A PRETTY LITTLE WELL KEPT SECRET IN FLORENCE....AND THE WOMAN BEHIND ITS SUCCESS
Maria Rita Bellini with Judith Baer and colleague Antonio Pellegrino, Directorre at the Golden Tower Hotel in Florence on the rooftop terrace of Antica Torre..
With possibly the largest rooftop terrace in Florence, Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1 not only has the view, and 24 unique rooms, there is also the attentive staff and the woman who motivates them. If you are looking for the lobby of the Four Seasons, this is definitely NOT the place for you! There is no real lobby in the hotel which occupies the top two floors of an ancient tower, a stone's throw from the Ponte Vecchio.
Maria Rita Bellini, Direttore extraordinaire at Antica Torre di Via Tornabuoni 1
Maria Rita Bellini, who has managed the hotel since 2009, has watched it grow from 19 – 24 beautifully (but not suffocatingly!) furnished, some of which overlook the River Arno. The décor is fresh and light and every detail is in place. This hotel is a true passion for Maria Rita and her team. She introduced a bountiful breakfast buffet where all items are baked/cooked at the hotel. She enclosed part of the rooftop terrace so that it could be used in inclement weather. Then she added a light menu as guests said they did not want to leave that breathtaking terrace after a day of sightseeing to find something to eat. She is definitely the power behind the throne!
She is also a powerhouse (together with her staff) when it comes to recommendations as to where to eat, which museums have special exhibitions, places to shop, whatever information the guests need, if she does not have the answer, she will find one and quickly,
So the next time you are looking for a great hotel for a family, friends, or someone traveling alone, this little gem has it all.