Matteo Gentile joins Hotel Savoy as General Manager

A city where Renaissance masterpieces sit steps from neighbourhood cafés, where tradition and creativity continue to shape daily life, Florence remains one of Italy’s most compelling destinations. As the Tuscan capital embraces a new generation of discerning travellers, strong leadership plays a vital role in shaping stays that feel personal and culturally grounded. At Hotel Savoy, that vision is now led by General Manager Matteo Gentile, whose background and approach echo the spirit of the city he calls home.

Stepping into his role, Matteo brings a style of hospitality shaped by Tuscany itself — warm, instinctive and deeply human. Prior to joining Rocco Forte Hotels, he has spent much of his twenty-year career in the city, including senior roles within the Ferragamo family’s Lungarno Collection, where he oversaw some of Florence’s most admired boutique hotels. His grounding in Italian culture gives him an intuitive ease in how he connects with guests, blending artistry, sincerity and a natural sense of welcome.

For Matteo, hospitality is an inheritance as much as a profession. “Italian hospitality is deeply personal to me – it’s not just a profession, it’s a way of life,” he says. That sentiment runs through his leadership style, where every gesture is guided by emotional intelligence and a desire to create a genuine bond with each guest.

His perspective has also been shaped by an international career spanning the US, Europe and Asia, including experience at The Beverly Hilton, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and Four Seasons hotels, as well as time leading a consultancy in Los Angeles. These years broadened his understanding of global service cultures, though he remains clear about what makes Italian hospitality unique. “What makes it distinctive is the emotional connection we create with our guests,” he reflects — a philosophy he brings to Florence with renewed clarity.

The city remains his creative compass. “Florence is my muse. It’s a city that breathes beauty, history and creativity,” he says, and his vision for Hotel Savoy is shaped by that inspiration. Under his guidance, the hotel will remain a living reflection of the city’s warmth and heritage, offering guests not just a stay but a sense of belonging.

Off-duty and away from the hotel, Matteo returns to the Tuscan outdoors, local markets and quiet walks in Chianti’s villages. These moments keep him connected to the life and landscape that continue to inspire the kind of hospitality he now brings to Hotel Savoy.

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As we warmly welcome Matteo to the helm, we invite your clients to discover a stay shaped by cultural insight, considered service and an authentic connection to Florence. For further information or tailored support, please contact your Rocco Forte Hotels sales representative.