A conversation with Rosanna Rinaldini, owner of the Excelsior Hotel La Fonte of Portonovo.
How and when did the hotel started?
The spring of Portonovo was the only source of water along the Adriatic coast from Trieste to Gargano. Its importance was such that Napoleon built a fort to defend it from the attacks of the British ships.
The spring, who still feeds the Great Lake of Portonovo, has been central to the first settlements of fishermen that have arisen in the Portonovo Bay. Among these, a bigger cottage was erected, built with the white stone of the Conero, which has become the first hotel at Portonovo in the 60's and nowadays is the current Hotel Excelsior la Fonte, a four-star hotel with restaurant and conference center of international relevance.
What are the main features of the structure?
The Excelsior Hotel is located in the Portonovo Bay, one of the most beautiful places in the Conero Riviera and is nestled in the lush vegetation of the Conero Park.
Large terraces perpetually in bloom and water games that recall the history of the place are the most natural and spontaneous welcome for the guest. The shady park of the Buckeyes, ancient trees between waterfalls and fountains, the swimming pool, surrounded by palm, and the dining rooms and outdoor spaces, all of they become ideal places for job opportunities and for celebrate important moments. The hotel also has a tennis court and five-a-side football field.
We are an oasis of peace and serenity for beach lovers and for those coming here for a meeting or a conference. The Excelsior Hotel La Fonte is also a cultural center of art exhibitions, exhibitions dedicated to poetry, music concerts and is a stunning location for elegant weddings.
How are the rooms?
Our guests stay in stylish rooms completely renovated and furnished with care, all with private bathroom and shower, telephone, satellite television, Sky TV (on request), minibar, safe, air conditioning, Wi-Fi service. The entrances are wheelchair accessible, and some rooms have disabled facilities.
What is the style of your cookery?
Our kitchen offers the traditional fish dishes of the Marche, interpreted in an innovative and original way: a simple and elegant cooking, with high quality products, such as the famous mussels of Portonovo. Every year we organize evenings dedicated to the promotion of local products, as Stoccafissando, an event celebrating the stockfish, or the Threshing evening and Mosciolando event. Our restaurant is also the ideal location for weddings in the Marche region.