Hotel de Russie’s Popolo Suite has a wrap-around terrace, a dining room and his/her walk-in closets.
From newly renovated suites in one of Rome’s finest hotels to top spas in Monaco, our Paris correspondent, Mary Winston Nicklin, is sharing the latest news that European travelers need to know now.
Rome’s Top Suites
Looking to live la dolce vita in Rome this summer? Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte gem, recently unveiled a complete refurbishment of its finest two suites. Olga Polizzi, the Rocco Forte director of design, hand-selected the antiques, rugs and original artwork to create the ambiance of a private Italian apartment. Situated on the top floor of the hotel, the spacious Popolo Suite has a wrap-around terrace, a dining room and his/her walk-in closets. Also recently renovated, the Picasso Suite takes its name from the famous artist who stayed at the hotel in 1917. With a private terrace overlooking the hotel’s secret garden, the Picasso Suite reflects its namesake artist’s style with lithographs and hand-crafted cushions showcasing his famous painting, Portrait De Dora Maar. Want more? Our 2016 Awards of Excellence has named Hotel de Russie “the best hotel in Rome. (See page 35).
The Celebrity Take
There’s been lots of buzz in London as actor-turned-hotelier Robert De Niro recently announced plans for a hotel called The Wellington in Covent Garden. De Niro has teamed up with Ira Drukier and Richard Born — the same winning triumvirate behind New York’s Greenwich Hotel, a favorite hang-out for celebrities. An application was submitted recently, and, if approved by the Westminster City Council, work on the 83-room hotel would begin in 2017, for an opening date in 2019.
Splendid Spas
Monaco has a new hideaway, Spa Sisley located in the famed Odéon tower. It offers the perfect escape after a day of yachting or shopping with its gold hues and glittering mosaic tiles. This spa sprawls across almost 20,000 square feet on three different levels and is equipped with a manicure/pedicure salon, a Jacuzzi, a counter-current swimming pool, a yoga studio, a fitness room, hammams and more. Tip: There’s also a sumptuous Duo Suite for couple’s massages.