FH55 Hotels celebrates 70 years: a tribute to founder Dino Innocenti

Dino Innocenti, the founder of FH55 Hotels, was born in Florence on January 20, 1902, into a humble family.

From a young age, he displayed remarkable determination and an exceptional work ethic.

At just 15, he began working in his father’s artisan workshop, where he learned the secrets of the trade and acquired valuable hands-on skills.

After completing his military service in 1925, Dino embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, initially focusing on the trade of raw materials for the production of embroidery threads and textiles.

His relentless dedication and keen market insight soon led to rapid business growth. His company quickly expanded across various provinces in Veneto, a region in dire need of employment opportunities at the time.

Dino Innocenti’s enterprise proved to be a lifeline for many underprivileged families in Lower Veneto, particularly for thousands of women who found stable and well-paid employment in his businesses.

For over 30 years, Dino Innocenti worked tirelessly, never taking a break, leading his business with courage and foresight.

Following his father’s passing, he became head of the family, caring for his younger siblings, who had been left without work or financial support. Determined to ensure they each had a stable source of income, he immediately took action, offering them the chance to lead a dignified and comfortable life.

Both before and after World War II, Dino expanded his interests into real estate, constructing residential buildings and financing major commercial enterprises, eventually establishing and developing a large glove export industry.

A visionary and enterprising businessman, Dino Innocenti recognized that his beloved hometown was the ideal place to build what would become his greatest legacy: the hospitality industry.

His journey in the hotel industry began with the management of the Albergo Albion-Mediterraneo, located along the Lungarno Acciaioli. However, during the summer of 1944, the hotel suffered severe damage from the devastating effects of World War II.

Despite this major setback, Dino Innocenti did not lose heart. Determined to rebuild, he acquired the Albergo Patria on Via Calzaiuoli.

His ambitious goal was to modernize and enhance the property, making it worthy of its prime location in the heart of the city. Unfortunately, he was unable to see this project through to completion. (Decades later, in 1982, his children would fulfill his vision with the opening of the FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli.)

Dino Innocenti, a man of unshakable determination and strength of character, never let obstacles deter him.

He set his sights on an even greater ambition: building a brand-new, grand hotel. It was a bold challenge, filled with numerous obstacles along the way. But his perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit never failed him.

In 1954, on a plot of land owned by Società Immobiliare Montecarlo—a company in which Dino Innocenti had acquired shares—the construction of the Grande Albergo Mediterraneo began.

The hillside was excavated to create elegant gardens overlooking the Arno River and wide avenues connecting the Bellariva district to Rovezzano, effectively redeveloping a previously abandoned space.

During this period of great change, Dino Innocenti personally contributed a substantial sum to the Municipality, demonstrating his vision and deep commitment to enhancing the city of Florence he so passionately loved.

In less than two years, the new Grande Albergo Mediterraneo was completed, quickly establishing itself as one of the largest and most prestigious hotels in Italy complete with 320 rooms, 620 beds, conference halls, terraces, spacious garages, and lush gardens.

This extraordinary achievement stands as a testament to Dino Innocenti’s skill, determination, and entrepreneurial genius, leaving an indelible mark on the city of Florence.

Over the years, the tenacity and innovative spirit that had driven Dino Innocenti to conceive and build the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo earned widespread recognition and admiration.

This unwavering determination to relentlessly pursue his entrepreneurial vision gradually extended to his entire family, becoming an integral part of the company’s identity and culture.

Thanks to his perseverance, strategic vision, and deep social awareness, Dino Innocenti was able to turn his humble beginnings into a true success story, establishing himself as a leading entrepreneur in his region and leaving an important legacy for future generations.

This year, in 2025, the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo celebrates its 70th anniversary, symbolic of a journey marked by excellence and the ability to adapt to change over the decades.

The history of the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo is that of a hotel that has established itself as an industry benchmark, thanks to the commitment, passion, and innovation of generations of managers who have followed in each other's footsteps.

This remarkable milestone is the result of Dino Innocenti’s foresighted vision and unparalleled dedication, a legacy that is now proudly celebrated by all those who have continued along the path set by the great founder of the FH55 Grand Hotel Mediterraneo.

The group’s expansion continued in 1968 with the construction of the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino in Rome, located just five minutes from the Colosseum. Then, in 1982, the FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli acquired years earlier by its founder, similarly opened its doors.

Perched on the hills of Fiesole, the FH55 Hotel Villa Fiesole was inaugurated in the spring of 1996, a historic residence offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Florence.

Within the hotel, the newly opened Serrae Villa Fiesole restaurant has already made its mark: in less than a year of operation, it has been awarded the coveted 2025 Michelin Star, under the direction of Chef Antonello Sardi.

In 2024, the group continued its expansion, catering to specific guest segments.

Hence, the opening of the FH55 Med Executive Hotel and the FH55 Med Guesthouse.

Now, FH55 Hotels celebrates this anniversary with renewed enthusiasm, remaining committed to upholding and exceeding its high standards through innovation, sustainability, and personalized service.

This milestone marks a new beginning for the group, which pursues excellence in quality hospitality.

As a testament to this dedication, FH55 Hotels has earned prestigious certifications in quality, environmental sustainability, and safety, strengthening its role as a leader in the industry and offering unique, responsible luxury experiences.

Additionally, new suites at the FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino are nearing completion, undergoing a full renovation based on key environmental sustainability principles.