Turin is the city of new gastronomy and slow food, delicious gianduja chocolate, Arte Povera and incredible historical places such as Mole Antonelliana and the Royal Palace.

Making a trip worthwhile to this part of Italy, is DUPARC Contemporary Suites, a superb 4-star hotel located near some of the chicest streets of the city, the leafy Parco del Valentino in the San Salvario area full of youngsters playing music, Via Roma and the Primo Levi commemorative monument.

Strategically situated near the Lingotto Fiere Conference Centre and the Pala Alpitour sports arena too, DUPARC was inaugurated in 1971 as the Residence Du Parc, a quiet and charming property designed for long stays. At the time, the city’s increasing industrial development made entrepreneurs and businessmen prominent figures; think FIAT, Superga and Lavazza. DUPARC offered privacy, comfort, and discretion that they needed. Today, the great architecture and remarkable art collection of the hotel make guests feel welcome.

The hotel was designed by Laura Petrazzini, an award-winning architect from Turin, and Corrado Levi, a contemporary artist. They joined forces to conceive a brutalist structure which later became one of the most significant modernist buildings of Turin.

With the ambition to create “a home away from home” for local and international guests, DUPARC Contemporary Suites celebrates “serenity, efficiency and safety”, according to Laura Petrazzini. This fantastic hotel is designed to ensure that guests feel at ease at all time.

Many artists and designers have stayed and continue to stay at DUPARC. The hotel often partners with non-profit cultural organisations to stage exhibitions, present art activities and give creative talents a platform to show their works.

General Manager Ana Paula Bracarense speaks to Art is Alive: “This was Ms Petrazzini and Mr Levi’s dream. After more than fifty years, the DUPARC suites and junior suites are fully adapted to all our guests’ needs. We are a team of people who love the city and who do their best to welcome them and make them feel better than at home.”

Last year, new suites and junior suites located on the upper floor were renovated. Ready for the summer, the project is realised by Elisa Sighicelli, a contemporary artist from Turin. The artist, who works with light is represented by Gagosian. She has made new works installed throughout the renovated suites, here by resonating with DUPARC’s initial preoccupation with innovation and art. Fluctuation between stillness and motion, video and photography, Elisa Sighicelli’s work scrutinizes ordinary things, in an attempt to make them intensely ordinary. Other works displayed in the rooms include Michelangelo Pistoletto and Mario Schifano. The lobby features artworks by Richard Woods (the blue panels in the lobby and restaurant), Mimmo Rotella, Giuseppe Penone, Anselm Reyle, Le Corbusier among others. That’s very impressive.

The rooms are very vibrant, feature large size, lots of light through large windows, they display a series of interesting city guides and magazines, modern appliances, practicalities such as bathroom radiators, luxury toiletries, comfortable sofas and cushions, and all contemporary amenities. The palette is sobre with greys, vivid blue, and dark wood. Furniture and wall colours are enhanced by the fantastic collection of artworks on the walls. There are Deluxe Junior Suites, Standard, Superior, Deluxe and Executive suites among other formats and options.

“The soul of the hotel is based on the idea to be yourself, to feel free and stay free, not just a place to stay. The best asset is the mix of our hospitality, the comfort, the unique views, the design of our suites and the marriage of art and architecture” Bracarense continues. This fantastic hotel is indeed perfect for business trips, romantic stays, or family holidays.

A wide range of services is also available including a 24h gym with all modern amenities, complimentary WI-FI, bike rentals and a car park making arrival easy. One of the biggest assets indeed is the amazing spa located on the below floor from the lobby. It offers hot and cold showers, cervical waterfall, a steam bath with eucalyptus and jacuzzi. In the relaxation area guests can enjoy a selection of herbal teas accompanied by small delicacies. Ayurvedic massages with essential oils, detox treatment, facial treatments with intensive hydration are all available to feel better.

Asked about the biggest challenges as a Director, Bracarense responds: “The biggest challenge is to make the experience become real. At the same time, we always strive to be professional and as perfect as possible. Our goal is to always improve our service and to be able to increasingly satisfy the needs of our guests.”

What are the Green initiatives taken by the hotel to protect the planet? “We are working every day to decrease our negative impact on the environment. We’ve been recycling for a long time and have worked really hard to reduce our use of plastic. When it is not possible to use sustainable materials, we do our best to use recycled plastic. Our goal with the recent renovations, was to design energy-efficient suites, and install energy and water-efficient systems.”

Ana Paula Bracarense also shares her top suggestions for cultural sightings in Turin and the recent art exhibitions she has visited. “Personally, I really love to suggest to our guest to enjoy a walk through the Valentino Parc, early in the morning, to enjoy the true beauty of the park, when squirrels run undisturbed and ducks swim on the river, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

The hidden gems of Turin are for sure the Royal Palaces. For a weekend getaway you can discover, without leaving the city centre, Palazzo Reale and Villa della Regina, with its breathtaking views of the city. For a longer holiday you can discover the Reggia di Venaria Reale, with the iconic Galleria Grande and its gardens, the amazing Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi and Castello di Rivoli, that hosts a contemporary art museum. Last but not the least if you love photography exhibitions you cannot miss the Gallerie d’Italia in Piazza San Carlo, that have just opened.”

With its edgy art and design collection, its slick modernity and beautiful concrete, its excellent gastronomy and wonderful spa, DUPARC is the best location in Torino to relax or spent time with family or on business trips. Staff are very devoted and nice and make guests’ stay an unforgettable experience.