1001 Nights can pack up, because this story is practically on our doorstep. The Palazzo Vilòn is located where historians are ecstatic at every turn, where power was once concentrated in Europe and kings and emperors vied for their positions, and its interior and architecture transport us right into the heart of Italian history.
FACES: How did you get into the hotel industry?
Martina Avitabile: I studied tourism and economics. After completing my Master’s degree in Tourism Marketing and Hospitality at Bournemouth University in England, I decided to return to Italy. There I immediately found a job in a 5-star hotel in Rome – from that moment on, I was hooked, and I never left the hotel industry again. It is my greatest passion.
F: How would you describe Palazzo Vilòn in Rome in one sentence?
MA: Palazzo Vilòn is the enchanting refuge of aristocratic friends in the heart of Rome.
F: Take us through the steps of your resort from idea to finished hotel!
MA: The idea was to expand the offer of the Hotel Vilòn and transform the noble wing of the Palazzo Borghese into the Palazzo Vilòn. We wanted to give our guests the opportunity to enjoy Rome in a completely different light and from a new perspective. People should be given the unique opportunity to experience the Eternal City as the princesses and princes of the Borghese family did in the 16th century. Century did. Throughout your stay, you will breathe in the history and beauty of Palazzo Vilòn.
F: Why should we definitely stay at Palazzo Vilòn?
MA : The location of the Palazzo is ideal and simply perfect for discovering the real Rome. It also offers a unique view of the secret gardens of Palazzo Borghese, and what our talented chef Gabriele Muro and his brigade conjure up on the table is always worth a visit.
Working as a hotelier
F: What aspects of your job as a hotelier do you find particularly exciting and which are rather boring?
MA: To be a good hotelier, you have to have the right sense of hospitality and focus entirely on the comfort and satisfaction of your guests. In my opinion, this is the most exciting part of my job, helping to make each guest’s stay as unique and memorable as possible and turning it into a memory that the guest will cherish forever. I love my job, it’s just the part that has to do with numbers that I don’t like so much. (laughs)
F: What do hoteliers need to think about that others don’t?
MA: A good hotelier has to think about every little detail, nothing should be left to chance.
F: What are you worrying too much about?
MA: The well-being and happiness of our guests are my main concerns, as are the satisfaction, motivation and commitment of my team. It is extremely important to me to always offer the best service and to create an environment in which everyone feels comfortable – guests and employees alike.
F: What are you like as a boss?
MA: I would describe myself more as a leader than a boss. The support of my entire team is crucial in order to be successful. That’s why I do my best to give my employees the feeling that they are seen and understood as individuals and that their work is valued. This is how I manage to motivate them anew every day so that we as a team can always perform well and keep improving.
F: What makes a good host?
MA: The ability to give guests the feeling that they feel just as comfortable with us as they do at home – only better.
The dear guests
F: Which guests do you like best?
MA: The guests I like most are wedding couples who choose our hotel as the starting point for their exciting journey together.
F: What annoys you about guests?
MA: I appreciate all our guests, without distinction. Of course, some of them may be more difficult to handle, but that’s part of the job.
F: What expectations do you have of your hotel?
MA: This extraordinarily beautiful Roman residence is set to become one of the most important properties in the Capitoline hotel industry, offering an unprecedented experience associated with beauty, art and history.
F: How have your guests’ expectations changed over the years?
MA: Guests’ expectations are rising from year to year, and customers are becoming more demanding by the day. The travel industry has changed considerably in the past year, with a clear shift towards last-minute trips. The real challenge today is to keep pace with the requests that arrive, even at short notice.
F: What do you look out for when you are a guest yourself?
MA: Cleanliness and the location of the accommodation are decisive factors for me when choosing a hotel.
Life writes the best stories
F: What story do you have to tell us?
MA: Every guest has their own story, and it’s exciting to be a part of it. I was particularly touched by this birthday surprise for a lady who, thanks to our help and that of her husband, was able to embrace her daughter in Rome again after five years.
F: What distinguishes a good hotel from a great hotel?
MA: The attention to detail and impeccable service.
F: Where is your own bed today?
MA: My own bed is in Rome – I’ve lived here since I was a teenager. Nevertheless, I was born in Sicily and that’s where my heart lies.
Palazzo Vilòn
They are beautiful, these hotels, but a tourist attraction? At Palazzo Vilòn in Rome, the answer is obvious, as the extension to the Hotel Vilòn is located in the historic Palazzo Borghese building, which was once home to the papal family. In fact, the Borghese heir Scipione still resides on the floors directly above Palazzo Vilòn – it doesn’t get more authentic than this. If you try to close your eyes in these rooms, you will fail miserably, as your eyelids keep popping open to make sure you don’t miss any of the details, no fresco, no bust, no painting and no part of the history that squeezes through every crack. The original walls were restored with great care in order to preserve the 17th century murals. It is just as important to preserve the 18th century architecture and the marble mosaic on the floor as it is to preserve the charm of this majestic property.
Martina Avitabile from…
Cruise ships:
not exactly my favorite way to go on vacation.
Buffet food:
old-fashioned.
All-inclusive:
fits and works in large resorts.
Tipping:
is a nice gesture if you were satisfied with the service.
Dogs in restaurants and hotels:
In principle, yes, although it depends on the property.
Children in the restaurant and hotel:
of course, always.
Dress codes:
are needed in certain situations.
TripAdvisor:
is a useful tool for vacationers, although the credibility of the information provided there gives me pause for thought.
OTAs:
are changing the hotel industry and making vacationers more dependent when planning a trip.
Sustainability:
is an absolute must in order to protect our resources for future generations.
All information about Palazzo Vilòn can be found at hotelvilon.com.
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Teaser photo & photos: © Palazzo Vilòn
