In 1989 we stayed at the Hotel Flora for a fabulous week of cooking with the late Marcella Hazan. That week was famous (infamous?) for the one and only Pink Floyd concert in Venice. It was a mess! Fast forward to 2024. We ended a Tauck tour of N. Italy in Venice staying at The Gritti Palace (fabulous). But, with fond memories of Hotel Flora we wandered over. We met a young woman (who I am sure was not yet born in 1989) and told her how much we loved the hotel, particularly having breakfast in the lovely courtyard. We had a photo of us. She escorted us to the courtyard where we sat in the same place while she took our picture. The courtyard was exactly the same, just lovely. When we rose to leave she insisted we spend more time (it was just us) and enjoy coffee and pastries on them. We nearly cried! What a lovely gesture and another fond memory of the Hotel Flora https://share.icloud.com/photos/0a9i_nWEs8I7K-TNuhhIUotLw.
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11577 posts
We had a very nice stay there many years ago.
Posted by
New York
143 posts
That is a great story and a great photo! Venice is so romantic.
Posted by
Land of La
9243 posts
A simple kindness always generates a fond memory.
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1029 posts
Thank you for sharing. We stayed there last May and your story brings back so many memories.
Posted by
Paris
10236 posts
Alan, what a wonderful story ! So glad you took the time to stop by and encountered a kind soul, who generated another memory for you. Thank you for sharing this.
Posted by
Denver, CO
796 posts
I love this so much!!
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17 posts
I loved your story because my husband and I first went to Hotel Flora during our whirlwind tour of Italy in 1994. During that visit, one morning I sat alone in the courtyard under a crystal-clear blue sky and a gentle breeze wafting through. There was an angel fountain with the quiet rippling of water and a few pigeons politely stopping by. As I sipped my coffee and nibbled on a delicious pastry, a nearby resident played an Italian opera. As the soaring music filled the air, my heart was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. In all of our travels, it remains one of my most cherished and unforgettable memories.