Italy // Classic Vacations + Signature Travel Network April 2018
ROME, FLORENCE & VENICE:
What an amazing experience! Classic Vacations did a wonderful job with all of the arrangements and you should sell their product with 100% confidence. Good to know that mid to late April used to be before high season but has recently started to be the beginning of high season and so much busier than it used to be. Weather can be a bit iffy in April but we lucked out and had a gorgeous week of 60’s and 70’s with sunshine and no rain.
ROME, 3 NIGHTS, APRIL 17 – APRIL 20:
GRAND VIA VENETO, 4-1/2 STAR, Host Hotel:
Located in the city center on the exclusive via Veneto walking distance to Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Murano Glass chandeliers, black granite floors, cast iron banisters, sleek wood furniture arts by Picasso, Dali and many more. Michelin starred “Magnolia” restaurant; intimate, fine dining.
Rooms and hallways need face lift, new paint, carpet and wallpaper. Suites are much nicer and many updated. Good option for families with connecting rooms and suites.
Fabulous location on Via Veneto walking distance to shopping centers, etc.
Had a cooking demonstration with Michelin Star Chef Franco Madama with two course lunch; very unique. Used the concept of food gathered from the woods. He served the salad on white tiles instead of plates! Different but delicious.
ROME HOTEL SITE INSPECTIONS:
WESTIN EXCELSIOR ROME, 4-1/2 STAR:
Glamour of early, 20th century Europe with up-to-date luxuries and convenience including health club and business center. Amenities same all room categories great for clients who love history. Modern with old world charm, built in 1906.
Two styles of rooms, Imperial Rome and Beidermeir, Art Deco. Deluxe lead in rooms lovely with large bath, deluxe grand oversized rooms, grand deluxe suite, 1-1/2 bath, living room and Venetian Suite, like apartment and Villa La Copola, largest suite in Europe, two living rooms, theatre room, top floor with wrap around deck facing US Embassy, 7 bedrooms, 11,000 sq feet, 20,000 euros per night. Across the street from U.S. Embassy. Indoor pool and Turkish bath.
Grand Deluxe Rooms large, fireplaces that don’t work but nice touch, 1-1/2 baths, separate living room.
All rooms are different.
Venetian Suite like an apartment, outstanding art, gorgeous.
Villa La Copola largest suite in Europe. Walk in closets, incredible art, two living rooms, theatre room to watch movies, upstairs workout room, whirlpool, seven connecting bedrooms, 11,000 sq. Feet, and across the street from U.S. Embassy. Rack rates 20,000 Euro per night!
ST. REGIS ROME, 5-STAR:
On the list of 500 Greatest Hotels in the World modern contemporary. Highly regarded Vivendo restaurant, traditional Asian SPA and secluded wellness center. Opulent but comfortable and not stuffy. Gorgeous art, chandelier, in lobby. Had hors d’ oeuvres and dinner and was very good. In process of restoration of all rooms and when finished, all rooms will offer butler service.
DE RUSSIE HOTEL, 5-STAR:
Luxury property, part of Rocco group, offers a sauna, spa services, 24-Hour business center, 4 meeting rooms, terrace with on-site parking. Near Spanish Steps. Shares property with Villa De Borghese Gardens so views amazing and has the “Secret Garden”. Small property very famous with celebrities due to its privacy and three entrances and exits! Contemporary hotel good for families.
Gran Ventana and Royal Suites amazing.
SPLENDIDE ROYALE, 4-1/2 STAR:
Designer shops just a 10 minute walk away. Rooftop restaurant frequented by Italian politicians and celebrities. Across from Villa Borghese Gardens in downtown Rome.
All room categories the same except for the size. All rooms and suites lovely. Connecting rooms for large families.
HOTEL EDEN, DORCHESTER COLLECTION, 5-STAR:
Hotel offers piano bar and Maestro playing Italian music in lobby, outdoor dining , fitness center, 24-hour room service. Children receive special amenities.
French Architect and his Designer wife designed all of the rooms so very French. Bright colors such as white and golds. Entry level rooms very nice. Signature Suite huge, two levels with special amenities; 5 ports on each side of the bed for charging, 85” TV in living room with turntable playing Italian music, same bed that Queen Elizabeth sleeps in.
Had Dinner at the rooftop restaurant by Michelin starred Chef Fabio Ciervo. Tour of new amazing kitchen. Fabulous special meal.
HOTEL MAJESTIC, LEADING HOTELS OF THE WORLD, 4-1/2 STAR:
Centrally located in Rome, steps from Via Vittorio Veneto and Via Veneto, close to Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
HOTEL HASSLER ROMA, 5-STAR:
Many services offered including babysitting, Doctor on call, outdoor parking , laundry and more.
Dinner at Imago, a Michelin Starred restaurant. Very good.
FLORENCE, 2 NIGHTS, APRIL 20 – APRIL 22:
HELVETIA & BRISTOL, 4-STAR, Host Hotel:
Set 200 meters from the Duomo, across from Palazzo Strozzi and one block from Via Tornabuoni, one of Florence’s famous shopping streets. Famous artists works and authors in the small library.
Original owners Swiss. Hotel full of important artwork and antiques. Not a good choice for a client that does not appreciate old furnishings.
Many room categories, tapestry on the walls along with wallpaper. Great amenities such as a Handy Phone with free l.d. calls and internet! Bathroom in my room small and had claw foot tub shower combo. Tub very high and hard to get into. Very narrow and almost fell a few times . Request room with separate tub shower, safer.
FLORENCE HOTEL SITE INSPECTIONS:
Cars not allowed in city center without permits. Public transport taxis and mopeds ok with permit.
GRAND HOTEL VILLA MEDICI, Marriott Autograph collection,4-1/2 STAR:
A former noble’s palace 3 blocks from Santa Mari Novella Church. Ornate décor and furnishings. Amenities include 2 restaurants, fitness equipment, sauna, bar, 24 hour room service, meeting rooms and swimming pool. Rooms have beautiful view of Florence. Most rooms have terraces. City center hotel with pool great location. E bike rentals. Great lounge area, best pizza in town.
Rooms under stated but very nice. Wood floors, mountain views, refurbished 2014-2017. Rooms ok size.
HOTEL SAVOY, A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL, 5-STAR:
Historical architecture, elegant contemporary and located in the heart of the city. Gorgeous colors and art. Just finished major remodel. Personal trainer and new gym.
80 rooms, two story Panoramic Ste w Duomo view.
Duomo Presidential Suite gorgeous with view of Duomo and square. Wrap around terrace and interconnects with Classic rooms.
Panoramic Suite 2 floors, very romantic, great for couples.
HOTEL BRUNELLESCHI, 4-1/2 STAR:
Two connecting historic buildings and a medieval church have been restored and the hotel offers a small museum in the basement. Great location near Duomo. Very elegant and nicely decorated. Old world charm.
No rooms available as all rooms full so saw a slide presentation. Amazing rooms. Very high end clients here.
Had dinner w Chef Rocco. Best meal ever with very unique, yummy dishes
BELMOND VILLA SAN MICHELE, 4-1/2 STAR:
Old monastery 20 minute drive from Florence on a hillside overlooking the city; beautiful views! Small luxury hotel with a façade attributed to Michelangelo. Great option for those wanting serenity, peace and quiet. Fabulous location for small, destination wedding or honeymoon. Beautiful grounds and gardens.
45 rooms. Gorgeous Deluxe Suite up many steps, private, small outdoor pool.
PORTRAIT FIRENEZE SUITES:
Intimate suites, charming hotel with wonderful view of the Ponte Vecchio, San Miniato, the Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti. SPA is off property and they do offer babysitting.
All suites great for families.
Penthouse, 2 Bedroom Suite is an apartment, modern decor and fabulous.
HOTEL LUNGARNO, 4-1/2 STAR:
The only hotel in Florence located on the Arno river; gorgeous property. Starred restaurant Borgo San Jacopo directed by star chef Peter Brunel.
VILLA LA MASSA, 5-STAR:
Was originally an estate for the Medici family in the 16th century. Is now a 37 room hotel on 22 acres of gardens and is a seasonal property. Onsite groves and wine cellar, 15 minutes from town. Intimate property with beautiful spa and gym. Beautiful pool area and bar. Great for families. Will be remodeling during off season this year adding 9 acres of land and more rooms.
Suites are gorgeous and every room is very different.
Had dinner here and a wonderful sea bass.
VENICE, 2 NIGHTS, APRIL 22 – APRIL 24:
BAUER HOTEL PALLAZZO, 4-1/2 STAR, Host Hotel:
San Marco minutes from the La Fenice Opera House and St. Mark’s Basilica, close to Santa Maria del Giglio and Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo located on the Grand Canal. Gorgeous property with two buildings. This property is the one I enjoyed staying at the most.
I was in a Pallazzo room and I could not find one thing wrong with my room. Very comfortable, everything in great condition and working, beautiful bathroom with great shower, huge whirlpool tub, two vanities and gold faucets and fixtures, very palatial. Nice sitting area with couch, table and desk, good size with canal view. Comfortable bed and linens.
VENICE HOTEL SITE INSPECTIONS:
CA’SAGREDO HOTEL, 5-STAR:
Features 17th and 18th-century masterpieces in the lobby, personal trainers And personal shoppers, upon request. Has two hands sticking out of the water in front of the hotel. National Museum owned by noble Sagrado family. Galileo stayed and wrote here. Great for weddings and events. Feels and looks like a palace. Many room categories. Very luxurious.
96 rooms, all rooms very nice , Galileo suite amazing. Historical Suite amazing and unique.
BELMOND HOTEL CIPRIANI, 5-STAR:
Hotel offers babysitting, pool, restaurant, fitness center, spa, laundry, business center and banquet facilities. Private water taxi every 10 minutes. Two beautiful gardens unique and located on the canal.
15 room categories.
Not able to see any rooms as full.
Gorgeous gardens with own pond with ducks and a white resident bunny.
1 star Michelin restaurant, dress code very dressy. Had an excellent dinner here.
AMAN HOTEL:
Very unique on Grand Canal with unique gardens. 500 years old and considered one of 8 monumental places. They have a 1 Star Michelin Chef. George Clooney has a bedroom here. Casanova born here and stayed and wrote here. Library covered in Córdoba leather. Count and Countess still live here on top floor. Rooftop terrace and spa. 100% plastic free, use rice straws. Elegant Fresco on ceilings. Property for very rich and/or famous. Big party during carnival in February with masked ball in St. Mark’s Square.
Historical with 24rooms, all different. Could not see any totally booked.
THE GRITTI PALACE, 5-STAR:
On Venice’s Grand Canal. Was a private home built in 1475 for the noble Pisani family. Once the official residences of Vatican’s ambassadors to Venice. Opulent opened 1911 and renovated 2014. Amazing property for high end clients and good for families and those who need accessible room as most all rooms have roll-in showers with suites and connecting rooms.
Lead in room, Sea Suite, gorgeous.
Sommerset Suite amazing!
DANIELLE EXCELSIOR, 4-1/2 STAR:
3 buildings, Excelsior, Historical Main building and Casanova. Excelsior built 1948 and was the first grand hotel of Venice. Be sure to qualify client on type of decor they like. Excelsior more modern. The Tourist was filmed hear in the lobby and terrace. Historical Main building gorgeous with antiques . Casanova flowered tapestry walls. Terrace restaurant is biggest selling feature of this hotel. Corner view of the canal.
Luxury Room lagoon view, Juliet Balcony or Terrace.
Terrace restaurant has fabulous corner view of the canal which is the main selling point for this property.
BAGLIONI HOTEL LUNA, 5-STAR:
San Marco hotel minutes from St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica. Was a church unit 1808 and is oldest hotel in Venice. Baglioni family converted to hotel and still owns it.
Gorgeous rooms and suites of proper Venetian design.
Hotel hosted a cocktail hour on the rooftop private terrace of the amazing Georgioni Suite; amazing dinner for the group. Everything was fabulous and service outstanding.
TRAINS:
ROME TO FLORENCE:
ITALO train Roma Tiburtina station to Florence Santa Maria Novella station, fabulous experience. The station was beautiful, clean and very easy to navigate. Shopping mall downstairs. Executive seats in private section, large seats, snacks and beverages and private lounge area at the station. Very much recommend this class of service. Clients have to handle own luggage.
FLORENCE TO VENICE:
Frecciargento train Santa Maria Novella station to Venice Santa Lucia station. Nice station, easy. First Class seats, nice and comfortable with snacks
TRANSFERS:
Classic Vacations uses W3 and they provided airport transfers and tours. Outstanding company with wonderful service, all luxury cars less than 3 years old. HIGHLY recommend this company.
VENICE:
WATER TAXI:
Santa Lucia station to Danielle Hotel.
Private transfer, Danielle Hotel to airport and W3 driver canal to airport. Very much recommend these private transfers.
TOURS:
ROME:
W3, CRYPTS AND CATACOMBS , 3-HOURS:
Visit Capuchin Crypt, home of the bones of Friars. Crypt of the resurrection of Jesus and St. Domitilla Catacombs. Very interesting. Not good for anyone very claustrophobic. Entire room with decor made of human bones. Some found it amazingly interesting, others were creeped out!
W3, VIP VATICAN TOUR, COLOSSEUM & VATICAN MUSEUMS, SISTINE CHAPEL & ST. PETER, 5-HOURS:
Driver and Private Guide, Skip The Line Tour.
Most amazing tour. We spent about two hours but a person could spend the entire day. VERY IMPORTANT CLIENT BOOKS A SKIP THE LINE TOUR. OTHERWSIE COULD SPEND FULL DAY IN LINE AND NEVER GET IN. Organization of the entire property excellent and never felt chaotic. Went through the Vatican, beautiful Sistine Chapel and our tour guide was outstanding. So much knowledge of the history, funny and engaging. He also gave private tour to Bill Gates. Be sure to choose tour companies that have guides with this level of knowledge. So many beautiful tile pictures, paintings, tapestry’s and floors. This tour is NOT just for religious reasons. Also great for anyone interested in the amazing architecture, history of the romans and much more. Also did a drive by of The Colosseum with stops for pictures. Can walk around on the sidewalk over for free or take a tour and walk down and around the Colosseum which is a very long walk.
FLORENCE:
Perfume shop.
Owned by Pharmacist. She makes perfume, potpourri, essential oils. Workshop customizing perfume for each of us. Lots of fun!
VENICE:
Gondola ride was great. The gondola in front of us had a singer we got to enjoy for free! Normally have to pre arrange and pay for.
GONDOLA MAKING TOUR:
Went to a local craftsman who explained how they make gondolas. Very interesting and fun even if not interested in boating. Boats all hand made from different types of would from all over the world. It takes a total of about 6 months to make and this shop makes one a year. They last 30-50 years and cost $45,000+.
MISC:
Can take a private bait Venice to Rovigno Croatia in about 2hours!
-Gene
