When I heard that Verdi would now be managing Vivaldi, my first reaction was to smile. These are two icons who have left an indelible mark in the history of music. However, the news had a different dimension. Verdi Hotels had indeed taken over the management of the Hotel Vivaldi in Saint Julian’s.
I immediately contacted Paul Pisani, President of Verdi Hotels, who, in his usual welcoming tone, arranged for a chat in spite of his hectic commitments.
Paul explained that while the Vivaldi Hotel will retain its name, logo and individual identity, it will benefit from CHL’s management infrastructure and focused support from the Verdi brand in the form of operational oversight, marketing and sales, distribution, training etc. Such increasingly common white-label arrangements enable independent hotels to access, in a cost effective manner, systems and structures that would be too costly to develop independently, thereby opening new channels, guest segments and revenue streams which otherwise would be out of reach.
Paul elaborated further: “With Vivaldi, we see a truly Win-Win opportunity – on one side, it’s an exceptional addition to the Verdi portfolio, rich with potential. On the other, it’s a chance for Vivaldi to achieve a significant leap in financial performance, guest satisfaction, and overall quality.”
Only 8 months since going live in June 2024, Verdi Hotels are already operating five hotels and is in the process of welcoming new members. It’s definitely an exciting time for Paul and his team, who are more than determined to make this a success story.
What motivated Vivaldi’s decision to grant the management of the hotel to Verdi Hotels ?
Paul noted, “It was a natural progression, building on the strong relationship we’ve cultivated with LAHMCO, the owners of both our first Verdi hotel in Gzira and the Vivaldi. Having just completed significant renovations, LAHMCO was re-evaluating the hotel’s strategic direction, making the timing ideal for this transition.”
Naturally, there will be operational changes that guests can expect following this management transition. What are the key changes?
Paul explained, “Vivaldi has performed well in recent years, much like many hotels in Malta. However, post-renovation, LAHMCO is determined to elevate both the quality and profitability of the property. We’ve appointed Fabian Zammit as the new General Manager at Vivaldi. Having successfully led the rebranding of Verdi St George’s Bay, Fabian’s experience will ensure a seamless transition and continuity in operational excellence.”
Training and development opportunities will naturally follow for the current employees as part of the new management.
Paul highlighted, “We are committed to instilling Verdi Hotels’ core values, emphasizing exceptional service, authentic local hospitality, and meaningful community engagement. Our goal is to create memorable, locally inspired experiences for our guests. The transition will be seamless, with minimal impact on daily operations, thanks to a meticulously planned and structured approach. Regular team meetings are in place to ensure continuity, while the Verdi central team provides active, hands-on oversight to drive efficiency and revenue growth.”
Will there be new services or amenities to enhance guest experiences at Vivaldi?
New services and amenities will enhance guest experiences and IT systems are being upgraded to ensure a seamless booking journey. Also a new website has been created and Paul explained that more is to come. “We’re excited to introduce ‘The Hub,’ a concept already successfully launched at Verdi St. George’s, offering convenient self-service access to drinks, snacks, holiday essentials, and authentic Maltese products. Additionally, we’ve partnered with Corinthia Caterers, who will expertly manage the day-to-day Food and Beverage services within the hotel.
Vivaldi, once a standalone hotel, is now part of a community with a rich history and we look forward to making this hotel the success it truly deserves to be.”
I wondered whether there would be changes to the hotel’s marketing strategy.
Paul looked very enthusiastic about this issue and assured me that Verdi will place strong emphasis on sales, marketing and distribution. He explained that this is where many of the opportunities for the Vivaldi’s immediate future lie. “We are confident that Verdi can create an immediate impact and secure quick wins. My team is fully committed to making this vision a reality.”
What was Paul’s vision for Vivaldi over the next five years?
“The hotel’s prime location is highly desirable across various age groups and market segments, complemented by an outstanding product offering. Our teams at Verdi brand central, the peninsula cluster, and within the hotel are fully aligned, sharing a unified vision and strategic objectives. With all the foundational elements firmly in place, my team and I are confident that this renewed focus will quickly reposition Vivaldi as a leading upscale hotel on the island.”
Paul Pisani, with his gentle demeanor and iron will, has a clear vision for the Vivaldi hotel centred around increasing revenue, enhancing efficiencies and productivity to result in improved hotel profitability. “We will prioritize quality ratings and guest feedback, ensuring we adapt to our guests’ evolving needs and expectations. I am certain that within the next five years, Vivaldi will not only succeed but thrive as a remarkable success story- an inspiring transformation benefiting both Vivaldi and Verdi Hotels.”
