Minor Hotels Accelerates Luxury Tourism Growth In Italy With Colbert Collection’s Second Property In San Gimignano

Minor Hotels, the international hotel owner and operator, has announced the signing of ExCelle Hotel San Gimignano, Colbert Collection, marking the brand’s second property in Italy and an important milestone in the continued expansion of its premium soft brand. Set to welcome guests in 2027, the new hotel will be located in the historic town of San Gimignano in Tuscany and will showcase Colbert Collection’s focus on authentic destinations, local culture, exceptional cuisine and meaningful guest experiences.

The upcoming ExCelle Hotel San Gimignano, Colbert Collection will be developed inside the historic San Domenico Complex, situated within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of San Gimignano. The property is part of a major restoration and regeneration initiative that will transform the former convent and prison site into a vibrant cultural and hospitality destination.

The hotel will feature 33 guestrooms, each designed within the original convent cells, preserving the unique character and heritage of the historic structure. Alongside accommodation, the property will include a restaurant and bar, offering guests a contemporary hospitality experience while maintaining a strong connection with the building’s centuries-old identity. The design approach will blend historical architecture with modern comfort, creating a stay inspired by the traditions and atmosphere of Tuscany.

The wider redevelopment of the San Domenico Complex will extend beyond the hotel and create a multi-purpose destination combining culture, entertainment, dining and leisure. The project will introduce a theatre and opera arena capable of hosting more than 1,000 visitors, along with restaurants, boutique retail spaces, meeting facilities, event venues and a museum. The transformation aims to provide travellers with a deeper connection to San Gimignano’s heritage through an integrated cultural and lifestyle experience.

For Minor Hotels, the new property represents a significant step in strengthening Colbert Collection’s international presence. The brand is built around three core concepts: the art of place, the art of gathering and the art of taste. ExCelle Hotel San Gimignano will reflect these principles by offering guests more than a traditional hotel stay, combining accommodation, gastronomy and cultural discovery within one of Tuscany’s most celebrated historic locations.

Guests staying at the property will be able to experience a curated programme of artistic and cultural activities connected to the wider San Domenico Complex. Through these experiences, the hotel aims to become a gateway for travellers seeking authentic encounters with local history, creativity and community.

The regeneration of the San Domenico Complex is being managed by Opera Laboratori, an Italian company specialising in cultural heritage development and destination management. With more than 30 years of experience, the organisation has supported the preservation, enhancement and promotion of important museums, historic landmarks and cultural institutions across Italy.

The arrival of ExCelle Hotel San Gimignano, Colbert Collection is expected to further enhance Tuscany’s luxury tourism offering by combining heritage conservation with modern hospitality. The project highlights the growing demand for travel experiences that connect visitors with local culture, historic environments and unique destinations.

Colbert Collection plays an important role in our strategy to grow with distinctive, character-led hotels in culturally relevant destinations. ExCelle Hotel San Gimignano, Colbert Collection is an exceptional project that brings together heritage, culture, gastronomy and hospitality within one of Italy’s most iconic towns. We are proud to partner with Opera Laboratori on a development that will preserve an important historic landmark while reimagining it as a vibrant destination for future generations.Gonzalo Aguilar, CEO of Minor Hotels Europe & Americas

The transformation of the San Domenico Complex represents a significant cultural regeneration project for San Gimignano and the wider region. Our vision has been to create an open and dynamic destination where culture, creativity and hospitality come together in dialogue with the site’s extraordinary history. We are pleased to partner with Minor Hotels to bring this vision to life and to create a destination that will contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the city.Beppe Costa, CEO of Opera Laboratori

Minor Hotels’ latest announcement comes after the successful debut of Porta Rossa Hotel Firenze in May 2026, which marked the first opening under the Colbert Collection brand. The expansion will continue with the anticipated launch of The WestDill Mayfair Hotel London in the first quarter of 2027. The upcoming ExCelle Hotel San Gimignano will represent another significant step in strengthening the global growth of Colbert Collection, a brand created to showcase distinctive independent hotels while bringing them into Minor Hotels’ international portfolio.

Drawing inspiration from the charm and social atmosphere of Parisian boulevard cafés, Colbert Collection focuses on hotels that celebrate local identity, authentic gastronomy, cultural heritage and community connections. Each property is designed to offer guests a unique experience shaped by its destination, highlighting local stories, traditions and personalities through carefully designed stays and immersive experiences.

The addition of ExCelle Hotel San Gimignano will further strengthen Minor Hotels’ footprint in Italy, a key market where the group currently operates 60 hotels across seven brands. Its Italian portfolio includes Anantara, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, NH Collection, nhow Hotels, Avani Hotels & Resorts, Colbert Collection and NH Hotels, reflecting the company’s continued investment in diverse hospitality experiences across the country.