Q&As
10 Questions: Claudio Catani, Brunelleschi Hotel
In our General Manager series, we catch up with heads of hotels for personal stories and insider perspective. This week, we get to know Claudio Catani of Brunelleschi Hotel in Florence, Italy.
During summer and spring our most beautiful is the Pool Suite characterized by a gorgeous terrace equipped with a Jacuzzi tub overlooking the Brunelleschi’s Cupola, Giotto Tower and Palazzo Vecchio. During autumn and winter our best suite is the Pagliazza Tower Suite. On the top of the wonderful Pagliazza Tower, it’s the only suite in the world in a byzantine tower, with views of Giotto’s bell tower, Brunelleschi’s dome and the Ghiberti tower, dated back from the Middle Ages.
Our most historical thing is the Byzantine walls of the Torre della Pagliazza that were built between 541 and 544 A.D.
The Pagliazza Tower Suite is the only suite in the world in a byzantine tower, with views of Giotto’s bell tower, Brunelleschi’s dome and the Ghiberti tower, dated back from the Middle Ages.
The Vodka Martini with Vodka Potocki.
Fettucine Alfredo prepared directly at the table flambé by our maitre Mr. Alessandro Recupero at Osteria della Pagliazza.
I love typical Florentine boutiques where all the artisans create handicraft products that are the results of a long tradition and centuries-old experience.
One of the best activities that you can do in the city center is shopping, given that there are a lot of shops and showrooms with the most important fashion brands. In addition to that, you can visit exclusive museums like Accademia Gallery, Uffizi gallery and Vasari corridor.
Grab a book and a cup of hot chocolate in some little-known cafè in one of the small alleyways of Florence to escape the crowds. Stay up late and visit a secret bakery that they usually start opening around 2 a.m.
I live at the seaside so I like the ocean life. I like jogging, especially at sunrise, and spending time with my family whenever possible.
I stayed at Badrutt’s Palace, the most astonishing example of a luxury hotel in St. Moritz.
My dream is to go to Bora Bora to enjoy that paradise at the Four Seasons!