Meet Paola, the Beating Heart of the Savoy Pool Bar.
With her warm smile and natural gift for making guests feel welcome, Paola wins over even the most demanding visitors.
Behind her kindness, however, lies remarkable determination and courage—qualities that have helped her overcome significant challenges and surprise even those who initially underestimated her potential.
If you'd like to discover the person behind one of the hotel's most beloved faces, keep reading...
Hi Paola, for our guests you are a true point of reference. But tell us about yourself in your own words!
I'm Paola. I'm a proud native of Grado, but at the same time a citizen of the world. I have an open mind, and my greatest strength is my personality: I'm cheerful, outgoing, and a natural communicator. At work, I consider myself reliable and professional.
How did you come to join the Savoy? What are your earliest memories here?
I joined the Savoy in 1983 thanks to Gabriella, my best friend and a waitress at the time, and Mrs. Elena, the housekeeper back then. My first impression of the owners—your grandparents, Richard and Mara—was one of immediate warmth and empathy.
I was intimidated, after all I was only 13 years old, but they quickly made me feel at ease.They told me they expected punctuality, friendliness, and above all, a smile. For me, that came naturally.
What has your role been over the years?
I've been here for 43 years. The first 17 were spent working in housekeeping as a room attendant.Then, thanks to Thomas and the confidence he placed in me, I moved to the restaurant team. When I expressed my desire to change departments, the maître d', Antonio, told me I would be a waste of time—too wild and unconventional. Thomas, however, believed in me. He personally trained me for a month, and for the following five years I worked as a waitress in the restaurant before moving to the Pool Bar, which has become my kingdom.
What has been your greatest satisfaction?
I remember your grandfather Richard agreeing with Antonio and telling me that, if it had been up to him, I would never have set foot in the restaurant. But a couple of years later, he came to me and said: "I have to take back what I told you. You're truly excellent at what you do." That was the most beautiful and sincere compliment I've ever received.
Why do you think Savoy guests love you so much?
Because when people arrive here, I welcome them as if they were part of my own family. And that's what makes the difference between Hotel Savoy and other hotels.
Have you ever thought about working somewhere else?
I considered finding a year-round job, but I never did because I'm deeply attached to this family and grateful for the opportunities they gave me to grow.To me, the Savoy is home. My colleagues are my friends—especially Simone and Mattia.
Tell us about your experience with Joe Bastianich in New York!
Mr. Bastianich and his family were exceptional. It was a wonderful experience and, despite not speaking English, I managed thanks to my determination.However, New York is a very fast-paced city, and I missed the human connection. So I decided to return to Grado.
What is the best part of your job here?
Being able to watch our guests' families grow. Many of them are multi-generational families who have been coming to the Savoy for decades because it was their grandparents' favorite place. Today, they bring their children and grandchildren, and that is incredibly special.
What memories do you have of Mrs. Mara, my grandmother?
Mrs. Mara would greet you every single time she saw you—even ten times a day. She always asked how you were and genuinely listened to your answer. One of the things I remember most fondly was her habit of whistling as she approached. It was her way of announcing herself so she would never catch anyone off guard! Even today, two or three times each season, I feel as though I can still smell her perfume. Her spirit is still here.
Richard was the face of the Savoy. What do you think he would say about the hotel we've become?
He would be proud and happy to see his creation continue to be a point of reference in Grado, even for other hoteliers.He had the extraordinary ability to see beyond the present and never stop innovating. He was a true visionary.
Is there anything you'd still like to see happen here?
I'd love to see the hotel continue to grow—perhaps with an even larger swimming pool!
I think our guests would agree with you! Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to sincerely thank the family for these incredible 43 years, and I hope to continue for many more.This is where I grew both as a professional and as a woman, and I hope I've been able to give something back in return.The motto my father always repeated to me was:"Always work with passion."And that's exactly what I do.
I'd also like to thank all of our guests, because it is thanks to them that Hotel Savoy continues to thrive.
With her warm smile and natural gift for making guests feel welcome, Paola wins over even the most demanding visitors.
Behind her kindness, however, lies remarkable determination and courage—qualities that have helped her overcome significant challenges and surprise even those who initially underestimated her potential.
If you'd like to discover the person behind one of the hotel's most beloved faces, keep reading...
Hi Paola, for our guests you are a true point of reference. But tell us about yourself in your own words!
I'm Paola. I'm a proud native of Grado, but at the same time a citizen of the world. I have an open mind, and my greatest strength is my personality: I'm cheerful, outgoing, and a natural communicator. At work, I consider myself reliable and professional.
How did you come to join the Savoy? What are your earliest memories here?
I joined the Savoy in 1983 thanks to Gabriella, my best friend and a waitress at the time, and Mrs. Elena, the housekeeper back then. My first impression of the owners—your grandparents, Richard and Mara—was one of immediate warmth and empathy.
I was intimidated, after all I was only 13 years old, but they quickly made me feel at ease.They told me they expected punctuality, friendliness, and above all, a smile. For me, that came naturally.
What has your role been over the years?
I've been here for 43 years. The first 17 were spent working in housekeeping as a room attendant.Then, thanks to Thomas and the confidence he placed in me, I moved to the restaurant team. When I expressed my desire to change departments, the maître d', Antonio, told me I would be a waste of time—too wild and unconventional. Thomas, however, believed in me. He personally trained me for a month, and for the following five years I worked as a waitress in the restaurant before moving to the Pool Bar, which has become my kingdom.
What has been your greatest satisfaction?
I remember your grandfather Richard agreeing with Antonio and telling me that, if it had been up to him, I would never have set foot in the restaurant. But a couple of years later, he came to me and said: "I have to take back what I told you. You're truly excellent at what you do." That was the most beautiful and sincere compliment I've ever received.
Why do you think Savoy guests love you so much?
Because when people arrive here, I welcome them as if they were part of my own family. And that's what makes the difference between Hotel Savoy and other hotels.
Have you ever thought about working somewhere else?
I considered finding a year-round job, but I never did because I'm deeply attached to this family and grateful for the opportunities they gave me to grow.To me, the Savoy is home. My colleagues are my friends—especially Simone and Mattia.
Tell us about your experience with Joe Bastianich in New York!
Mr. Bastianich and his family were exceptional. It was a wonderful experience and, despite not speaking English, I managed thanks to my determination.However, New York is a very fast-paced city, and I missed the human connection. So I decided to return to Grado.
What is the best part of your job here?
Being able to watch our guests' families grow. Many of them are multi-generational families who have been coming to the Savoy for decades because it was their grandparents' favorite place. Today, they bring their children and grandchildren, and that is incredibly special.
What memories do you have of Mrs. Mara, my grandmother?
Mrs. Mara would greet you every single time she saw you—even ten times a day. She always asked how you were and genuinely listened to your answer. One of the things I remember most fondly was her habit of whistling as she approached. It was her way of announcing herself so she would never catch anyone off guard! Even today, two or three times each season, I feel as though I can still smell her perfume. Her spirit is still here.
Richard was the face of the Savoy. What do you think he would say about the hotel we've become?
He would be proud and happy to see his creation continue to be a point of reference in Grado, even for other hoteliers.He had the extraordinary ability to see beyond the present and never stop innovating. He was a true visionary.
Is there anything you'd still like to see happen here?
I'd love to see the hotel continue to grow—perhaps with an even larger swimming pool!
I think our guests would agree with you! Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I'd like to sincerely thank the family for these incredible 43 years, and I hope to continue for many more.This is where I grew both as a professional and as a woman, and I hope I've been able to give something back in return.The motto my father always repeated to me was:"Always work with passion."And that's exactly what I do.
I'd also like to thank all of our guests, because it is thanks to them that Hotel Savoy continues to thrive.
