Albergo Etico Roma is a story that speaks of talent ... of everyone. Even yours ...
Everyone has a talent. We often do not find it or we consider it seems obvious or too little ... But we got it, and it is important to recognize it. And after finding it, it's important not to waste it and put it to good use. The Albergo Etico is for this. For everyone. The Albergo Etico is a beautiful hotel in the center of Rome. But - above all - it is the place where many young people, with their disabilities, with their difficulties, approach the world of work and learn a trade. Children with disabilities, who approach work for the first time, can not do everything (but…who is able to do everything?). But there is something they do well ... so well that we often don't remember their problems: that's why it can be said that "Disability is only in the eye of the beholder". You can't ask a boy in a wheelchair to be a waiter, not that! but maybe he can be an excellent receptionist. Or in the opposite: those with cognitive difficulties cannot be employed to give change behind a cash register ... but they can clean a hotel room better than many others ... and experience satisfaction and therefore put in an uncommon enthusiasm.And after 8, 10 or even 12 months of practical and theoretical training, they can go on alone, accompanied to the entrance of one of the many hotels in Rome. And have back their life, complete with a job that they can write on Linkedin or post on Facebook… a life like everyone else.Even the professionals who work in the Albergo Etico are putting their talent to good use, which is not only "being a good receptionist" or "being an excellent waiter", but also knowing how to teach a trade and also knowing how to train more fragile people . It means to become not only a teacher but a model to follow.Also our customers put their talents to good use when, by choosing us, they encourage our business. They could go to Rome, because they have the opportunity, to over 1,000 different hotels ... but by choosing us, they support our commitment and live a beautiful and unique experience. In this way they come out of homologation. Customers, therefore, with their needs, their requests, their courtesy, by being "customers", help us to grow."Everyone do what they know to do" is our motto. And this was also true for many professionals and technicians and artisans who helped and help build the Albergo Etico: they got to know and supported the project, doing their job with great enthusiasm on favorable terms or even without wanting to be paid. And in the same way, even those who support us with donations can say that "they put their talent to a good use", because they have the opportunity and decide to contribute to our cause even though they can neither be a trainer, nor a client, well ... they do - in the way best possible - what they can Do.
Within the Hotel Etico Rome we will have our very own exclusive restaurant that is also open to the public where you will be able to enjoy a fine gastronomic experience even if you’re not staying with us in the hotel. The restaurant will have seasoned and professional staff from the hospitality sector working side by side staff with disabilities once again proving that everyone can make a positive contribution to society.
The Academy of Independence was born in the northern Italian wine-making town of Asti in Piedmont in 2009 with its first ever graduate going on to be the inspiration for what has now become a small phenomenon. A three-year training and work internship specifically designed to give people with Down’s Syndrome the opportunity to learn how to live and work independently in the hospitality business.
Nine years on and the fruits of our labours are now visible for all to see with the jewel in the crown of this far-reaching and inspirational project - a fully functional and operative hotel and restaurant open to the wider public in the historical centre of Rome, entirely staffed and run by a team of proud and hardworking young men and women with Down’s.
Not only does the Hotel Etico operate without the help of carers or assistants, it’s also a thriving and profitable business, which is thanks to the fantastic team of staff who not only work in the hotel but also live together on the premises. Living autonomously, together in harmony and working as a close-knit team in a very competitive market says it all about the achievements of the Academy and its members.
While the Hotel Etico is a fully functional accommodation with restaurant and meeting facilities as well as a host of other services and attractive features, it’s also arguably the finest hotel in the city for guests with disabilities. Not only is the entire property suitable for a wide variety of disabled guests, the magical atmosphere in this unique Rome accommodation is one where you’ll always feel right at home.
People with disabilities comprise a highly untapped resource of ingenuity and productivity and investing in the disabled is not simply a philanthropic gesture - the success of the Hotel Etico Rome and the Academy of Independence have proven beyond all doubt that citizens with Down’s Syndrome can make as useful and profitable contribution to society as anyone.
So next time you’re in Rome drop into the Hotel Etico - and take in the magic of this ingenious initiative for yourself. Whether you book one of our 18 modern and stylish guest rooms or just stop by for dinner in our exclusive restaurant, we promise you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer magic of this, undoubtedly Rome’s most magical and unique hotel.