‘The Jungle Book’, by Rudyard Kipling
Brown’s Hotel, London
Book lovers will find plenty to write home about in London, including the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the bookshops of Charing Cross Road and of course Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey, where numerous writers have been laid to rest over the centuries.
Brown’s Hotel has hosted many authors over the years, and perhaps the most frequent visitor was the journalist, poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling. He wrote ‘The Jungle Book’ at Brown’s, and as a result, the hotel’s most distinguished residence has been named after him. The stunningly appointed Kipling Suite displays a framed handwritten letter from the author himself. For more details on London’s literary legends, speak to our dedicated concierge team, who will arrange a bespoke walking tour of the city’s literary landmarks at a time that suits you.
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’
The Balmoral, Edinburgh
The gothic spires of Edinburgh’s Scott Monument commemorate the famous author Sir Walter Scott, and are testament to Edinburgh’s proud literary heritage, which runs from Robert Louis Stevenson to Irvine Welsh and is maintained by its annual International Book Festival, which will take place 14th-30th August at a new location; the Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh. The city’s cobbled streets and imposing architecture were also an inspiration for J.K.Rowling, who wrote much of her work in the city.
The Balmoral is just a short walk from the Scott Monument, and it was here, in Room 552, that J.K.Rowling spent many nights completing the final book of the Harry Potter series. Having written her final full stop, she celebrated by commemorating her achievement on a marble bust in the room – which can be found displayed in a glass case in what has now been renamed the J.K.Rowling Suite. Guests can immerse themselves in the space where Rowling wrote those final chapters, and a walking tour of local literary sites can also be arranged.
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.
Enjoy a stylish escape in the heart of London’s Mayfair by emailing reservations.browns@roccofortehotels.com or calling +44 20 7493 6020.
Book a magical escape to Edinburgh’s only Forbes 5-star rated hotel, The Balmoral, by emailing reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or calling +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…
