Many of Rome's top five-star hotels remain closed despite easing of COVID-19 restrictions
Five-star Grand Hotel Plaza remains closed due to a lack of tourists visiting Rome since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Rome, Italy, July 7, 2020. Rome's top five-star hotels would usually be fully booked, especially during the busiest summer season. But despite European countries reopening their borders and lockdowns easing, there are still very few people visiting the ancient city, and many of the luxury hotels have not yet reopened their doors. Tourism accounts for about an eighth of GDP in Italy, the world's fifth most visited country, and the industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Grand Hotel Plaza is right in the centre of Rome on popular shopping street Via del Corso, and offers stunning views of the Spanish Steps and St. Peter's Basilica. Price of rooms normally starts at 290 euros, while a night in its most luxury presidential suite would cost around 1000 euros. Picture taken July 7, 2020. REUTERS/Remo Casilli