The first AC Hotel by Marriott opens in Vilnius, Lithuania.
October 7, 2025
The first AC Hotel by Marriott opens in Vilnius, Lithuania.
AC Hotel by Marriott Vilnius opened its doors, marking a significant milestone for both Lithuania’s hospitality scene and Apex Alliance Hotel Management. This is not only the first AC Hotel in our portfolio, but also the first international-brand hotel to open in Vilnius this decade.
Located between Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Baroque Old Town and the city’s modern business district, the hotel offers 271 thoughtfully designed rooms, a 443 m² meeting and events centre, and inviting public spaces filled with works by contemporary Lithuanian artists.
Guests and locals can also discover Saint Jacob’s, a restaurant dedicated to authentic Basque cuisine, led by Chef Luis Lopez Comas, who brings over a decade of Michelin-awarded culinary experience.
“AC Hotel by Marriott Vilnius reflects the brand’s global design while drawing inspiration from its surroundings. The Baroque silhouette of St. Philip and St. Jacob’s Church meets the modern skyline of the Central Business District. The hotel bridges these two worlds, creating a welcoming and memorable experience,” says Augustinas Barauskas, Partner at Apex Alliance Hotel Management.
General Manager Evelina Sukyte points out that the hotel welcomes everyone: “Whether you want to pause for a coffee, meet friends, work, attend public events, or explore new flavours. It’s a lively, inviting place where locals and visitors can discover diverse and authentic experiences.”
Designed by DO ARCHITECTS and Nordinary architects, and developed as part of Lords LB Asset Management’s St. Jacob’s Quarter project, AC Hotel by Marriott Vilnius stands as a modern addition to one of the city’s most historic areas.
“The hotel continues the St. Jacob’s Quarter tradition of openness and diversity. For centuries, this area has brought together different communities, all closely connected to Vilnius. We are delighted that AC Hotel guests will have the chance to experience both the historical and the contemporary spirit of the city — while the area itself once again becomes a vibrant and meaningful part of urban life,” says Anastasija Pociene, Fund Manager at Lords LB Asset Management.
Be amongst the first to visit and stay at AC Hotel by Marriott Vilnius.
Read more: https://www.15min.lt/verslas/naujiena/nt-ir-interjeras/atidarytas-pirmasis-lietuvoje-ac-hotel-by-marriott-viesbutis-971-2538728
September 17, 2025
Indrė Ragelevičienė has been appointed as the new General Manager of Radisson Collection Astorija, Vilnius.
With more than 7 years of experience leading another luxury hotel in Vilnius, Indrė brings invaluable know-how and a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.
“Joining the Radisson Collection Astorija team, I bring long-standing experience, but I also come with a commitment to continue the traditions of this historic hotel and strengthen its identity as a symbol of Vilnius hospitality. I feel truly inspired by the hotel’s history, elegance, and location in the heart of the city. My goal is to lead a team that creates not just a service, but a real feeling — where every guest discovers the spirit of the city, modern comfort, and genuine care,” says Indre Rageleviciene.
This 5 -star landmark hotel, with more than 120 years of history, features 119 rooms and suites, fully renovated conference spaces, the elegant Astorija Brasserie, the new Astorija Aperitivo Bar, and a spa and fitness area. Over its long history, Astorija has welcomed royalty, world leaders, and celebrities — including U.S. President George W. Bush.
Augustinas Barauskas, Partner at Apex Alliance Hotel Management, commented: “Radisson Collection Astorija is a unique hotel in our portfolio thanks to its history, prime location in Vilnius Old Town, and the exceptional hospitality experiences it offers. Indrė’s extensive expertise in the luxury segment is especially important as we continue strengthening the hotel’s positioning and competitiveness in the market.”
The next chapter of Astorija begins now.
August 27, 2025
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tadas Evaltas as the new General Manager of The Marmorosch Bucharest | Autograph Collection. Tadas will officially begin his new role on September 1st.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Tadas has built an impressive career in top-level positions across renowned brands such as Radisson Hotel Group, Kempinski Hotels, and Hilton. His journey includes serving as Front Office Manager, Restaurant & M&E Manager, Rooms Division Manager, and most recently, General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre — the first Hilton brand hotel in Lithuania.
Over the past 6 years at Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre Tadas and his team achieved remarkable results:
✔️ 3 Connie Awards — Hilton’s highest accolade, placing the hotel among the very best in the brand in EMEA
✔️ CEO Light & Warmth Award from Hilton
✔️ Hospitality Hero Award from Hilton
✔️ Hilton’s Brighthearted Award for 3 consecutive quarters
✔️ Consistently leading the market in its segment for Revenue per Available Room (RGI) according to STR
✔️Exceptional guest satisfaction – ranking as the second-best hotel in Lithuania on TripAdvisor
✔️And, most recently, a record-breaking Hilton audit score of 99.13
The Marmorosch — our trophy asset, proudly developed and managed by Apex Alliance — will now be guided by Tadas’ expertise in operational excellence, team empowerment, and his passion for crafting exceptional guest experiences.
💬 “As a leader in the diverse and dynamic hospitality industry, I aspire to craft exceptional guest experiences where the warmth of local hospitality seamlessly blends with the excellence of world-class service — always placing every guest at the centre of our stage.
Together with my empowered team, my mission will be to create moments that touch the heart, ensuring each guest not only remembers how we made them feel, but also becomes an integral part of our ongoing story of genuine and heartfelt hospitality,” says Tadas Evaltas.
August 27, 2025
Mantvydas Indilas has been appointed as the new General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre. Mantvydas will officially begin his new role on September 1st.
With over 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mantvydas began his international career in Cyprus before heading to Dubai and Canada. His journey then brought him back to Lithuania, where he joined the pre-opening team as F&B Manager to launch the first Hilton hotel in Lithuania.
At Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre, Mantvydas has taken on key roles in F&B, operations, and most recently sales — continually expanding his skills and contributing to the hotel’s success.
💬 “My goal is to maintain a place where guests feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. They choose us for our commitment to quality and excellence, while our team’s authentic warmth encourages them to return. I am dedicated to growing this spirit of hospitality every day and fostering a workplace where our team feels valued and empowered,” says Mantvydas Indilas.
Our close collaboration with EIKA Group, the hotel’s owners, has been a cornerstone of Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre’s achievements in recent years. Together, we have strengthened the hotel’s position as a leading destination in Vilnius for both business and leisure guests and helped put Lithuania on the map within the Hilton portfolio worldwide.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Tadas Evaltas for his leadership over the past 6 years. Under his leadership, the hotel earned 3 Connie Awards — Hilton’s highest accolade, placing the hotel among the very best in the brand in EMEA— along with multiple Hilton awards, consistently led the market in RGI, ranked second on TripAdvisor in Lithuania, and achieved a record-breaking audit score of 99.13. Just as importantly, Tadas mentored Mantvydas, preparing him to take on this role and lead with confidence.
July 28, 2025
Park Inn by Radisson Vilnius Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, managed by Apex Alliance Hotel Management, has a new owner.
The investment fund Airport Hotels Fund, managed by 1 Asset Management, has successfully sold UAB Ateities verslo investicijos – the company owning the 120-room hotel located next to Vilnius Airport – to BTL Group, a growing transport group focused on long-term, sustainable investments in strategic locations.
We are proud to continue managing the hotel and ensuring smooth operations, consistent performance, and long-term value for our partners and guests.
“Initially, the property was operated by Radisson Hotel Group, but in 2022 we switched to a franchise model and transferred operations to Apex Alliance Hotel Management. This allowed us to manage daily operations more efficiently, reduce costs, and further improve performance,”
– said Laurynas Antropikas, Partner at 1 Asset Management.
“The trust demonstrated by our partners at 1 Asset Management, along with the business goals they set, served as a strong motivation for us to implement meaningful management changes. The three-way coordination between the owners – 1 Asset Management, the management company – Apex Alliance Hotel Management, and Radisson Hotel Group has proven effective, and we will continue to successfully operate this hotel in the future. We are pleased that the results achieved have created favorable conditions for our partners to successfully complete the sale transaction,”– said Augustinas Barauskas, Partner at Apex Alliance Hotel Management.
We thank 1 Asset Management for their trust and collaboration throughout the years and extend a warm welcome to BTL Group.
July 17, 2025
Last Thursday, Hampton by Hilton Venice Isola Nuova welcomed media and clients for a special evening on board the “Hampton Voyage”.
During the event, CEO Giovanni Valentini and Giorgio Pilone, Business Development Manager for Italy, shared insights into the development and management process, as well as an outlook on what’s next for Apex Alliance in Italy. Sales Manager Cristina Longo shared the hotel’s key distinguishing factors and sustainability initiatives.
After the welcome, guests were invited on a guided tour of the hotel and enjoyed aperitivos on the terrace. The evening wrapped up at the Captain’s Table, where chef Alessandro Cocco introduced signature dishes crafted especially for the occasion.
Bringing media and clients on-site to Hampton by Hilton Venice Isola Nuova marked an important milestone for Apex Alliance as a group. Seeing the property first-hand allowed guests to better understand its concept, design, and the vision that guided its development over the past six years.
Apex Alliance built and now operates this flagship hotel, which represents a significant step in our expansion in the Italian market.
A special thank you to General Manager Terēze Astahova and the entire team for their warm hospitality and organisation of the event.
June 26, 2025
Apex Alliance Hotel Management will be the official operator of the upcoming Hilton Klaipėda Hotel & Thermal SPA in Giruliai, a seaside resort in Lithuania.
This property will mark the 20th hotel in our portfolio, which now spans across 7 countries in Europe.
The hotel will feature 168 guest rooms and will be home to the largest thermal water spa in Northern Europe, offering a wellness experience unlike any other in the Baltic region.
Set to open in late 2028, the project will include a 3,000 m² wellness complex, featuring thalassotherapy and over 1,000 m² of thermal pools, more than half of which will be located outdoors and accessible year-round. The spa will be fed by natural mineral water drawn from over one kilometer below ground, creating a truly unique health and relaxation offering on the Lithuanian coast.
Developed by RELEVEN, the hotel is being built to BREEAM Excellent sustainability standards and will be designed to preserve the natural landscape and integrate harmoniously with the surrounding pine forest. The building will be powered by geothermal energy and its architecture will reflect a holistic respect for the local environment and coastal setting.
As our Business Development Director for Europe, Brigita Aleksandravičiūtė, shared: “This will be the first hotel under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand in our group’s portfolio and the first natural thermal water SPA hotel. It will stand out for its harmony with nature and the coastal landscape, a holistic approach to architecture and interior design, and will offer guests an exceptional relaxation and wellness experience.”
This landmark project reflects our commitment to bringing globally recognised hospitality brands to new and developing destinations. By introducing a high-value wellness tourism offering to Klaipėda, the hotel is set to boost the local economy—creating new jobs, attracting international visitors, and supporting long-term regional growth through sustainable development and year-round tourism.
We look forward to working in collabortion with Hilton, RELEVEN and Arches architects in shaping what promises to be a one-of-a-kind destination in Klaipėda.
June 25, 2025
We are proud to announce the official opening of Nostrum, a new restaurant concept developed and owned by Apex Alliance Hotel Management. The very first Nostrum restaurant welcomed its guests yesterday at Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre, marking an exciting milestone
With the restaurant scene (both in Vilnius and globally) being so dynamic and fast-evolving, we saw an opportunity to create a tailor-made concept — one we could shape entirely to meet the needs and expectations of our guests, while also establishing a strong and distinctive identity.
Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Mediterranean coast, Nostrum celebrates the diversity of flavours, ingredients, and traditions found throughout this vast and vibrant region. It brings together a diverse number of cultures (both ancient and modern) that have long been connected by the Mediterranean Sea.
“This restaurant covers the widest geographical scope of the Mediterranean region in Lithuania. While located inside the hotel, the new restaurant is open to everyone — both city residents and hotel guests,” says Tadas Evaltas, General Manager of Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre.
To bring this vision to life, we partnered with DADADA Studio to design a brand identity deeply rooted in meaning. The name Nostrum was carefully chosen after an extensive creative process. Partly derived from Mare Nostrum — the name the ancient Romans used for the Mediterranean Sea — Nostrum also translates as “ours” in Latin, reflecting a sense of belonging and shared heritage. The visual identity incorporates patterns inspired by traditional Mediterranean tiles, echoing the artisanal motifs and materials that connect the region’s diverse cultures.
From the outset, we aimed to ground the brand in authenticity — both in flavour and design. One of the unique expressions of this vision is a collection of handmade ceramic tiles, created in collaboration with a local artist Emilija Galaburdė, the founder of Molio šukės ceramics studio. These bespoke pieces reflect the artistic heritage of the Mediterranean and enrich the restaurant’s concept with craftsmanship and soul.
“The creation of this new concept reflects our company’s vision of hospitality —we aim to develop original restaurants and bars that provide authentic, flavour-rich experiences and become an integral part of each hotel’s identity.
Nostrum is the eighth brand developed by Apex Alliance Hotel Management. With this strategic step, we bring a philosophy of quality, authentic food to the Lithuanian and other European markets, aligned with the unique character of each destination we operate in,” says Giovanni Valentini, CEO of Apex Alliance Hotel Management.
We invite you to visit Nostrum and be among the first to explore the Mediterranean coast in the very heart of Vilnius: www.nostrumrestaurant.com/
May 28, 2025
Three of our managed hotels — The Marmorosch Bucharest, Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town, and Europa Royale — were featured in an article by Horeca România. The piece highlights the remarkable restoration of these heritage buildings and their transformation into modern hotels, showcasing the value of preserving architectural history while delivering contemporary hospitality experiences.
34 Years After the 1989 Revolution, Bucharest Remains a City of Architectural Contrasts
34 years after the 1989 Revolution, the capital remains a place of architectural contrasts that fascinates the over 2 million tourists who visit Bucharest each year. The city breathes a special air, reminiscent of the grand interwar period, during which it experienced its most significant architectural, cultural, and economic development. On the other hand, the passing years and major events—whether the 1977 earthquake or the brutal intervention of communist authorities—have left a strong mark on the city.
After 1989, many iconic buildings declined dramatically, lost in the tangled threads of restitution claims, bureaucracy, or neglect. This not only fundamentally changed the city’s appearance but also made it vulnerable to a potential strong earthquake. In recent years, thanks to public pressure and funding from the NRRP and the Ministry of Development, things have started to change, and historic buildings have begun to be brought back to life. In the hospitality sector, private investors have played a key role in this process of revitalizing iconic buildings of the Capital.
In Bucharest’s Old Town alone, three buildings classified as historical monuments have been restored, reinforced, and reopened to the public as 4- and 5-star hotels. The Marmorosch Bucharest Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town, and Europa Royale are three storied buildings revived as premium hotels, all managed by Apex Alliance Hotel Management (AAHM), part of the Apex Alliance group. According to Vytautas Drumelis, a partner in the Apex Alliance group, one of the company’s strategic priorities since its inception has been the revitalization of historical buildings—not just in Romania, but in all the countries where the group operates—and transforming them into landmark buildings and city destinations.
“This approach not only supports the local community but fundamentally transforms the face of Bucharest, making it a dynamic, vibrant city and a cultural destination with personality and a story,” explains Drumelis.
The Marmorosch Bank – A Dream Turned Legend
The story of the Marmorosch building at 2 Doamnei Street, at the entrance to Bucharest’s Old Town, began with a dream. Businessman Jacob Marmorosch and banker Mauriciu Blank dreamed of building Romania’s most powerful bank—and they succeeded. Initially founded in 1848 as a banking house, its headquarters was in a small house at the intersection of Băcani and Blănari Streets, in St. George’s Square—then Bucharest’s main commercial hub. Founder Jacob Marmorosch was a businessman and moneylender, initially involved in financial operations and trading colonial goods, paints, and roofing materials.
In 1863, Marmorosch partnered with the then-16-year-old Mauriciu Blank, who had exceptional financial skills and economic foresight far beyond his years. After 11 years, they became partners, and on January 1, 1874, Jacob Marmorosch’s trading and import business became Marmorosch Blank & Co., a bank with collective capital of 172,000 lei—one of the most powerful credit institutions of the time.
Over its 100-year existence, the bank played a decisive role in historical events and in Romania’s economic development. In 1877, it financed the Romanian army during the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. After the war, it funded the construction of the Bucharest–Predeal railway and later the Bucharest–Mărășești line—both early Romanian-engineered and funded projects. The bank also invested in factories like the Letea Paper Factory and the Chitila Sugar Factory. By the end of the 19th century, Marmorosch Blank & Co. was a prestigious institution with prominent figures like Take Protopopescu, I.G. Cantacuzino, and Nicolae G. Filipescu on its board.
A Century of Operation
The bank operated continuously from its founding in 1848 until its dissolution in 1948 under the communist regime. Before the current building at 2 Doamnei Street was constructed between 1915 and 1923, its headquarters had moved several times—from Smârdan Street to Lipscani Street—making the new building its fifth and final location.
With one exception: during World War I, the headquarters temporarily relocated to Iași, along with the Royal Family and National Bank, as Iași became Romania’s wartime capital.
By 1923, Marmorosch Blank & Co. had become the country’s most important bank, with 25 domestic branches and four international ones—in Paris, Istanbul, Vienna, and New York. The newly constructed headquarters on Doamnei Street, reflecting the founders’ vision of power and influence, had become an iconic building in Bucharest. Until the late 1930s, the bank continued to positively influence Romania’s economy, culture, and politics, aiding post-war reconstruction.
The End of a Dream
In 1930, the global economic crisis hit the bank hard, forcing it to declare bankruptcy. The National Bank of Romania intervened, absorbing bad debts and granting preferential loans. The bank was kept alive this way until 1948 when it was nationalized by the newly installed communist regime, marking the end of what had been Romania’s strongest bank of the 20th century.
A Symbolic Building
The Marmorosch Blank Palace was built between 1915 and 1923 by Petre Antonescu, arguably the most prolific architect of the Neo-Romanian style, who also designed Kretzulescu Palace, the Arch of Triumph, the University of Bucharest’s Faculty of Law building, and the Sinaia Casino. While the building’s architecture is predominantly Neo-Romanian, it also features Byzantine, Gothic, and Moldavian influences.
Interior murals were created by Cecilia Cuțescu-Storck, an artist and women’s rights activist, inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. These frescoes, located by the main staircase and depicting industrial and commercial scenes symbolizing hope, compassion, effort, and mystery, can still be admired today.
The architecture includes elements reminiscent of medieval churches, such as incense burner–shaped wall lamps. The building’s interior saw many changes during communism, particularly when it was converted from a private to a state bank. Although many valuable elements—especially furniture—were lost, several original murals and furnishings remain.
In 2004, after the revolution, the building became the headquarters of BRD (Romanian Development Bank), and in 2007, it was sold as a historical monument.
The Story Continues
In 2021, following a €44 million investment by Apex Alliance and four years of renovation, the symbolic building reopened as a 5-star hotel: The Marmorosch Bucharest Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The original vault room was transformed into The Vault bar, retaining its original door and safety boxes. Marble floors, wooden decorations, the stained-glass ceiling, and mosaics were impeccably restored, preserving the Art Deco and Art Nouveau legacy.
The Marmorosch Bucharest Hotel is now a luxurious 5-star property exuding the elegance of the Belle Époque. It features 217 rooms, The Blank restaurant, a bar in the former vault, a spa center, fitness room, and four conference halls.
The restoration posed typical heritage-building challenges, particularly structural integrity and the insertion of concrete layers in elevator and staircase zones. Developers focused on preserving historical elements, enhancing the guest experience through tangible links to the past, offering a sense of prestige and pride.
“From the moment I saw this remarkable building, I knew it had the potential to become a landmark destination. Hidden beneath decades of wear were historic elements—from detailed architecture and ceiling frescoes to original wood floors and marble stairs—that needed meticulous restoration. Our mission was to revive the spirit and elegance of the Belle Époque and offer both locals and tourists a unique destination. After years of hard work and significant investment, Apex Alliance proudly unveiled this new gem in the heart of Bucharest,” said Vytautas Drumelis.
From “Naționala” to Hilton
At 12 Doamnei Street stands another iconic 19th-century Bucharest building, now restored and reopened as the four-star Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town. In 1882, Hungarian-German architect Adolf Lang was commissioned to design the headquarters of the “Naționala” Insurance Society. Initially a one-story building, it was expanded in 1917 with three additional floors and adopted Art Deco features while retaining original staircases and ornaments.
During the interwar boom, the building housed many merchants. According to the 1937 telephone directory, alongside the insurance company were lawyers, brokers, furriers, a cheese shop, a bakery, a curtain store, grain merchants, a nail shop, a drugstore, tailors, and a WARNER BROS First National office.
After WWII and the rise of communism, the building declined. Nationalized in 1947 and severely damaged in the 1977 earthquake, it became the headquarters of Țiriac Bank in 1992. By 2000, it was abandoned due to bureaucratic disputes over restoration. At one point, demolition and reconstruction were considered. Ultimately, it was forgotten and became a blight on Bucharest’s tourist map and a refuge for the homeless.
A Challenging Restoration
In December 2015, when Lithuanian investors took over the building and began consolidation work, the property was in an advanced state of deterioration. The rehabilitation works were complex, particularly because the building is classified as a Class B historic monument. Renovation began in December 2015, in a completely non-functional structure, and was completed on December 22, 2017, coinciding with the hotel’s inauguration. The team of architects preserved the overall image of the original building and restored both interior and exterior architectural elements. The monumental staircase on the ground floor, with its majestic columns, as well as the stained glass windows on the first floor, were refurbished and retain the original beauty from 1886. Also on the ground floor is a space that has now been transformed into a conference room, featuring a glass atrium and original metal ornaments. Today, the building on Doamnei Street no. 12, with its 139-year history, is one of the main attractions of Bucharest’s Old Town. The seven-story building draws attention with architecture that blends elements typical of the late 19th century with modern glass details on the upper floors.
Places That Awaken and Create Memories
It took two years and nearly 32 million euros to bring the building on Doamnei 12 back to life and return it to the people of Bucharest. Today, the building hosts Romania’s first Hilton Garden Inn and the only Hilton-branded hotel in Bucharest. The hotel features 201 rooms, 3 conference halls, a fitness center, its own restaurant – Beef Room, and a 24/7 guest shop. The building on Doamnei Street no. 12 was the first in Romania taken over by Apex Alliance Hotel Management with the goal of transforming it into a hotel. “By restoring symbolic buildings with remarkable historical and architectural value in Bucharest, we wanted not only to preserve the exceptional architectural heritage of the late 19th and early 20th centuries but also to integrate it into the contemporary hospitality landscape,” says Vytautas Drumelis, a partner in the Apex Alliance group.
Guests are particularly drawn to the original architectural elements – whether it’s the spectacular stained glass on the first floor or the foyer restored to its former grandeur. Staying in a heritage building creates a sense of authenticity and connection to the place you wish to explore. According to industry specialists, there is a significant segment of tourists who prefer locations with cultural and historical value – people passionate about history, architecture, tradition, and places that awaken and create memories.
The Jewel on Strada Franceză
Also in the Old Town, on one of the most beautiful and oldest streets – Strada Franceză – we find another historic monument building that has been transformed into a hotel. The property located at 60 Franceză Street, now home to the Europa Royale hotel, has a long and significant history in the context of Bucharest’s development at the end of the 19th century. Historical documents and city plans mention that in the 16th–17th centuries, the area around the Old Court was known as “Ulița Mare” (the Great Street). Then in the 18th century, it was renamed “Podul cel Mare din Curtea Veche” (The Great Bridge of the Old Court), followed in the next century by names like “Podul Curtea Veche” and later “Ulița Curții Vechi.” The portion between Calea Victoriei and Smârdan Street also had several names, such as “Ulița cea Domnească” or “Ulița Ișlicarilor și Boiangiilor.” The current name, “Strada Franceză,” dates back to 1798, when Émile Gaudin, the first French consul in Bucharest, established his residence there.
Construction of the building at no. 60 began in 1888, featuring neoclassical architecture typical of the era. Over time, the property served various functions, reflecting Bucharest’s economic and social transformations. Initially, in 1888, it became the property of Major Gheorghe Lamotescu. That year, Bucharest City Hall granted him a permit to modify the existing house on Carol Street (the name of Franceză Street at the time) and to build a new wing facing Căldărari and Splai streets. According to the permit, the construction was to be made of solid masonry, with a metal roof, covering 1010.73 m², and only one floor. It also included the cession of 148.26 m² of public land for the project.
From Canned Goods Store to Hotel
During the interwar period, the address became known for hosting a famous shop that sold “colonial goods, canned foods, delicacies, renowned foreign wines, champagne, cognacs, rums, and liqueurs.” After the owner’s death, the shop was inherited by his descendants and lasted nearly a century. With the onset of the communist regime and up until the late 1990s, the building fell into significant disrepair. After 2000, with the first signs of revitalization in the Old Town, the restoration of this historical building was also decided. Following an extensive renovation process that respected its original architectural elements, the building was transformed into a 4-star hotel. Thus, in 2012, Hotel Europa Royale was inaugurated, offering 92 rooms, a restaurant, and two conference halls.
Today, Hotel Europa Royale stands as a successful example of integrating historical heritage into modern tourism, preserving the architectural charm of the 19th century while offering contemporary amenities. The building has been listed as a historical monument since 2010, as part of the “Strada Franceză” architectural ensemble. In 2022, AAHM took over the management of Hotel Europa Royale. “In the medium and long term, I believe hotels that tell a story will have a competitive advantage on the hospitality market,” says Vytautas Drumelis. In addition to the three hotels located in heritage buildings in Bucharest, Apex Alliance also manages the legendary Grand Hotel Gardone – one of the most elegant and prestigious destinations on Lake Garda’s Riviera in Italy. Built in 1884, the property features classic style and a rich history, famed for its exceptional architecture, beautifully restored gardens, private shoreline, and the many distinguished guests it has welcomed over time. In the Swiss Alps, AAHM manages the renowned Waldhaus Flims Wellness Resort, a luxury destination built in 1877, known for its luxurious spa treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, and recreational activities.
Over 132 Million Euros in Foreign Investment
Apex Alliance Hotel Management operates six hotels in Bucharest, with a total capacity of 1,106 rooms: Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town, Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Airport, Courtyard Bucharest Floreasca, Moxy Bucharest Old Town, The Marmorosch Bucharest, and Europa Royale. So far, the group has invested over 132 million euros in Romania. In autumn 2025, the Lithuanian developers will open their first hotel in Brașov under the Hilton Garden Inn brand.
Across Europe, Apex Alliance Hotel Management manages 17 hotels in Italy, Switzerland, Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. AAHM holds official franchises representing globally recognized brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson, as well as its own brand, The Marmorosch Bucharest, affiliated with the Marriott Autograph Collection. By the end of 2025, the company aims to expand
May 12, 2025
A proud milestone for both Apex Alliance and HANNER as we officially open the first-ever Hampton by Hilton hotel in Venice, Italy!
The success of this project was made possible by the synergy between our two companies and our highly experienced teams. This was more than an ambitious undertaking—the scale of the project, along with the specific challenges of the Italian market and the regulatory landscape in Venice, demanded focus, expertise, and flexibility.
With the opening of the first Hampton hotel in Italy, we have made a lasting mark on the hospitality map of Venice. The total investment in the hotel amounts to €65 million.
“I want to personally thank Hanner’s Chairman of the Board, Arvydas Avulis, for his trusted partnership and clear-headedness in challenging situations,” says Arūnas Beleška, Senior Partner at Apex Alliance.
This is a landmark addition to Apex Alliance’s growing portfolio, marking our 17th hotel across Europe.
The project holds particular significance for the Apex Alliance group. The hotel development—led by Apex Alliance B.V.—showcases our ability to deliver technically complex projects in demanding environments. Following the construction phase, hotel operations were seamlessly handed over to Apex Alliance Hotel Management, which led the recruitment, pre-opening processes, and strategic commercial planning to ensure a successful market entry.
“By delivering the international Hampton by Hilton project in Venice, we once again demonstrated our expertise in hotel development and our ability to execute even the most ambitious projects. Today, it stands as the most modern hospitality destination in Venice and the wider Veneto region. We are especially proud to see the hotel reach over 70% occupancy from the start of operations,”
— Vytautas Drumelis, Partner at Apex Alliance.
Guests can enjoy 324 rooms, complimentary breakfast, modern meeting facilities, and the brand’s first-ever Hampton pizzeria concept, complete with outdoor dining and event space.
The hotel also champions sustainability, featuring state-of-the-art energy systems that make it the first international hotel in Venice to produce sustainable energy on-site.
We’re thrilled to have Terēze Astahova as General Manager. With her proven expertise from Hampton by Hilton Riga Airport and a passion for excellence, Tereze played a vital role in bringing this hotel to life.
A thank you to: