Issue No.21 - Polo De’Marco Magazine Issue No.21 - International Edition | Page 19

The great international chains tend to standardize
everything without taking into consideration the
origins and the history of each hotel and, above all,
the city they belong to. I am proud of being able
to maintain the Hassler independence, 100% of my
property.
3. If Franz-Josef Bucher saw it today - what
would he think of your work as General
Manager of Hassler Roma and the progression
of it; thinking he is the original founder of the
company?
My dynasty began with Franz-Josef Bucher,
now considered one of the pioneers of the hotel
industry in Europe. He would think that I have
done a great job. My first aim is to keep it as a jewel
that shines more and more and now it is one of the
most well known worldwide property in the luxury
hospitality industry. I always wanted to become an
hotelier, Hotel has always fascinated me, throughout
my childhood and earliest memories, since I grew up
in this environment… The imprint in my mind was
set, and there was nothing dissuading me that this
was to be my life. And it was not easy to realize my
dream because I had not the support of my family.
Above all my father strongly took position against my
desire. He was convinced that my deafness could be
an insuperable obstacle. I had to face and overcome
many difficulties before I succeeded but I never
gave up. Passing through the various rooms, the
Concierge’s desk, how the waiters served clients at the
restaurant…and through it all observing my father
manage what appeared to me to be a royal palace…
being born profoundly deaf, all this left an indelible
imprint on my mind as a child… I have learned the
true sense of hospitality from my family. The Hassler
has always been renowned for being “the” home away
from home for sophisticated travelers. With more
than 40 years of managing the Hassler and 15 years
of experience in the hotel business, I, as Owner and
General Manager, personally welcome guests as I
would in my own home, with consideration and care.
The success comes from hard work.
4. Where did the name ‘Hassler’ come from?
And what does that name mean to you?
Alberto Hassler was the founder of the Hassler hotel
at the top of the Spanish Steps, back in 1893. In the
1920s, my father Oscar became partner of Alberto
Hassler’s son-in-law in the management of the hotel
and later became the sole owner of this prestigious
hotel. A curiosity: During Mussolini’s dictatorship,
the Hassler had to change its name and became Villa
Medici.