Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has announced the signing of the Sofitel Genoa Waterfront, a landmark luxury hotel set to open in 2027 along the historic waterfront of Genoa, Italy. Developed in partnership with AG Group, Italy’s leading integrated tourism operator, the new property will embody Sofitel’s signature French art de vivre in one of the country’s most storied port cities.
The hotel will feature 120 rooms, including 20 suites, offering a refined experience that blends French elegance with Ligurian maritime heritage. Designed by the renowned Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), led by world-famous architect Renzo Piano, known for iconic projects such as The Shard in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Sofitel Genoa Waterfront is poised to become a striking architectural symbol of the city’s revitalised eastern waterfront. The project is also backed by Orion and CDS Holding S.p.A., key investors and developers of the broader Waterfront di Levante initiative.
Guests will enjoy a full suite of luxury amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge bar, a pool bar, a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, and two meeting rooms. The hotel’s prime location will benefit from improved high-speed rail connections, linking Genoa to Milan in just 53 minutes by 2026, and offering easy access to coastal gems like Portofino and the Cinque Terre.
“This opening marks a major milestone in our growth strategy for Southern Europe,” said Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems. “Following the success of Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, we’re thrilled to partner again with AG Group to bring a new beacon of French zest and luxury to Liguria, where history and culture meet Mediterranean spirit.”
Founded over two decades ago, AG Group is Italy’s first fully integrated tourism company, spanning hospitality, destination management, dining, and consultancy. The group already operates a strong portfolio of upscale properties in Rome and other cities, and has collaborated with major international brands, including Accor on luxury developments. For the Genoa waterfront redevelopment, AG Group enlisted the expertise of Harry Mills Sciò, CEO of Fortvny, a specialist in hotel consultancy, who oversaw the selection process.
“We’re proud to join forces with Accor to bring Sofitel to Genoa,” said Andrea Girolami, Founder and President of AG Group. “This project not only strengthens our commitment to luxury hospitality in Italy, but also reflects our vision of creating destinations that unite cultural heritage, exceptional design, and unforgettable guest experiences.”
With this signing, Sofitel continues its expansion in Italy, where it already operates a flagship hotel in Rome and is developing properties in key destinations including Milan, Venice, and Palermo. Sofitel Genoa Waterfront will be the city’s first true international luxury hotel, filling a gap in a market traditionally dominated by independent operators.
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