LUX - April 2017 23 Indulge in an Italian Idyll Founded in 1834, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria was the first modern hotel in the area, offering private bathrooms, electric lighting and a link to the harbour via a funicular railway created in a Roman tunnel. Today, Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is an historic landmark of Italy’s travel and hospitality industry. Comprising three interconnecting buildings - La Vittoria, La Rivale and La Favorita - the establishment stands in an area rich with archaeological remains. Ruins of a villa belonging to the Roman Emperor Augustus are said to lie beneath the property and the remains of a ‘natatio’ or roman swimming pool, discovered next to the hotel’s main pool, can still be seen. The hotel’s perfectly appointed and lavishly furnished 84 rooms are located in the hotel’s three adjoining buildings - La Vittoria, La Favorita and La Rivale. All rooms are en-suite and have satellite television, direct telephone, mini-bar, air conditioning, a safe box, and WiFi. Most rooms have a balcony or terrace with unrivalled views over the Bay of Naples or the hotel’s lush garden. Among the many fascinating finds guests can explore are decorative marble artworks, a lead water pipe, and the ruins of a spa. The remains of a crypt were also discovered. This amazing piece of ancient history leads to the harbour and is still open for visitors to explore. The hotel has been owned and managed by the Fiorentino family since it opened and today is managed by the family’s fifth generation. Lovingly restored and refurbished with the modern comforts today’s guests expect, such as air conditioning and WiFi, it maintains the charm and elegance of the original Victorian style. This harmonious balance between modernity and classical elegance charms national and international travellers, celebrity guests, and businesspeople alike. The hotel has welcomed many renowned and revered celebrities as guests over the years, including an array of royalty such as Otto von Bismarck; Louis II of Bavaria in 1858; the Prince of Wales in 1874 who also returned as King of England in 1910; the Empress Elizabeth (Sissi) of Austria; the Grand Duchess Catherine of Russia; Queen Victoria of Sweden; King Rama VII of Siam (Thailand); and Princess Margaret of England. Actors and actresses who have patronised the hotel include Sophia Loren, Jack Lemmon, Brian De Palma, F. Murray Abraham, and Pierce Brosnan. Musicians such as Richard Strauss, Luciano Pavarotti, Uto Ughi, Andrea Bocelli, Lionel Ritchie, Barbra Streisand, and Michael Bolton have enjoyed the hotel’s renowned hospitality. The famous Italian tenor, Enrico Caruso, spent the last days of his life at this stunning Italian paradise in the spring of 1921. He stayed in Suite 448 - now named after him. The well-known Italian singer- songwriter, Lucio Dalla, composed his famous song, ‘Caruso’ while staying at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. It has been sung by Pavarotti, and Bocelli along with other international stars, highlighting the cultural significance of this beautiful venue. These guests are all treated to the very highest standards of service thanks to the firm’s team of experienced and committed employees. In order to ensure that they always provide the guests with the hospitality they expect, staff are treated as part of the family too, and many have worked for the hotel for generations. This family atmosphere ensures that guests receive the very highest standard of service when they visit the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria. Central to its success is the passion and professionalism that all its employees imbibe into their work every single day. As well as welcoming many famous film stars, the hotel itself has had many starring roles as cinema, TV and fashion crews have chosen it as the perfect setting for their projects. In 1972 Billy Wilder filmed ‘Avanti’ starring Jack Lemmon and Juliet Mills. Sophia Loren and Philippe Noiret filmed ‘Qualcosa di Biondo’ at this glorious location in 1986. Under the stewardship of CEO and President Guido Fiorentino, part of the Fiorentino family, the historic founder and owners of the hotel, this exquisite hotel has continued to flourish over the years. Guido is constantly curious and always seeking new and innovative ways to provide guests with the best possible experience. Therefore, alongside a selection of restaurants with menus designed to tantalise even the most discerning of palettes, the hotel also offers a vast array of amenities, including The Boutique Spa La Serra, a 150sqm oasis of serenity that was created in a converted 19th century greenhouse. Next to the swimming pool, and surrounded by olive and orange trees, it is bathed in natural sunlight for most of the day. The spa was built following the rules of Feng- Shui and takes a holistic approach to wellness. A perfect balance of body and soul is achieved through exclusive and invigorating wellbeing rituals. Guests are looked after by Spa La Serra’s skilled therapists in three separate treatment suites: two single and one double. They are ideal for couples or for mothers and daughters who want to spend some quality time together. Each suite is fully equipped for the ultimate in pampering. Each has a private changing room, Jacuzzi with colour therapy, a rain shower, and a private garden to relax in after treatment. Additional room offers manicure and pedicure and other treatments. La Serra’s luxurious treatments cater for a range of needs, and the spa can also meet specific requests with bespoke treatments. Outside, the hotel’s grounds are the ideal setting for a late night promenade or a more invigorating day of games. The five-acre park is a haven of peace with its hundred-year old trees, flowers, citrus fruit and olive groves and a vegetable garden, which frame the open-air adults’ and children’s swimming pools. Guests can take pleasant walks in the park, jog along the lanes, play five-a-side football on the grass pitch, have a game of basketball on the purpose-built court, or swim in the large heated pool fitted with hydro jets. Catering to the needs of every guest, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria provides children with an array of activities. Children love the playground in the orange grove with its teeter-totter, sand pit, slide and many more amusements. There is a special pool for younger visitors where they can learn to swim in safety, and there are lots of other fun activities for the little ones such as pizza cooking classes and snorkelling with qualified teachers. When they arrive at the hotel, they receive a plush soft toy, pastels and a sketchbook to keep them entertained during the holiday. Last but not least, there are cartoon TV channels and a special children’s menu with all the dishes they love to ensure that both they and their parents have a pleasant and relaxing stay. Building upon this legacy of excellence, moving forward the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria will continue to expand as it seeks to improve the quality of its services in line with the ever evolving expectations of its international clientele. Company: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Contact: Marilara Morvillo Email: mailto :
[email protected] Address: Piazza Tasso 34, Sorrento, 80067, Italy Phone: 0039 081 8777 850