Hospitality runs in Maria Strati’s blood. Raised in a family of hoteliers in Greece and already working at the reception desk by the age of sixteen, her career has unfolded across some of Europe’s most distinguished hotels, from the Cavalieri Hilton in Rome to Athens’ King George Palace and the historic Poseidonion Grand Hotel. With decades of experience in both grand and boutique properties, Maria brings a deeply personal, intuitive approach to luxury hospitality.
Now, as General Manager of the soon-to-open Casa J.K. Place Roma, she returns to a brand long close to her heart, guiding the next evolution of J.K. Place in Rome—one defined by space, residential elegance, and highly personalized service.
A heartfelt thank you to Maria for sharing her journey, vision, and philosophy behind the opening of Casa J.K. Place Roma. Below, you’ll find the full, unedited conversation—part of In Conversation With, a series from Suite Sojourn spotlighting the hoteliers, innovators, and creative minds redefining the future of luxury travel.
Suite Sojourn: Can you share the story of your journey into hospitality—how did you get started and how has your career evolved to bring you to J.K. Place?
Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: My story in hospitality starts from an early age as I grew up in a family of hoteliers in Greece. By the age of 16 I already had my shift at the reception! I studied International Hospitality and Tourism Management in Surrey University in the UK followed by an online masters in Cornell school of hospitality while I was working at the Cavalieri Hilton in Rome 25 years ago, where I stayed for 5 years. King George Palace in Athens was my next stop for another 5 years, at the time the best city hotel in Greece, just after the Olympics. Following a project of development with Small Luxury Hotels, I then took the management of a boutique SLH for 4 years and after that the historical Poseidonion Grand Hotel in Spetses island for another 5 years. The JK brand was always in my heart. I used to visit as a guest since the Roma property opened, a special brand with a genius concept by Ori Kafri who inspired Michele Bonan and his partner to create and expand in the best locations in Europe. A sophisticated and elegant home away from home with a deeply personalized service from people who really care to offer the best in hospitality.
Suite Sojourn: Having successfully led J.K. Place Roma before, what excites you most about the upcoming opening Casa J.K. Place Roma this autumn?
Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: The most exciting thing about Casa JK, is the fact that it is the evolution of JK in every way. Space and services. Located at the Parliament, the 15, 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom spacious suites of this new JK property, is the perfect solution for families and long stays , people that need luxury and space at the same time. A new concept for Rome and the evolution of JK in Rome signed by Michele Bonan always.
Suite Sojourn: How will Casa J.K. Place Roma complement or differ from the original J.K. Place Roma in terms of guest experience, design, and philosophy? In your opinion, who is the ideal guest for each property?
Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: Casa JK will complement JK Roma because of the square meters and space as well as the gym that the guests of JK Roma will have access to. Design , philosophy and guest experience will be shared. The ideal guest is the one that picks the right hotel for his personal needs. For us they are all ideal and the same important. Both properties will share the hospitality mentality and personalized service we stand for and make us special and unique. Casa JK will have some stunning views of the city on the top floors, lots of space, kitchens one can use to cook and butler service on request.
Suite Sojourn: What are the core values you aim to uphold at Casa J.K. Place Roma, and what fresh elements will you introduce to the property?
Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: The amenities at Casa JK will be an updated version of the ones at JK Roma, the gym will be a new added value for the service of both hotels, the butler service will be added. Lets just say that the aim is an enhanced experience of the one we already provide at the JK.
Suite Sojourn: Launching a new luxury hotel in Rome is a big endeavor. What challenges and opportunities have you faced in this process?
Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: Hotels in Rome are opening one after the other the past few years and guests now have so many more options to choose from. The challenge so far more for the owners than myself, has been the delays in the construction but, I suppose this is normal. Making sure everything works properly & finding the right people and training them to the level of the job and hospitality mentality of the company will be mine.
Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: Our architect and interior designer Michele Bonan is famous for creating spaces with an intense sense of local feel through his work. Our Roman home feels like being in Rome and the collection of art pieces of every of his projects reflect the local essence. The guest experience is affected by this essence and adds to how familiar a guest feels in our home.
Suite Sojourn: Sustainability and wellness are becoming more important in luxury travel—how will these priorities be reflected at Casa J.K. Place Roma?Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: Being part of the LHW we do have specific standards and protocols to respect as far as sustainability is concerned. As far as wellness is concerned, we offer for both our properties 2 spacious rooms of a fully equipped gym, access to Pilates and Yoga classes, in room equipment for private classes, a collaboration with Biologique Reserche in Via Frattina for facial treatments, in room treatments by expert therapists and Archeo-running morning experiences when a guest can combine walking or running through special routes created for JK together with a local expert.
Suite Sojourn: As someone deeply familiar with Rome, what local experiences do you recommend guests seek out to enrich their visit?Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: The location of our properties are so central and strategic that our guests can easily access almost all sites of Rome by foot! Our concierge has a great list of experiences we share prior to arrival with our guests so they can choose and book the ones they want with one of our expert partners in Rome. When it comes to dining, shopping, sites, we can provide special access and suggestions to our guests at all times. I highly recommend the subscription to our website for our monthly journal 30 days in Rome where we share upcoming news of the city each month with all our contacts as well as JK Confidential exclusive materials.
Suite Sojourn: Do you have favorite local spots in Rome for coffee or dining that you love to share with guests?Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: Being a very hands-on GM I like to greet and meet every single guest of the hotel every day which means that my favorite spots are directly communicated to the guests upon arrival or during their stay. I like to understand who I have in front of me and their personal preferences before I suggest a specific place. Talking to the guest and understanding their mood and purpose of the visit makes a difference to the personalization of each suggestion.
Suite Sojourn: What do you hope guests will remember most about their stay at Casa J.K. Place Roma once it opens and beyond?Maria Strati, General Manager at Casa J.K. Place Roma: I hope they feel at home like they do in JK Roma. I hope they appreciate the space and evolution of the brand in this new project. I hope they get impressed by the views, the space, the amenities and the new services. I hope it becomes a place they want to stay more, invite their friends and talk about when they go back home. I hope it feels like their home away from home in Rome!
Images © Maria, and Casa J.K. Place Roma
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