I doubt there are many hoteliers who could say that the hotel they now manage played an integral role in that hotelier's birth! One of these rare hoteliers is Alain Bullo, the capable and respected GM at the Hotel Londra Palace in Venice. This is his story.
Alain's legendary father, Aldo Bullo, began working at the Londra Palace when he was 14. He became the Chef Concierge and held that post for most of his 56 years working at the hotel. When Aldo was 18, a French family who lived in Paris checked into the hotel. With them was their young daughter of 14. It seems it was love at first sight but she was too young. When the hotel closed for the winter as they did in those days, Aldo went to work in Paris. He did this each winter for four years, and when the girl turned 18, he asked for her hand in marriage. They just celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary!
Meanwhile, the Londra Palace was part of Alain's life from a very young age. His father used to bring guests to their home for a meal. But he always told his father he would NEVER work at the Londra Palace. He finished his education and took a position at the Lido working for the Starwood Excelsior. The Londra called him for an interview but he disliked the person who was then the GM so much that he just sent them his CV. Once that GM was gone, the owner persisted in trying to persuade Alain to come to the hotel, finally making him an offer he could not refuse. He began working at the hotel in 2001, and before long, he was made the GM. His dad retired in 2014. And for Alain, the Londra has been part of his life from the very beginning. His advice? "Never say 'never'!"
