Our History

1938 - Gastone Vanucci, at the tender age of 11, took his first steps in the world of business by selling postcards on the beach to the first tourists on holiday in Riccione. He immediately showed the entrepreneurial side that would distinguish him.

1952 - Brothers Albo and Gastone Vanucci started the hotel business, running the Giulietta boarding house until 1955. With them was their mother, Ida, an excellent cook whose recipes still appear on our menus today.

1955 - Inspired by the Rex, the famous transatlantic winner of the prestigious “Blue Riband” in 1933, an initial idea for the Rex Hotel draft was born.

1956 - The Vanucci brothers “create” the Hotel Rex.

1958 - There are too many of you! The building is completely disrupted and two storeys are added.

1960 - The staff at the Rex.

1971 - Note safety standards (life jackets on all balconies!)

1978 - Let's grow some more: a 4th floor of rooms is added.

1981 - Substantial Restyling.

2014 - New suites and rooms on the penthouse floor.

2003 - The helm of the Rex - Since the summer of 2003, Franco and Maurizio have been at the helm. They have always been on board the 'REX', waiting to continue on the “course” charted by their father Gastone, who has always considered TRADITION, HOSPITALITY and INNOVATION the essential ingredients for “making tourism”.

The digital version of the 50th anniversary book 1956-2006 can now be viewed directly on your screens, click here