THE BAR AT HOTEL NOLINSKI- VENICE

 One of the tasks we have to perform as  a tour operator,  is to conduct hotel site visits.  Throughout each year we keep a list of properties we  have  read about or have been introduced to, and  schedule an  in person visit.  We want to keep abreast of what is new, renovated, lost pizzazz,  or which hotels  have closed. It is interesting to see the changes in interiors, colors, fabrics, and furniture periods.   An obvious trend  today in hotel decor is utilizing  mid century modern /futuristic  furniture  with strong  accent colors.  

In general In Italian homes  floor was tile, stone or ceramic,  wall to wall carpeting was never used.   Hotels picked up the 50's trend for carpeting in the 70's as it was more exonomical than a stone or terazzo floor. For the last decade we have seen hotel renovations installing  hard wood, which was  atypical for Italian interiors , where tile - stone , ceramic were always used in the past.

When doing hotel site visits we try to conduct  five or six stops a day.  During these stops we visit with old friends in management,   and  meet  with the young staff, who are  eager to make their future careers  in hospitality .  Our objective is to source the  best hotels  we can find for all of you, to bring to you  best of class in four and five start properties all over Italy, and now in Provence and Cote d azur and Paris France too. 

There is not one size for everyone when selecting hotels.  The star rating in Italy does not consider decor or  location.    Property amenities are taken into account such as a five star must have  24 hour front desk service, a restaurant on site, specific  room sizes , a gym.     Many properties  these days have also added a spa.  There are other property tags to be aware of when looking for an accommodation in Italy  and many of them  are unfamiliar to travelers and are not " starred" :  Agriturismo, ( a farm property) Dimora Storica ( Historic property) , Locanda ( a small inn), Masseria (  a fortified farm - used in southern italy ) , Baglio -( also a fortified farm so called in Sicily). No star Does not mean these are not valid properties  , they just need to be vetted just like all the rest and you may find  a uniquely personalized and memorable  experience in any of them. 

Regardless of your choice, it is best to have the property vetted.  

That is what we at   JF  The Italian Concierge  do for you and have been doing for over two decades, site visits, so we can offer you the best vacation we can.