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“Chatting with Holly” and Sir Rocco Forte

20th January 2021

“The thing I am most proud of is the culture that we have created at our hotel collection” Sir Rocco Forte

Holly chats to Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, an incredible collection of luxury hotels, including the iconic Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, London. Click here to listen.

The Rocco Forte Collection of hotels was founded in 1996 and is made up of iconic landmark properties that are all situated in exceptional locations. “Each of our properties is individual – each has its own personality, and each is authentic to its city. All are landmarks, both old and new, occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional locations”. The Forte team are certainly masters at creating wonderful experiences and making their properties stand out from the crowd and ultimately deliver the most authentic stays for every guest. A veteran of the hospitality industry, Sir Rocco’s philosophy is certainly customer orientated and all staff are given a sense of belonging and being part of something very special.

“The warmth and atmosphere created is what it is all about and this comes from our GM’s and their staff”

A lot of thought goes into the essence of each of the hotels, which are interestingly designed by Sir Rocco’s sister, Olga. Each property will work with local artists and designers to incorporate key events or special residents, and it is this sense of place, that is so important to the brand and the most important pillar of their ethos.

   

A Dream Escape favourite is the J.K. Rowling Suite in The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. This elegant Suite beautifully blends contemporary design accents with unique features to magical effect. Enter the suite, past the owl door knocker, and walk through the star-filled entranceway into the lounge. From the marble bust of Hermes that J.K. Rowling signed when she finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this very suite, to the antique furnishings, this light-flooded space is adorned with quirky items. Large windows reveal stunning views of Calton Hill, while turreted alcoves add charm.

 

We also love the Kiplin Suite in Brown’s Hotel in London. Named after esteemed author Rudyard Kipling, who penned The Jungle Book at Brown’s Hotel, the Kipling Suite is their most distinguished residence. From the cheeky monkey statue outside the door to a framed handwritten letter from the author himself, there are playful nods to Kipling throughout.

Sir Rocco was excited to share some new development news in the UK with Holly as well as some very interesting insights into the travel industry, so if you want to hear more, listen to the podcast now.

“Thank you Dream Escape for the support you give us” Sir Rocco Forte

 

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