A Conversation with Palazzo Parigi's Ardita Guri
One of the finest luxury hotels in Italy and a temple of elegance, style, refinement and sophistication, PALAZZO PARIGI HOTEL AND SPA in Milan should be on everyone's radar. It's the genuine family hospitality that sets this hotel apart, paired with the highest standards of luxury. When in Florence this past March for DUCO, I was thrilled to find a few minutes to sit down with Palazzo Parigi's Director of Sales, Ardita Guri, to ask her a few questions that I thought might be of interest to our travel advisor audience. I present to you our conversation below.
— Marcelo Vazquez / President & CEO, Waterstone
Ardita Guri
Marcelo Vazquez
MV: WHAT SETS PALAZZO PARIGI APART FROM MILAN'S OTHER LUXURY PROPERTIES?
AG: I think there are 5 main elements that make Palazzo Parigi a stand-out option in this luxurious and fashion-filled city:
1. Decidedly Unique — Palazzo Parigi represents the passion project of our owner, architect and managing director, Paola Giambelli, to create the most beautiful hotel in Milan. The abundance of space, the large windows, the rooms magnificently flooded with natural light, the secluded garden, the rich collection of art pieces: these are the characteristics that make Palazzo Parigi a unique hotel and an expression of authentic, refined Italian hospitality. At Palazzo Parigi, there is nothing that our guests are missing and there is nothing we cannot do for them.
2. Our Location — Palazzo Parigi sits in the upscale Brera district, also known as the ‘artistic heart’ of Milano. This is a residential part of the city, so guests can enjoy peace and quiet while still being just a short walk from the main attractions such as the Duomo of Milano, La Galleria and Castello Sforzesco. With its chic yet relaxed atmosphere, Brera is especially popular among the affluent and glamorous Milanese, who enjoy its trendy boutiques, cozy sidewalk cafes and stylish outdoor restaurants. The famous upscale shopping street Via Montenapoleone is also just a 10 minute walk from Palazzo Parigi's doorstep. I may be biased, but even when I am not working Brera is my favorite part of the city.
3. Our Grand Spa — Taking up the entirety of the third floor, our Grand Spa is the largest and loveliest in Milano. The perfect place to take a break from the fast pace of the city, our spa offers the finest facilities including a pool that allows you to swim against the current, a gorgeous private hammam privè, 6 themed treatment rooms and the Oasis health bar.
4. Our Private Garden — Greenery is hard to come by among city streets, but not at Palazzo Parigi. Our private garden is a secluded and peaceful slice of heaven surrounded by vibrant trees, colorful flowers and elegant statues. In the warmer months, it is truly the best place in town to relax under the sun with a cold cocktail in hand.
5. Our Views — ALL of our 95 rooms and suites have a balcony or terrace with unmissable city views of the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco or the Porta Nuova skyline.
MV: HOW HAVE YOU FOUND SUCCESS IN THE NORTH AMERICAN MARKET?
AG: Many people are immediately attracted to Palazzo Parigi’s aesthetic and gorgeous visuals, brought to life by Paola Giambelli in collaboration with the internationally renowned interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. North Americans in particular also seem drawn to independent hotels, especially ones where the owner is present and involved, like at Palazzo Parigi. Ms. Giambelli is on property with us every day, welcoming guests and running the hotel, and it truly makes a difference that guests can feel.
MV: AS WE COME OUT OF THE PANDEMIC, HOW DO YOU FEEL THE HOTEL IS PERFORMING?
AG: I honestly feel that we are performing at our highest level. We are very busy, but because we are fully staffed and because we took the time during the pandemic to reinforce our core values and reassess our standards, I feel that we are at our best ever.
MV: I KNOW YOU LOVE TRAVELING TO MEET WITH ADVISORS. WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
AG: I am most excited to be visiting with advisors in person again. I just returned from New York and Chicago (two of my favorite cities) and I am hoping to be in Los Angeles and Texas as soon as possible. I’ve found that with the North American market it is especially important to be present and visible, which is great for me because I love traveling to see all of my advisor friends. It's great to finally be hitting the road again!
MV: WHAT COMMENT DO YOU HEAR MOST OFTEN FROM GUESTS ABOUT PALAZZO PARIGI?
AG: That our service is the best they’ve ever experienced. Every member of our staff is trained to provide individualized and genuine hospitality to every person they come in contact with, so it’s always great to hear feedback from our guests that shows we are succeeding.
MV: THANK YOU, ARDITA, FOR THIS QUICK CHAT. IT'S ALWAYS A PLEASURE. ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SAY TO OUR TRAVEL ADVISOR PARTNERS BEFORE SIGNING OFF?
AG: Thank you, Marcelo. I just want the advisors to know that they can contact me at any time at ardita.guri@palazzoparigi.com. I look forward to meeting everyone soon to spread the magic of Palazzo Parigi.
WHAT CLIENTS OF TRAVEL ADVISORS ARE SAYING?
"Wow!! I have been to Milan before and this is the best hotel I have stayed in there. From the moment that you walk in, the place is astonishing. The foyer is gorgeous. I took pictures of it to send home, which I never do. The service is friendly and top notch and the breakfast buffet is relatively unbelievable in its scope and quality. I also really enjoyed the pool and gym. The pool area is really beautiful with marble and arches. I go to Milan relatively frequently, and this will be where I stay from now on." — Clients of SmartFlyer
"The room, service and food were all excellent. The location was perfect, just a short walk to the fashion district. Highly recommend!" — Clients of Avenue Two Travel
