Rocco Forte Hotels’ 25th-anniversary celebration sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To commemorate this impressive milestone, the brand launched a Musical Suite Service, giving guests intimate, immersive musical and culinary experiences from the resplendent comfort of a signature suite across its European hotels.
Each property partnered with local musicians (like a bagpiper in Scotland), opera houses (like the Berlin State Opera) and other musical institutions and experts to ensure the cultural authenticity of the private performances. Check into these hotels for a bespoke concert:
Initially constructed in 1893, Tuscany’s grande dame underwent renovation in 2018 to fortify the property’s opulent grandeur with Florentine fashion house Emilio Pucci giving the lobby and restaurant terrace a makeover. But you’ll spend your time in another stylish space at the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel. In the Presidential Suite, listen to arias from opera singers or a singing duo will as you enjoy a traditional moonlit Tuscan dinner from the hotel’s Irene restaurant for an unforgettable romantic evening.
The Five-Star hotel, a converted 19th-century bank, sits on the bustling Unter den Linden boulevard just across the square from Berlin’s opera house, which is visible from the Royal Bebel Suite’s 82-foot terrace. Here, savor highly acclaimed chef Tim Mälzer’s Italian and Japanese fusion flavors with a meal from Hotel de Rome’s elegant CHIARO restaurant to accompany a live performance by members of the International Opera Studio of the Berlin State Opera.
The hotel has provided a haven of discretion and luxury from the commotion of Rome’s city center for guests like Pablo Picasso, composer Igor Stravinsky and poet Jean Cocteau since the early 19th century. It will serve as a refuge for you, too, as you enjoy your own private opera or operetta. A soprano’s harmony accompanied by a guitarist or accordion player and respected chef Fulvio Pierangelini’s en-suite Italian dinner will enchant you.
The Brussels hotel’s original building dates to 1522. It has deep roots in the city’s culture, hosting the elite during the 1958 World’s Fair and featuring décor like 18th-century Flemish tapestries and original works by Belgian painter René Magritte. For your own cultural experience, Belgian jazz singer and piano player Druss Lecomte performs as part of a duo or solo for dinner served in the Blaton Suite — famed musician Serge Gainsbourg’s preferred place to stay during his regular visits.
The Balmoral’s turrets and castle-like exterior make it a landmark in Scotland’s capital. The Victorian-style property first provided railroad travelers with a luxurious place to stay, given its proximity to Edinburgh Waverley train station. Enjoy the country’s quintessential soundtrack with the hotel’s partnership with bagpiper Louise Marshall, nicknamed “Scotland’s National Piper.” The personalized experience in the Glamis Suite also comes with a performance from Scottish dancers and whisky poured from a more than 500-dram collection.
Composed of 11 Georgian-style townhouses, London’s oldest hotel boasts a long history of illustrious guests, Queen Victoria and Theodore Roosevelt among them. Invite your own musical guest, whether it be a harpist, guitarist or even a quartet. With the guidance of the Five-Star hotel’s private music curator Sandy Burnett and his extensive knowledge, you can create the personal concert of your dreams selected from various genres to enjoy alongside a dinner of contemporary British fare from the beloved Charlie’s by chef Adam Byatt.
Villa Igiea, Palermo
Formerly a lavish private palazzo, the converted hotel retains the glamour from the Belle Époque. The terrace bar overlooking the Gulf of Palermo is the hot spot during cocktail hour. The hotel once provided the backdrop for many musical performances and musical dramas. Experience the essence of Villa Igiea with a choice between a trio or the group Antiche Serenate Notturne to serenade you with love songs underneath the Sicilian stars.
Hotel de la Ville, Rome
Sitting atop Rome’s Spanish Steps with panoramic views of the city’s historic center and Vatican City, Hotel de la Ville radiates Old World luxury. Watch the sun set over Rome on the suite terrace while listening to traditional Roman music. Select a classical violinist, a jazz saxophonist or another performer with help from the Five-Star hotel’s expert musical concierge.
