided Starhotels through a period of growth and renewal, maintaining a strong connection to Italy and the Italian culture of hospitality.
Hospitality as a story of Italian beauty
Entering a Starhotels means enjoying an experience that goes beyond a simple stay. Architecture, design, materials, and details convey a precise idea of Italian elegance, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. A prime example is the La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory project, which engages Italian artisans in creating furnishings and objects for the group’s hotels. The initiative highlights historic crafts and artisan workshops, transforming the hotels into spaces that showcase Italian know-how and bring Made in Italy to the world.
In some cities, guests can participate in artisanal experiences, visiting local workshops and ateliers. This project is a significant novelty: few hotel groups worldwide have developed a structured contemporary arts patronage initiative linked to artisanal craftsmanship.
From Italy to the world
One of the symbolic milestones in the group’s international growth was the opening of the Michelangelo Hotel in New York, which brought Italian hospitality to the heart of Manhattan. Since then, Starhotels has continued to expand throughout Europe and the United States, maintaining a clear strategy: to grow without losing its identity. As explained on the occasion of the company’s 45th anniversary, the group’s evolution has been driven by its ability to innovate while remaining independent, by investing in the quality of its facilities, and by enhancing the guest experience.
The group’s figures
Today, Starhotels is Italy’s leading private hotel group by revenue and one of the most important players in the national hospitality industry. The group operates 34 hotels in Italy, Europe, and the United States, with over 4,500 rooms in major tourist and business destinations, including Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, London, Paris, and New York.
In 2024, Starhotels recorded approximately €315 million in revenue and over €34 million in net profit, the best result in the company’s history. These numbers reflect growth built over time, founded on quality service, investments, and a Made-in-Italy entrepreneurial vision.
Innovation and sustainability
Among the group’s most significant projects is the Starhotels E.c.ho. in Milan, one of Italy’s most sustainable hotels. Born from the responsible conversion of an existing building, it has received international recognition for sustainable design, including the European Hotel Design Award and Green Globe Gold Status certification. In recent years, the group has introduced initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of its facilities and improve energy efficiency, demonstrating that high-quality hospitality can be combined with environmental responsibility.
A symbol of Made in Italy
Starhotels’ international success is explained by its ability to transform hospitality into a coherent narrative of Made in Italy. Design, craftsmanship, a culture of hospitality, and attention to beauty become distinctive elements of the guest experience. In an industry dominated by large global chains, Starhotels has chosen to preserve its Italian identity, building a recognizable and credible model over time. It is precisely this consistency – along with its ability to innovate – that has transformed a group born in Florence into one of the most authentic exponents of Italian hospitality worldwide.
Learn about other outstanding Made in Italy companies in the hospitality and tourism sector.