And during the weekend of Bezos and Sánchez’s wedding in Venice, even if you inquire, you might find yourself facing a politely closed door at a five-star hotel with the words, “Not a chance.”
That’s exactly what happened to me at the Gritti Palace Hotel, a renowned establishment that has welcomed luminaries like Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Winston Churchill over the years. This past weekend, it was rumored to be hosting a number of celebrity guests.
I stepped cautiously into the hotel’s entrance, presented my press pass to both a manager and a bellboy, and asked if I could take a look around or perhaps interview the manager. Anticipating a negative response, I was not surprised when I heard “not possible.”
“Not possible,” replied the smiling manager. “No, sorry. Not a chance.” I was gently escorted out, the door closing firmly yet courteously behind me.
I encountered a similar situation at four other luxury hotels.