The Hotel Hassler, perched above the Spanish Steps in Rome, served as the primary business anchor for Roberto Wirth, a fifth-generation hotelier who transformed his family enterprise into a global benchmark for independent luxury. Born profoundly deaf in 1950, he navigated the complexities of international hospitality to become the sole owner and president of his flagship establishment.
Lineage and Acquisitions
The Wirth family roots in the hospitality sector extended back to the Bucher family in Luzern and the Wirth line in Maulach. His father, Oscar Wirth, managed the Hotel Eden and the Hotel Hassler during the early 20th century. By 1964, the family attained full ownership of the Hassler. Following his mother Carmen's death, Roberto acquired his brother Peter's shares in 2002 to become the sole owner of Hassler Roma S.p.A.
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Wirth pursued extensive education to prepare for his career, attending the Hotel School E. Maggia in Stresa before traveling to the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Cornell University and furthered his studies at Gallaudet University. His professional formative years included work experience in San Francisco and Honolulu, providing him with a global perspective on hotel operations before his eventual return to Rome.
Professional Diversification
Beyond the Hassler, Wirth expanded his portfolio into various luxury properties, including the Borgo Bastia Creti resort in Umbria and the 18th-century residence Parco del Principe in Tuscany. In 2018, he acquired the Hotel Vannucci in Città della Pieve. He also leveraged his expertise as a consultant, advising the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo regarding the Restaurant Cicerone and the Oberoi chain in India for their Italian dining outlets.
Advocacy for the Deaf Community
Wirth utilized his position to support the deaf and deafblind community, founding the Assistance Center for Deaf and Deafblind Children (CABSS) in 2004. This non-profit focused on multisensory early intervention. Additionally, he collaborated with the U.S.-Italy Fulbright Commission to provide scholarships for educators of the deaf to study at Gallaudet University. His autobiography, written with Corrado Ruggeri, channeled proceeds directly into these charitable programs.
Fast facts
- Born: 1950, Rome, Italy
- Died: 2022, Rome, Italy
- Education: Gallaudet University and Cornell University
- Key Property: Hotel Hassler, Rome
- Autobiography: Il silenzio è stato il mio primo compagno di giochi
- Awards: Independent Hotelier of the World 2005
- Children: Robertino and Veruschka
Questions readers ask
What was Roberto Wirth's role at the Hotel Hassler?
He served as the President and Managing Director, becoming the sole owner of Hassler Roma S.p.A. in 2002.
What philanthropic work did he lead?
He founded the non-profit CABSS to assist deaf and deafblind children and established a scholarship for educators through the Fulbright Commission.
Achievements
- Educated at Cornell University and Gallaudet University
