Many of Rome's top five-star hotels remain closed despite easing of COVID-19 restrictions
Five-star Westin Excelsior hotel 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. The Westin Excelsior opened in 1906 on Via Veneto, the street made famous by Federico Fellini's classic film "La Dolce Vita" in 1960. It has been visited by Hollywood royalty including Elizabeth Taylor and music legends like Frank Sinatra. A double room would normally cost around 600 euro during high season. Picture taken July 7, 2020. REUTERS/Remo Casilli