Anyone who has a love for the work of Gio Ponti, should visit the magnificent Parco dei Principi hotel in Sorrento Italy.
This wonderful site overlooking the sea at Sorrento was bought by Roberto Fernandes in 1958, who commissioned Gio Ponti to design a hotel which he did in 1960.
Opened in 1962, the hotel is as visually stunning today as it must have been back in the early 1960’s and long before the concept of ‘design hotel’ had been dreamt of as a concept. And yet here it is, unsurpassed as an example of wonderful design entirely in keeping with its position on the beautiful Sorrento coastline.
The interiors have been remarkably well preserved together with much of the original fittings and furniture.
If only hotels could be designed like this today!
Parco dei Principi Hotel frontage
Seating area
Dining Room
Bar
Lift entrance with surround made of ceramic pebbles
Tiles in the hotel
Many of Ponti's furniture designs were used in the hotel including the celebrated Superleggera chair.
Sofa and Compass table
Bedroom headboard with early 1960s state of the art accessories.
Even the Waiters' station was designed by Ponti.
As was the post box.
Swimming Pool
The Lido