Explore London and Edinburgh with Rocco Forte Hotels
Few cities in the world have more stories to tell than London. With a history stretching back to Roman times, London boasts countless world-famous landmarks, and even more less well-known treasures: take the time to seek out the remains of a Roman amphitheatre rediscovered in 1988, for example, or the Palace of Placentia, where Sir Walter Raleigh is said to have laid his cloak over a puddle so that Queen Elizabeth wouldn’t get her feet wet. Ideally, just wander the city’s streets and feel the history oozing from its pores.
As London’s first hotel, opened in Mayfair in 1837, Brown’s Hotel has many stories of its own. Over the years it has hosted a roll call of famous names, including Theodore Roosevelt, Napoleon III and Empress Eugene, and Joseph Conrad. It’s worth arranging a private tour of the hotel to fully appreciate its rich history, or take a walking Royal Warrant Tour and find out where the royal family shops.
With a medieval Old Town and an Elegant Georgian New Town, Edinburgh also has more than its fair share of historic landmarks. Dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The famous Royal Mile links the castle with Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
But perhaps Edinburgh’s most famous thoroughfare is Princes Street, famous since Victorian times for its shops and hotels. And located at 1 Princes Street is The Balmoral, a legendary hotel with a landmark clock tower. A galaxy of stars from every field have visited over the decades, including Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Paul and Linda McCartney. Allow our concierge to arrange a private history walking tour of the Old Town or find out if your ancestors played a part in Scottish history with a private genealogy session.
Reap rewards with Rocco Forte Friends
Sign up to Rocco Forte Friends and benefit from lazy day late check-outs, exclusive discounts on all dining experiences and spa treatments, as well as a number of surprise perks to be revealed throughout your visit.
To book a stay at Brown’s Hotel in the heart of London’s Mayfair, email reservations.browns@roccofortehotels.com or call +44 20 7493 6020.
To book your next visit at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, The Balmoral, email reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call +44 131 556 2414.
Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.
Along Italy’s dazzling southern coastline, two Rocco Forte Hotel retreats prepare to welcome spring’s arrival. Each destination, from Puglia’s rolling hills to the sugary shores of Sciacca, exudes charm and space to unwind while offering personalised onsite activities and local experiences.
To visit Scotland without sampling its whisky is to miss out on a defining feature of its heritage. From historic distilleries to the contemporary innovators bringing fresh perspectives to the craft, for guests of The Balmoral, the city’s whisky scene is waiting to be explored. Here’s where to start…
