Oetker Collection readies to relaunch a Capri icon

Oetker Collection has said it will be ready to open its latest addition, Hotel La Palma, on 1 July in Capri, following a complete overhaul of the property by interior designer Francis Sultana.

Hotel La Palma was the famous island’s first-ever hotel, and its recreation is also the designer’s first hotel project. The hotel is said to be "the design visionary’s love letter to Capri" and set to evoke the heyday of 1950s La Dolce Vita.

The 50-key hotel in Capri Village will be the 11th hotel to join the group following the transformation of what was formerly known as Locanda Pagano, a hotel that dates back to 1822. It was purchased by Reuben Brothers with management by Oetker Collection announced last February.  

Hotel La Palma also marks Oetker Collection’s debut in Italy, and will join the brand’s other European hotels, including Le Bristol Paris; Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden; Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes; The Lanesborough in London; and L’Apogee Courchevel.

Hotel La Palma’s original owner, notary Giuseppe Pagano, hosted many artists, poets, writers, architects, painters and musicians, who often expressed their gratitude by painting the walls, writing poems, singing, and playing in what was dubbed the ‘Artists’ Hotel.’  

Sultana has commissioned Italian artist Roberto Ruspoli to create a series of ceiling frescos in the lobby that honour Italy’s classical past, while the lounge bar will include large wall-hung tapestries of Capri commissioned from Allegra Hicks. Another Italian artist, Luisa Lambri has been commissioned to create artworks for all the guestrooms and suites.