MEET-AND-GREET WITH THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOTEL MANZONI: FLAVIA CALARCO

And here we go again with the journey to discover all about the team of our hotel in the Fashion Quadrilatero of Milan. Enjoy!

Hi Flavia, tell us how you ended up doing this job.
Since I was a little girl, I loved the hospitality field, when I was travelling a lot and staying in many different hotels because of my dad’s work schedule. I would never have imagined to fall in love with all this and find a job in this sector, full of satisfactions.

What is your role at the Manzoni?
Ten years ago I started as a Sales Manager and have always been involved in all sales and marketing activities, both in Italy and abroad, as well as organizing small meetings and F&B events. In my professional career at the Hotel Manzoni today I am also Deputy Director and Director of Operations.

What has been your journey in the hotellerie sector?
I started in 1998 with my first job as booking agent for the group Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. After few years I moved to the reception, always in the same structure. In 2002 I worked for the Baglioni Hotels, where I started to get in contact with the luxury world as Assistant Contract Manager. The experience was short and in less than a year I was working for the Park Hyatt Milano as Sales Assistant. Finally, in 2008, Hotel Manzoni opened his doors to me, place and environment where I soon felt home.

Let’s talk about Milan.
It’s only a few years that I am lucky enough to live in the city center. Leaving home and going to buy what is needed in the surrounding shops, going to work by foot with no need of public transportation, all this has no price! Milan is an aristocratic city in continuous evolution. In the last period, after the Expo, Milan went back to the splendor of a many-faced city, at the same time discreet and elegant. The only hard part to live in the city, is the fact that you can never unwind. A hectic lifestyle becomes normal!

What do you love the most about Milan?
The inner courtyards of the buildings in the center, the railing houses, that preserve all their historical magic. The hanging laundry in the common gardens, the kids that play outside and the grandmas that happily talk in the halls. I suggest you to visit the neighborhood markets in via San Marco, via Fauché and via Papiniano, and also the antiques market in the Navigli area. Markets are a unique way to get in contact with the local reality.

Any tips on where to eat in Milan?
One of my favorite places is L’Isola dei Sapori in the Porta Romana area. Sardinian fish restaurant. Amazing food and very welcoming place. Best not to go on weekends. During the week, the service is better and more cheerful.

Where to have an aperitif in Milan?
When I go out with my friends, we love to go to the Rufus Cocktail bar in the Pagano area. Here I feel like home! Ale and his staff are amazing, like their cocktails, all delicious! Try the Gin Tonic!

Where do you think is better to go shopping in Milan? Any particular boutique or shop that you love?
There’s not to be honest. I like to walk in the center looking for vintage things. My favorite areas are Brera, Corso Venezia, Garibaldi and Via Manzoni.

How is your typical Sunday in Milan?
I am lucky, I don’t spend so much time in Milan during the weekend. Normally, the few times I am staying in Milan, I love to combine a good restaurant with a short trip. For example, I often go to the Emilia Romagna region.

What is the event not to be missed in Milan?
Easy: the Salone del Mobile! During those days Milan completely changes! You can’t miss the Fuorisalone organized in several areas of the city, all very interesting and fun.

What is the most exciting season in the city?
I would say Autumn, when the typical Milanese fog surrounds the city and the Christmas decorations light up Milan.

And last, why should you invite someone to visit Milan?
Because it is as beautiful as the other European capitals. Milan is the city of opportunities, the place where everything can happen. From the concerts and plays at theatre, to the exhibitions, to the sport events, to the new trends. Milan is pure energy! It is up to you to dive into its strong vibe!

Of course, Flavia is here to welcome you at Hotel Manzoni,
elegant hotel of the Fashion Quadrilatero of Milan!

Book your stay directly  on the Official Website
of the Hotel Manzoni!