A FAMILY AFFAIR,
A STORY FROM POLESINE
Hotel Italia, located in Occhiobello’s historic hamlet of Santa Maria Maddalena, presents itself as a building with a sober appearance, but rich in history and significance
This structure, which at first glance might appear as a modern building, is actually a former manufacturing site dating back to the 50s, a testament of the area’s transformation.
From Agricultural Roots to Hotel Innovation
The history of HI Hotel Italia is intertwined with the Prearo family, a family from Polesine that influenced the development of the area. In the post-war period, Michele Prearo, the son of a farmer from Occhiobello, started a grain harvesting and transport business. The family also grew apples and pears on their land.
The flood of 1951 prompted residents to rebuild with commitment and determination. Michele offered his help by providing his own transportation, a gesture that did not go unnoticed. In the early 1960s, he diversified his investments by purchasing a cider factory in Santa Maria Maddalena.
From Cider to Hotel: An Innovative Vision
Michele had the idea of transforming the factory into an accommodation facility: a motel-restaurant dedicated to Spal, the local football team. During those years, thanks to the motorway and the railway, Occhiobello became a major logistic hub, making the Spal motel a landmark for travellers.
The Tradition Continues
In the 1990s, the Prearo family, with Michele's sons Gianni and Paolo, took over the management of the property, restoring it and expanding it. The renovated hotel opened under the name Hotel Italia, as a homage to Michele's wife, Lubiana Amelia Italia.
Today, Hotel Italia is still run by the descendants of the Prearo family. In 2016, Rossella, Gianni's daughter, took over the management, passionately carrying on the family tradition of hospitality begun over half a century ago, alongside her husband Massimo.
Hotel Italia
Via Eridania 115, 45030 OCCHIOBELLO (RO)
info@hotelitalia.biz
+39 0425 762402
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HI Hotel srls C.F/P.IVA 01556650297 REA n° 403175
CIN: IT029033A1UC78BA66