Tag Archives: luxury hotels

Rooms with Views: Hotel Caruso

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In elegant Ravello, the Hotel Caruso feels like a castle in the air…

There are hotels and then there are exceptional hotels. Those special properties that are not just about luxury but about extraordinary travel experiences that remain a warm feeling long after you left. The Belmond Hotel Caruso atop Ravello is such a place. The Caruso embodies the elegance and exceptional natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast capturing its essence in the property’s cascading gardens, painterly views over the sea, and an infinity pool in the sky that leaves you flying.

The ease of relaxation welcomes you, the staff are extremely friendly and sincere in their kindness and smiles. Every need of the guest is done with effortless grace, from the breezy check in to the fairies who do the turn down service at the end of the day. The hotel reflects something grand and formal but with the ease of a friend’s summer home.

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The spacious rooms are decorated in period wood furniture with bright regional majolica tiles and crisp luxury linens. The bathrooms are, like so many Belmond properties, grand and well equipped. A deep bathtub as well as a large shower, and a generous supply of bath products from Penhaligons. Everything throughout feels luxurious. From the balcony you can see the sea falling endlessly into the horizon.

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Then there is the property itself. Terraced gardens, including a chef’s garden where fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are grown for the restaurant kitchen. Vaulted windows with views of the sea and coast which offer quiet corners to rest or the perfect place for a cocktail. A gourmet restaurant serving a creative menu of local specialties, of course overlooks the sea. There is even a champagne bar in one of the garden spaces or check out the grand tour fashioned bar space indoors with frescos on the walls.

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The public spaces are flawless and offer so many different choices of views and moods, one could be perfectly happy never leaving the hotel and still feel they had experienced the Amalfi Coast. But the piece de la resistance has to be the breathtaking infinity pool overlooking the sea from high above in this castle nest. The sharp blue of the pool melts into the blue sky above and the sea below that from the air you are swimming in the sea.

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Ravello is just outside the door and the main piazza short walk away. The concierge desk will arrange anything, from sightseeing tours, to custom excursions to experience the best in the area. Lemon grove tours, meeting a local artist or craftsmen, even a helicopter tour can be arranged. Ravello itself is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

The Belmond Caruso is perfection. There is so much to see and enjoy along the Amalfi Coast but here is a place to also relax and savour the flavour of the area at a much slower pace. Both the property and the staff are there to bring happiness, sunshine… and even a bit of limoncello into an exceptional stay.

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In Brief…

Rooms: Spacious, many with views of the sea. Luxury bathrooms with a cornucopia of designer bath products from Penhaligons. Beds are heavenly to sleep in.

Property: Elegant outdoor and indoor spaces with balcony views and manicured gardens throughout.  Fine dining restaurant with outdoor seating in season, and a full breakfast buffet in the morning. Fresco lounge bar, or choose from the champagne bar or terrace bar overlooking the gardens. And an infinity pool floating over the sea below.

Extras: The pool must be mentioned again as it is one of the most breathtaking in the world. Should you venture out of the hotel, there is a regular shuttle service to Amalfi town, and a private boat for hotel guests.

Please note, I paid for my own stay and my review is based on my personal experiences while staying at the Belmond Hotel Caruso.

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Rooms with Views: Hotel de Russie

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Not only is Rome’s Hotel de Russie fashionable, it is a tranquil oasis in the middle of all the action of La Dolce Vita…

Rome has many hotels to choose from depending on your design wants and luxury needs.  There are opulent styled rooms and hip boutiques and of course location is key. The Hotel de Russie just off the Piazza del Popolo not only has one of the best locations, it has effortless style and grace. Very polished and design forward yet without all the coldness that can bring with it. Instead the hotel is warm and welcoming, extremely comfortable not to mention remarkably quiet considering the usual noise of Rome’s trafficked streets. And of course the big draw is the enchanting garden space right in the center courtyard. All with the rest of Rome at your feet just out side the door.

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Artistic touches throughout…

From the minute you step inside  the glamorous Hotel de Russie it all feels quite zen covered in luxurious touches. The dramatic flower displays done by in house florist Sebastian Flowers are works of art themselves. Alongside the floral art are actual artistic pieces throughout the hotel. Contemporary sculpture mixed with classic roman styled pieces show what the hotel is about, the city of Rome, a city that is ancient, modern and transcending. At one point the famed painter Pable Picasso stayed here and they even have a suite to comemorate that fact. Perhaps it gives off creative vibes? But my eye moves past all of that to the light terracotta and green colours of the courtyard calling to me… “Come sit and have a prosecco…”

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But first to the room which was upgrades to a Junior Suite which gave me a little added sitting area. Calming contemporary decor in warm neutral colouring that was immediately inviting and cozy. The bed was heavenly and so comfortable, I slept like a Roman goddess to be sure. And the bathrooms were spacious, with a luxurious size bathtub to soak in, and a well lit sink area. Housekeeping kept the place immaculate and managed to always clean and pick up before my return to the room. Always a BIG plus for me. The room came with a pretty good view of the Piazza del Popolo to my right, and sweeping views of Via del Babuino below.

 

What makes all good hotels exceptional is always the service. The Concierge desk was excellent, being able to arrange tables and transport for me. I did not require tickets to many of the sights but I am sure they could have done if I had asked. Importantly their restaurant suggestions did not go off a rehearsed list of recommendations for tourists but rather were well thought out depending on the criteria given. They were knowledgeable about what was worth going to and what was new. The public spaces were impressive and service, like all Rocco Forte hotels was flawless.

The hotel boasts a restaurant, bar, and spa. The breakfast buffet can be taken in the garden during warmer months. The fashionable bar is popular among Romans as well especially the garden terrace. But I did also enjoy the indoor bar which was very stylish and the bar is also known for its exciting cocktail menu.

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I was very impressed by the Hotel de Russie and count my stay there as one of my favourites. While Rome can be an assault on all the senses, this hotel gives you a place to relax while still having all that Rome has to offer outside your door. It is easy to walk to shopping down Via de Babuino and not far from the Spanish Steps, while the charming Via Margutta is less than a minute walk from the front door. For a bit of Dolce Vita the famed Bar Canova and Piazza del Popolo is just to the right as you go out. But lets face it, if you really want to live La Dolce Vita then you need to stay at the Hotel de Russie!

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Please note I paid for my own stay at the Hotel de Russie and my review is based on that stay.

Hotel de Russie Via del Babuino, 9, 00187 Roma, Italy