As summer’s heat fades into autumn sunshine, the vast expanse of London’s royal parks, gardens and boulevards are blanketed in hues of gold and auburn. The city’s grand palaces, sparkling lakes and striking sculptures are at their most impressive when contrasted by the rich colours of fallen foliage. Discover the inimitable beauty of autumnal London atop a gleaming Pashley bicycle upon your next stay at Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair.
With the capital’s new-found focus on al fresco activities, it seemed only fitting that here at London’s first hotel, we should provide our guests with an elegant yet convenient way to explore the many outdoor attractions in our immediate vicinity. And as a family-run business with respect for quality and the preservation of heritage, England’s longest-established manufacturer of hand-built bicycles was the logical choice for this exciting new partnership. Established in 1926 by William Pashley, this classic British brand has produced hand-crafted cycles for almost a century. Today, each is made to order in Stratford-upon-Avon, its quaint leather seat and antique-style frame both chic and comfortable.
Check in to your stylish room or suite at Brown’s Hotel this autumn and let our Concierge show you to our two vintage-style Pashley cycles, awaiting your use. A picturesque sight parked outside our doors on Albermarle Street, each features a charming woven basket, ideal for holding picnic delicacies prepared by our chefs. Then it’s down to you what to discover: glide through nearby Green Park, past the glittering gates of Buckingham Palace, spotting green parakeets along the way. For a longer ride, head to Richmond Park’s Tamsin Trail for a seven-mile excursion through stunning woodland, cycling past pretty deer. Venture into Little Venice along the canal path and take in the bright houseboats bobbing gently on the water, or let our Concierge create a Great British itinerary encapsulating your chosen destinations — the choice is yours.
Book your autumnal adventure at Brown’s Hotel by emailing reservations.browns@roccofortehotels.com
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
As the gentle glow of each ornate chandelier begins to dim, a hush descends upon the audience before an all-consuming world of tragedy and triumph unfolds. Both exhilarating and deeply moving, a night at the opera has the distinct power to evoke emotion, while offering a unique insight into a perhaps unfamiliar city.
Journey through Europe’s symphony of unmissable opera houses, each steeped in history and grandeur.
They say the lobby is the beating heart of any hotel; where first impressions linger, inspiring journeys begin and end, and friends and lovers reunite. Upon entering Hotel de Rome, an immediate sense of calm is restored, as light pours in from the glass atrium and plants and palms breathe new life into the space. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, shares her inspiration behind the hotel lobby’s new look.
