About Me
“I’m proud of my job… I’m proud to be a good butler.”
(My Man Godfrey, 1936)
“To serve people takes dignity and intelligence… And although we serve them, we are not their servants.”
(Maid in Manhattan, 2002)
Bio
My name is Antonio Chiconi, and I firmly believe that hospitality is an art to be cultivated every day. My professional journey has led me to explore various worlds, from luxury hospitality to organizing art events, along with my passion for wellness and personal growth. Through years of experience, I have learned that every detail matters and that a true professional understands that hospitality goes beyond service—it extends to the creation of unforgettable experiences.
The name of the site: Mister Godfrey
The name of my site, Mister Godfrey, is inspired by the classic 1936 film My Man Godfrey. The character of Godfrey, played by William Powell, is a man who, while serving others, maintains his dignity and intelligence, embodying the values I appreciate in the world of hospitality. The phrase “I’m proud of my job… I’m proud to be a good butler” perfectly captures my approach to work: being proud to serve, but doing so with respect and mindfulness. Similarly, I am inspired by another quote, from the film Maid in Manhattan, which expresses my vision of hospitality: “To serve people takes dignity and intelligence… And although we serve them, we are not their servants.” For me, these words represent the heart of my work: serving with dedication and professionalism, without ever losing sight of respect for oneself and others.
My journey in hospitality
With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I have had the opportunity to work in international settings, mainly in Europe and Southeast Asia. I have refined my skills in team management and guest experience, focusing on delivering high-quality service with particular attention to personalization. In my work, I have always strived to combine professionalism and creativity, knowing that excellence lies in the details. Recently, my approach to hospitality has been enriched through the integration of advanced technologies like CRM, artificial intelligence (AI), and chatbots. These tools allow me to collect and analyze customer data to further personalize service, anticipate guest needs, and enhance their experience in every detail. I am deeply convinced that working in luxury hospitality requires being a cultivated individual—curious, open to the world, and constantly learning. My life experiences, travels, and exploration of new cultures have been essential in enriching my way of working and interacting with others.
Art and Hospitality: The ‘Art in the Hotel’ project
Art has always played a central role in my vision of hospitality. From this comes my “Art in the Hotel” project, a fusion of art and hospitality. The goal is to bring art into hotels, transforming spaces into vibrant, ever-evolving places. I believe art can elevate the guest experience, turning each stay into a unique cultural experience.
Personal Growth: Yoga, Meditation, and Japanese Swordsmanship
My professional journey has been influenced by disciplines such as yoga, meditation, and Japanese swordsmanship. These practices have enriched not only my personal life but also my approach to leadership and team management. Meditation has taught me the importance of mindfulness and calm even in moments of stress, while Japanese swordsmanship has shown me the power of concentration and discipline.
Bridging Worlds: My Personal Blog
On this site, you will find my Travel Notes, a section dedicated to reflections on yoga, meditation, travel, art, wellness, and much more. I will share with you the experiences I have accumulated over time, from my travels to the practices I follow daily, aiming to offer insights and inspiration for those who, like me, believe that hospitality is much more than just a job. I invite you to explore this space, read my articles, and join me on this journey of experiences, discoveries, and, most importantly, continuous growth.