I love service that gets straight to the point, without frippery. I don’t have much time: I want the best and that’s it. I am in Rome, but I could also be in Berlin, Brussels, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Frankfurt, Munich, St Petersburg, or Florence. Yesterday I was in Germany, last week practically everywhere. For this reason, Rocco Forte Hotels is one of my landmarks. A circuit of global excellence for strong, diehard globetrotters, for cosmopolitan spirits. And I am one of them. I have a business appointment in Rome. Yesterday I was in Frankfurt; last week in Madrid. I know all there is to know about bonus miles…
The appointment is tomorrow. I haven’t reached my hotel yet.
At the hotel I had booked the Nijinsky, the top suite. I am one of the lucky few to get the Suite Experience … I could define it as a private club that involves all the ‘suite-arians’ of all the RFs in the world, and which is blissfully comfortable.
I make it to the hotel but I don’t check in at reception like lesser mortals. I do it directly from my suite as I get to grips with its 172 square metres. In other words, I dive onto the sofa and my cares evaporate … Meanwhile in the bedroom a chambermaid dextrously and discreetly unpacks my cases and puts away my clothes. Apart from when she asked me if I had any preferences in their arrangement, I hardly notice she is there.
“I have finished … about your suit for tomorrow … the jacket could do with sprucing up; if you like, I will have it ironed and returned in a flash …”
“Yes, yes please…” (Why not take advantage? The service is included in the price, I just hope it is fast as I want to grab a shower.)
“Do you have any preference for the time when I may bring it to you?”
“If possible within half an hour. I have a few emails to send but then I want to rest”.
“Of course”.
Twenty minutes later I have my pinstripe back.
“Should you wish to take a stroll, I can recommend Via Veneto. Several new shops have opened there since you last stayed with us …”.
“Thank you”.
I had already spotted the cell phone the suite had provided for me, but between you and me, who has the strength to go out today? I am exhausted. As soon as the maid leaves, I spend my first afternoon of freedom in Rome in my own ‘spa’ – ma salle de bain. I enjoy my Turkish bath in absolute privacy and end up dividing my time between the sofa and the terrace. I chose a film à la carte but didn’t pay it much attention. I bask in my 239 square metres with a view over Villa Borghese and feel like a king.
Not so adventurous for one who considers himself a citizen of the world but decidedly necessary: nobody is perfect. The terrace, however, is. If my batteries recharge soon, I’ll go to Le Jardin to savour its two Michelin stars and the vista of Villa Borghese, or else I will stay here and drop in tomorrow morning for breakfast. In any case, Pierangelini’s two stars will still be there. Or if I don’t wish to go out, a quick call to room service will suffice, their kitchens are as well equipped. If required, should I so wish, I could organize private lunches and dinners. Fortunately, I go out again. To Le Jardin. It took all my willpower to leave the terrace.
In summer, the Secret Garden really is worth a visit. The next day, after my appointment, I finally decide to face the De Russie Wellness Zone.
Just one therapy; no more. I opt for a slimming treatment with Coffee cream. But the next time I’m in Rome, I’ll take it a bit more calmly and have a gentleman’s day: almost three hours of treatments that never fail to put me back in top form.
My problem has always been time. I have to be in Fiumicino in an hour… I pay … Taxi.
The suitcase is already prepared, packed by the Hotel staff. Ah… the Suite Experience.
Next time I want to try it in the forthcoming opening of Rocco Forte Hotels in Marrakech.
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