At the Monte Carlo Summit, a Celebration of Resilience Featuring Chris Gardner (the Inspiration Behind the Film *The Pursuit of Happyness* Starring Will Smith) Sets the Stage for the Neapolitan Hotel’s Entry into the Global Luxury Elite
NAPLES / MONTE CARLO – Grand Hotel Parker’s in Naples has officially joined the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide, the world’s most authoritative independent rating system for luxury hospitality. The announcement was made during the recent Monte Carlo Summit, confirming the historic hotel on Corso Vittorio Emanuele as the only property in the city of Naples to be featured in this international selection.
The “Recommended” recognition from Forbes is not merely an accolade, but the result of rigorous, anonymous inspections based on over 900 quality standards. In an edition featuring the participation of Chris Gardner—the entrepreneur whose life inspired the cult film *The Pursuit of Happyness* starring Will Smith—the themes of leadership and authentic connection with the guest took center stage. Celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary, Gardner emphasized that resilience and vision are the pillars of excellence—values that Grand Hotel Parker’s has embodied since 1870.
Commenting on this prestigious entry is Giovanni Torre Avallone, Ambassador for the Avallone Family and Grand Hotel Parker’s: “Being the only establishment in Naples within this elite circuit is an honor we share with the city itself. At a Summit marked by the charisma of Chris Gardner, we received confirmation that excellence is not a destination, but a daily exercise in vision and consistency.” “For our family, hospitality is an ancient art that today speaks a global language; this recognition certifies our commitment to blending Neapolitan culture with the highest international standards, offering an experience capable of leaving a lasting impression on our guests.”
With its inclusion in the 2026 guide, Grand Hotel Parker’s joins an exclusive club of approximately 100 Italian paragons of excellence (including fellow regional establishments such as Il San Pietro di Positano, Casa Angelina, and Il Mediterraneo in Sorrento). For Parker’s—a symbol of timeless elegance—this milestone represents the validation of a clear strategic path: to establish Naples as an indispensable destination for global luxury tourism through bespoke service and an unmistakable identity.
