Buzz
Billionaire Bill Gates, owner of numerous new real estate properties, has added the 17th-century Palazzo Marini complex in Rome to his assets. Insider information reveals that Bill Gates is planning to collaborate with Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, aged 67, to transform this place into a luxurious 6-star hotel.Before being sold to Bill Gates, Palazzo was used as a pop-up store location for Ikea, where they sold affordable loungewear, and kitchenware. The upper floor served as a dining hall for lower house members.
Bill Gates and the prince might have to shell out massive amounts, up to 170 million USD, to transform the building into a hotel, featuring 100 rooms and possibly hosting a conference center, gym, and spa. Situated very close to the Trevi Fountain, if operational, this 6-star hotel is expected to be a highly favored destination for the affluent. They have hired French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon to oversee the project. This decision has also sparked controversy from locals as the investors did not use an Italian designer.
Before Palazzo Marini, Mr. Gates and Prince Alwaweed also had intentions of acquiring the Danieli Hotel in Venice earlier this year. However, the purchase faced numerous obstacles as the residents of Venice were unwilling to let foreign investors take control of assets within the city.Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini commenced the construction of Palazzo Marini in 1650, which subsequently became the residence of many noble families over the years. Pope Innocent XII later took over the building, using it as the headquarters of the Papal Court for a brief period. Subsequently, the building was repurposed for various uses while awaiting developers to seek it out.
Local residents are hopeful that the revitalization of Palazzo Marini will breathe new life into Rome's struggling tourism industry. Following the pandemic, 410 out of the city's total 1200 hotels have been forced to close.According to New York Post
