The Story of The Hotel Maria

Just 6 days before the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and less than 2 years before General Patton invaded Sicily to take on the Nazis in Operation Husky, Maria was born in the medeival, mountain top village on the north coast of Sicily named Tusa.   Her birth home was peaceful and  offered stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, showcasing her beautiful surroundings and the promise of a beautiful life ahead.  This was an idyllic home, in spite of the livestock living in the barn below and the war that would soon come marching through her town.

Photo: U.S. GI's liberate Sicily from the Nazi's

In 1964 Maria took a Pan Am Jet to Kennedy Airport where my father would pick her up in his yellow convertible Pontiac Catalina, before starting their life together in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Pawcatuck was a nice place to live except for one thing, it was too far away from the ocean for my mother and she felt homesick when she was away from it.  So, it was good bye Pawcatuck and hello Misquamicut Beach.  

Photo: Not Maria but you get the idea.

After 6 years of living on Saunder's Road (now Rabbit Run), owning 2 other rental cottages, and enjoying the fun and sun of Misquamicut Beach, my parents bet the farm, bought the Breezeway Motel, packed up the kids and went into the hospitality business.

Photo: My parents built and sold this house on Fisherman's Avenue. Proceeds to buy The Breezeway. The house still exists. It's the red brick one.

 

Many years later, Maria took a walk along the beach as she normally would.  This time she came back with more than just shells and sea glass.  The property that was home to Dino's Seafood House was for sale and she wanted to buy it.  She did.  On July 8, 1994 Maria's Seaside Cafe and the 5 upstairs suites opened for business.

Photo: Maria's Seaside Cafe opens on July 8, 1994 to rave reviews.

In October of 2012, Maria was on vacation in Sicily when Superstorm Sandy ripped through Misquamicut, devastating the restaurant and many of our friends and neighbors homes and businesses. Rebuilding was easy, losing her isn't. Maria passed away on October 11, 2014. 

Photo: Superstorm Sandy levels Maria's Seaside Cafe

The Hotel Maria would not be standing today if not for my mother and it is named in her honor. My father Nicola gets enough credit so I won't thank him here. We lost our architect and dear friend, Robert Ornstein shortly before construction began. We are grateful to have met him and thank his partner Al Oakes for stepping in to help us.  

Finally, I'd like to thank Melissa for her love, support, patience and for giving us a beautiful baby girl who we named Maria, born August 20, 2018.


John for The Bellone family

Robert Ornstein

Architect and all around great guy. We will see you again.