Contact a luxury hotel specialist at 1 877 999 0680, chat below or email us
Call 1 877 999 0680 or email us

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.

Q Best hotel room at the property:
A

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.
Q The hotel’s most interesting detail, service or historical tidbit:
A

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.
”
Q Favorite drink at the nearest bar:
A

The Vodka Martini with Vodka Potocki.
Q Favorite dish at the nearest restaurant:
A

Fettucine Alfredo prepared directly at the table flambé by our maitre Mr. Alessandro Recupero at Osteria della Pagliazza.
Q The neighborhood shop or boutique you love:
A

I love typical Florentine boutiques where all the artisans create handicraft products that are the results of a long tradition and centuries-old experience.
Q Best touristy activity or outing to do in your city:
A

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.
Q Best non-touristy activity or outing to do in your city:
A

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.
Q Outside the hotel lobby, what’s your hobby?
A

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.
Q Your last holiday destination:
A

I stayed at Badrutt’s Palace, the most astonishing example of a luxury hotel in St. Moritz.
Q Your next holiday destination, planned or wished:
A

My dream is to go to Bora Bora to enjoy that paradise at the Four Seasons!