< ITALY | GENOA: Hotel Bristol Palace

Slideshow Maker

Located on one of the most prestigious streets of Genoa - Via XX Settembre, Hotel Bristol Palace opened its doors in 1905. During the Belle Epoque the high society of Genoa chose it as the setting for sophisticated and legendary parties and an exclusive restaurant. Today this elegant Art Nouveau palace has been considered one of the most prestigious hotels in the city.

During the Second World War, the Germans occupied it as their headquarters and built a secret tunnel to the port of Genoa. After the war, the Italian Committee for the Liberation of Northern Italy made it their headquarters.

In March 2014, with the efforts of Duetorrihotels Group, extensive renovations gave it back the former Art Nouveau and Art Deco glory. Beautifully restored, Bristol today retains its original structures and furnishings. Precious objects and furniture of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century came back to life.

Today, one can admire the sumptuous lounges Napoleon III, marble floors and walls in the banqueting and conference hall, the original ancient floors in the conference rooms and Giotto's Restaurant. Sala Michelangelo, an old reading room of the hotel, preserved the large mirror, sconces on the walls and the central chandelier, a testimony to luxury that surrounded the important guests of the Hotel.

Over the years, many celebrities of culture, art and entertainment were hosted here: Gabriele D'Annunzio and Luigi Pirandello, Vittorio de Sica and Alberto Sordi. Royalty members and heads of State - Emperor Hirohito, the Princess of Spain and Carlo Azeglio Ciampi; politicians, like a Nobel Laureate Yitzhak Rabin and Simon Peres; personas of culture, like a Nobel Laureate Rita Levi Montalcini, Rudolf Nureyev and Carla Fracci. The hotel is also linked to the name of Alfred Hitchcock, who was a frequent guest. According to a legend, the impressive elliptical staircase inspired his "Vertigo".

Additional literature: n/a