Carlo Izzo: The Journey of Growth and Excellence in Hospitality

In the heart of Rome’s vibrant hospitality industry stands Carlo Izzo, a seasoned professional and industry leader with a distinctive profile rich in experience and leadership. Armed with a Master’s degree in financial management, marketing, hotel management, and business planning from the EHL Hospitality Business School, Carlo brings nearly five decades of valuable expertise to the hospitality industry.

The Inception

In 2006, Carlo and his business partners took over Kolbe Hotel, due to its stunning and unique location near the archaeological area, and the building’s rich historical features. They embraced the challenge of transforming it from a basic hotel for pilgrims into the beautiful 4-star hotel it is today.

Nurturing a Strong and Cohesive team at Kolbe Hotel Rome

Carlo believes that a positive work environment is crucial. To boost motivation, he strives to involve all employees and departments in the company’s objectives and goals, prioritizing clear and open communication. With a participatory leadership style, Carlo remains dedicated to inspiring and motivating the entire Kolbe Hotel team.

Sustainable practices at the Kolbe Hote

Under Carlo’s leadership, Kolbe Hotel focuses on energy efficiency by implementing energy-saving measures such as smart climate control systems. The team regularly schedules necessary interventions for these systems to ensure they operate at high standards. Additionally, they encourage towel and linen reuse programs, separate waste for recycling, and eliminate single-use plastics from the rooms. The housekeeping uses non-toxic cleaning agents, and their kitchen prioritizes locally sourced foods whenever possible. Together, the entire team works towards a more sustainable future.

Innovations to Enhance Guest Satisfaction

The rooms and common areas are regularly restyled to enhance the guest experience. “To anticipate our guests’ needs, we organize training courses for our staff members. We’ve created a series of videos featuring walking tours in the neighborhood, which serve as a helpful guide for our guests. Last but not least, our unique location plays a significant role in guest loyalty,” emphasizes Carlo.

The Kolbe Hotel overlooks Palatine Hill, part of the archaeological area that includes the Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine. With major attractions just a short walk away, many returning guests are eager to continue exploring Rome, and the hotel serves as the ideal home base for their adventures.

At the Forefront of the Industry Trends and Sustainability

Carlo recognizes the positive impact of data analytics and online booking platforms on the hotel industry. At Kolbe Hotel, AI is already being used at a basic level, with plans to expand it further. It also provides personalized services through its website and the “voice concierge” in its superior rooms.

The hotel also focuses on training its employees on the latest tech. The leadership team plans training courses for the staff, and the mandatory professional development courses are held annually.

The Kolbe Hotel also strives to reduce its carbon footprint. Carlo and his team actively work on sustainable practices with environmentally friendly products and energy-saving measures. Although regulations prohibit the installation of solar panels due to the hotel’s location in an archaeological area, they remain hopeful that this restriction might be reconsidered in the future.

The Changing Expectations of Guest 

Guest expectations are constantly evolving, and their priorities shift over time. Safety and cleanliness remain essential at all times. At Kolbe Hotel Rome, health & safety protocols are strictly adhered to by current regulations. Nowadays guests expect efficiency, high-speed WiFi, in-room automation of some kind, keyless entry, and a diverse menu that includes vegetarian and vegan dishes in the restaurant. They even research hotels online and on social media and will most certainly have a look at the reviews before booking a room. However, Carlo believes that personalized service and high standards of hospitality are still key to a great holiday experience. The future guests are likely to prioritize eco-friendliness along with technology, comfort, convenience, flexibility, and safety.

The Future Outlook Amid Evolving Hospitality Industry

The Italian hospitality industry is expected to grow in the next five to ten years. Cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan continue to be top destinations for tourists. The Jubilee of 2025 is expected to attract around 30 million visitors or more to Rome. According to Carlo, technology will play an increasingly vital role in automating many hotel services such as concierge, housekeeping tasks, and food delivery. This may help make up for the lack of manpower in some departments. AI will be increasingly present in the management and revenue strategies, and there are plans for significant investments in this area.