Dorchester Collection, a luxury hotel group controlled by the sultan of Brunei, said Wednesday it has bought the landmark Hotel Eden in Rome from Britain-based Starman Hotels.
Dorchester said it planned to renovate the 121-room hotel in central Rome following the deal, which press reports estimated was worth US$140 million.
Built in 1834 and converted to a hotel in 1889, the Eden regularly hosts heads of state, royalty and celebrities, and is known for the spectacular view from its sixth-floor terrace.
The Dorchester Collection is owned by the Brunei Investment agency, the sovereign wealth fund of Brunei, and is registered in Britain. It now owns 10 luxury hotels in Europe and the United States, and has said it is looking to expand into Asia and the Middle East.
