Contemporary luxury and five-star hospitality reshape the Ligurian Riviera. Avant-garde aesthetics marry innovation for a smart, tailor-made experience
The Europa Palace Hotel is an integral part of Sanremo’s history and its golden age. Overlooking Corso Imperatrice, the building offers a privileged view of the Ligurian Sea and the Casino. Its origin coincides with the arrival of the railway in 1874. The station, built right in front of the hotel, inaugurated a new season for the “City of Flowers.” The structure, originally known as the “Hotel Europe et de la Paix,” rapidly became a benchmark for international hospitality on the Riviera. Aristocrats, nobles, and travelers of the European elite stayed here, attracted by the mild climate and a lively social scene.
The redevelopment project: a dialogue between history and modernity
The recent redevelopment, commissioned by the Lagorio family, marks the rebirth of the structure as a five-star boutique hotel. Studio Calvi Ceschia Viganò signed off on the architectural project, which concluded in 2025. The intervention involved both the interior spaces and the exterior facades. The designers expanded the volumes with a fifth floor equipped with a panoramic terrace and added a spa in the basement level.
Today, the structure features over 70 rooms, including elegant suites and junior suites. Exquisite artistic details enrich the hotel. Highlights include the upside-down olive tree installation in the Rêve Bistrot and the sculpture “Le acciughe fanno pallone” (The anchovies form a ball) on the facade. The design combines the charm of classical style with the functionality of modern lines. The restaurants, terrace, and spa welcome both international clientele and the general public.
Between hospitality and visual identity
Every environment reflects careful attention to detail. The Rêve bistrot, also open to non-guests, is an example of aesthetic cross-contamination: at the center of the venue, an upside-down olive tree and a luminous waterfall by Viabizzuno create a scenic installation. On the wall, Grigio Alpi stone by Grassi Pietre defines the counter space, while custom benches by HI-CONTRACT and Emmeti seating complete the furnishings.
The restrooms also tell a coherent design story, featuring corrugated sheet metal ceilings and fully mirrored walls, in a play of reflections that amplifies the space.
At the Europa Palace Hotel, wellness becomes tangible
The spa and wellness area unfold in relaxing, sophisticated environments. Classic travertine surfaces by Marazzi guide the eye and provide visual continuity. The pool, flanked by water blades and light plays, is protected by perforated panels that create evocative chiaroscuro effects.
Emotional showers, saunas, and the hammam offer a complete sensory experience, enhanced by Roc lamps by Marset and scenic lighting designed for each space.
Custom design for an authentic welcome
On the upper floors, the rooms showcase a tailor-made design. The oak headboards are enriched with Marazzi’s Lume ceramic inserts, varying in color and placement to make each room unique. Lighting by Flos, Marset, and iGuzzini complements the atmosphere, while the furnishings, all designed by Q-bic, were manufactured by HI-CONTRACT.
The scenic effect culminates in the central staircase, where a “rain” of Noctambule lamps by Flos descends down the void bordered by an iron-effect stoneware parapet.
Aesthetics and innovation: the Eikon Exé series in the furnishing details
The interior design, curated by Studio Q-BIC, interprets bright spaces through the use of natural materials. In this context, Vimar technology defines a perfect balance between aesthetic research, comfort, and functionality. The property chose the Eikon Exé cover plate series in “the Collections” variant. This line represents a synthesis of technological precision and high craftsmanship. Prestigious materials—from stone to metal and glass—enhance each space with a unique personality.
At the Europa Palace Hotel, the Eikon Exé series integrates discreetly thanks to the version with Flat controls. The square, essential shape in a total-look anthracite gray metal blends with the neutral tones of the walls. The devices dialogue with the oak cladding of the headboards and the Mediterranean tones of the furnishings. The exclusive taste of Eikon Exé offers different control styles: traditional, Vintage, Flat, and Tondo (Round). The latter version recently received the prestigious Compasso d’Oro International Award. The controls are also available for KNX and By-me Plus standards for home and building automation, giving the electrical system an unmistakable style.
Smart hospitality: an advanced hotel management system
An advanced KNX hotel management system completes the hotel’s renovation journey. Vimar technology enables smart hospitality while fully respecting the building’s architectural identity. The reception desk manages and monitors every function of the property:
- Fast check-in and check-out
- Room occupancy status detection
- Personalized control of lights and temperature
- Immediate management of technical alarms and emergencies
This intelligent solution simplifies the staff’s workflow and improves the guest experience. Inserting the card into the transponder reader automatically activates the room’s services. The system adjusts the temperature according to preset preferences and signals occupancy to the reception. With this project, the Europa Palace Hotel reclaims its symbolic role in Sanremo. Vimar technology proves to be a key element in connecting interior architecture to the future of hotel design.
A Hotel that tells the Story of Italian Design
Europa Palace Hotel is a project that unites architecture, art, and hospitality. The choice of Italian brands such as Flos, Marazzi, Moroso, Molteni, Davide Groppi, and iGuzzini highlights the intent to build a strong identity, capable of engaging with the history of the location and the needs of the contemporary traveler.
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Sanremo thus rediscovers its icon, caught between pieces of memory and a restyling driven by modernity.
Photos by Diego Laurino
Ph Diego Laurino
