The Rocco Forte Collection unveils festive experiences

October 2010 -The Rocco Forte Collection, the European luxury hotel group, has launched a choice of memorable experiences designed to help travellers ‘journey’ through the festive season. Choosing from personal gift shopping, festive family celebrations, romantic Christmas breaks or seeing in the New Year in one of Europe’s finest locations - all are sure to make this year extra special. Available at 13 hotels and resorts* in a choice of seven countries, each with its own unique style and distinct character, guaranteed to provide an unforgettable and luxurious backdrop for Christmas 2010. 

Christmas shopping with a personal touch
Christmas is a time for giving and thinking of others, but with the high street soon to be crowded with hordes of flustered shoppers, just the thought of finding that perfect gift can be enough to fill even the most seasoned of shoppers with dread. This year, The Rocco Forte Collection is offering guests Christmas shopping with a personal touch. With 12 hotels located in Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities – home to fashion boutiques, international luxury brands, innovative local designers and traditional favourites – they make for the perfect escape from the festive rush while the Collection’s team of personal shoppers guarantee the Christmas wish list is fully taken care of.

From finding the perfect wooden toy in one of Prague’s hidden shops to teaming up with style consultant Linda Van Waesberghe to track down a unique dress by in Brussels’ fashion district or sourcing the rarest of balsamic vinegars in Florence to securing a bespoke piece of jewellery for a loved one courtesy of Urban Gentry’s Kevin Caruth in London, The Rocco Forte Collection has it covered. Guests simply email their gift requirements to a team of shopping experts who will provide recommendations, ready to be snapped up upon arrival and with gift wrapping taken care of too.
 
The Christmas Shopping Experience is available from 29 October to 19 December 2010 and includes gift recommendations from the hotel’s shopping expert plus wrapping for up to five items.

Festive Family Fun
Parents seeking a completely stress-free Christmas this year, can celebrate in luxurious style, safe in the knowledge their children are having a truly memorable time. Designed to capture the true spirit of Christmas, the Family Festive Celebration package will ensure families have plenty to keep them entertained during their stay. With separate kids rooms featuring a variety of games and DVD’s, adults can slip away to enjoy award-winning restaurants or relax in luxurious spas. Children staying on the 24th December can also look forward to a fun-filled stay, with lots of special festive activities taking place, including a personal visit from Santa Claus, to round off a magical day.

The Family Festive Celebration package is available from 23 December to 28 December 2010 and includes two interconnecting or adjacent rooms, reduced food and beverage rates for children under 12, complimentary welcome gift and treats for each child, a choice of children’s accessories and amenities and use of a selection of games and DVD’s. Activities may include, a children’s party, Christmas storytelling, Elf’s Santa letter writing session or gingerbread house making class.

Romance and relaxation this Christmas
Those looking for a bit of romance to surprise their loved one this festive season can steal away at The Rocco Forte Collection’s intimate hotels. With its Festive Escapes package guests can explore the winter wonderland of St Petersburg at Hotel Astoria, soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Christmas market in Munich. Gourmet feasts prepared by the Collection’s acclaimed team of chefs, spa treatments easing away any cares and plenty of Champagne will guarantee this year’s festivities are enjoyed in peaceful bliss.

The Festive Escapes package is available from 23 December to 28 December 2010 and includes, dinner for two, a bottle of Champagne, a spa treatment for two, a gift and fresh flowers in the room. Transfers to Christmas mass are also available.  

After the Christmas festivities, count down to 2011 and enjoy a ringside view of the New Year’s celebrations in one of 13 European cities and resorts. For more information on any of the festive and New Year experiences, visit www.roccofortecollection.com

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For further information:

Ilse Van Steen/Nicola McShane
The Rocco Forte Collection
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7766 3137/3107
Email: pressinformation@roccofortecollection.com

Notes to Editors:

Terms and conditions
All packages are subject to availability and are for a minimum of two nights in selected room types and include breakfast. Executive and Deluxe Suites will have their own Christmas tree in the main bedroom. Those wishing to dine on 24 December may incur an additional charge. *Christmas Shopping package is not available at Verdura Resort & Spa.

The Rocco Forte Collection
The Rocco Forte Collection is a family of 13 individual hotels and resorts. Each property has a unique style, reflecting its nationality and location, but all share The Rocco Forte Collection’s trademark attention to detail, high quality and immaculate service.

Established by Sir Rocco Forte in 1996, The Rocco Forte Collection comprises: Hotel de Russie, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; The Lowry Hotel, Manchester; Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg; Hotel Amigo, Brussels; Brown’s Hotel, London; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; The Charles Hotel, Munich; The Augustine, Prague; Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily. Future openings: Abu Dhabi 2010; Marrakech 2012; Jeddah 2012; Cairo 2013.

www.roccofortecollection.com