‘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.
While air travel becomes ever more functional, the pleasures of the train are undeniable. you can lose yourself in a book, chat with your favourite people or watch from the window as scrolling landscapes unfold. A rediscovered love for rail journeys and a move towards more sustainable travel has fuelled a European-wide rail revolution over the last few years – but Italy has been running its brilliant services for decades.
What makes a ‘five-star’ experience? Between seamless hospitality and indulgent surroundings, Forbes Travel Guide knows a thing or two about luxury service. As the only independent rating system for international luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas, we are delighted that six of our hotels are amongst the winners of its 2024 Five-Star Awards. Read on to uncover some of the highlights…
Take a moment to picture the scene. You’re sipping a glass of ruby-red wine on a sun-drenched terrace, overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany. Below you, the city of Florence stretches out like a tapestry, its iconic Duomo and terracotta rooftops bathed in golden light. A gentle breeze carries the scent of wildflowers and ripe grapes, and the distant hum of the city.
