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RELAIS CARLO V.

GALLIPOLI (Salento, Puglia)

One cannot deny the richness of Puglia's cultural offerings, coupled with a topography enriched with a diverse coastline on three sides, stunning inner land towns and hundreds of thousands of ancient olive trees still producing olives and therefore its by product : olive oil. 

The Salento region of Puglia is a culture within a culture with its own geographical area in the most southernmost portion of Italy's heel. Some of the cities and towns that must not be missed are Lecce, Gallipoli, Nardò amongst many others.

In this post I want to showcase an outstanding small hotel in Gallipoli.

Gallipoli is considered by most as a summer beach destination, but it is much more than that. Actually it is a town with three distinct sections: the beach strip and its neighborhood, the ancient walled town and bay, and finally the more "modern" shopping and residential area.

Relais Carlo V resides in the latter of the three, yet just a 10 minute leisurely walk to the  historical ancient part of town.  One needs to understand that the adjective " modern" must be placed in a different chronological sphere when speaking of Italy! This former private residence is far from contemporary, rather it is a traditionally old world town-home nestled just a few steps off the main shopping drag called  Corso Roma.

It is ensconced behind a huge wooden  door, which opens to a surprisingly bright and airy courtyard leading to a magnificent white staircase which in turn leads to the main floor of the home featuring the guest rooms as well as the breakfast room and a spectacular terrace.

The 8 rooms are all different one from the other, but their common denominator is spaciousness, airiness and brightness, high ceilings, modern efficient bathrooms and some of the most comfortable beds and pillows I've had the pleasure of resting my head on. Some of the rooms even boast jacuzzis and loft spaces.

The highest compliment one may bestow on a hotel is not about  the beauty of the rooms, or the amenities one can find there, but in my subjective view it is the way one is welcomed and made to feel while there. On that count Relais Carlo V receives my highest accolades!

You will feel at "home" while residing there. You will meet Antonella and Elena and shy "Ciccio" who will pamper you, advise you, meet your every request and needs  with a genuine smile and courteous generosity. 

This is definitely a recommended place to lay one's head after touring around Salento, eating in its many succulent kitchens and lingering in one of hundreds of street side cafés....adult beverage in hand!

It has instantly become one of my favorites!

LA ZANZARA...Rome's newest hangout!

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While in the US a great cocktail bar may not be synonymous with equally scrumptious food, in Rome this is certainly not the case.

Take for example the bustling tavern in the Prati neighborhood of Rome: La Zanzara.

At first impact, this could be Soho in NY, or The Marais in Paris or one of many trendy spots in London. The young  well heeled, energetic  crowd gathered around the elongated bar are gregarious and animated as they enjoy uniquely concocted cocktails. 

Moving beyond the bar area, are closely gathered tables crowded with equally well attired Roman professionals, enjoying either the small dishes  or the main courses and specials offered from the extensive menu.  There are burgers, but also burrata...simple salads but also carbonara. The mood is upbeat, the drinks uniquely satisfying, the food exceptional.

What more can one ask? This is Rome, the eternally evolving city!

http://www.lazanzararoma.com/en/

Rome: SPLENDIDE ROYAL HOTEL

Splendide Royal Roma
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I had the pleasure recently to spend a couple of nights in the Splendide Royal Hotel and I must say every aspect of my visit exceeded all expectations.

This is truly a "home away from home" , albeit a baroque palace from the 18th century

transformed from a unique private residence into an intimately elegant boutique hotel literally in the center of bustling Rome.

The lobby and common areas on the ground floor are more reminiscent of a residence rather than a hotel, and the familiarity is further enhanced by the incredible warmth and friendliness of the staff who take the time to acknowledge each guest by name with graciousness and a genuine smile.

One is immediately surrounded by a sense of history, from the portraits of important religious and historical personages, to the rare Murano chandelier hanging quite prominently in the lobby area, which could easily be alluded to as the palace's " living room", such is the intimacy of this elegant property.

The rooms are airy, bright and larger than average for a city hotel. Every aspect of the guest's comfort and expectations has been considered including such small but important touches as multiple plug outlets with built in adapters for electronic gadgets, and spacious efficient bathrooms with upscale amenities throughout. The attention to the guests' comfort continues to such details as an above average turn down service providing bottled water, a weather forecast for the following day, an elegantly wrapped sweet, bedroom slippers and floor mat.

The Crystal room on the sixth floor is a pleasant surprise, offering a panoramic  view of Rome while enjoying a fresh, varied and plentiful breakfast. The staff here also is attentive yet unobtrusive.

The absolute crown on this rather regal structure is however the ubiquitous Mirabelle restaurant on the seventh floor. Here again the personal and elegant touches provided personally by the owners, makes this a "must see, must experience" feature. The sense of intimacy and familiarity continues here, enhanced by top notch service, drinks and food prepared by very capable barmen, and a superb chef. However it is the breathtaking panoramic birds eye view of the Eternal City that will forever change one's perception of what mundane hotel dining could be.

Guests here are invited to share the award winning spa at its sister property Parco dei Principi hotel, via a free shuttle. This too an additional perk.

This elegant palace is literally steps away from the Spanish steps, shopping and bustling crowds, yet it is ensconced on a side street secluded enough to provide a quiet oasis from the raucous masses.

ROME'S PARCO DEI PRINCIPI HOTEL

As a travel planner for several decades first for Empress Travel/Cavalcade Tours, now American Express, Italy has always been the primary destination for my various clients.

As a native of Rome and an Italy specialist, I know that being in a central city location, yet away from the cacophony of Roman life is the ideal solution for the discriminating traveler.

Parco dei Principi Hotel has evolved in the last few years from a primarily business and group oriented hotel, into  the the "urban resort" par excellence it has now become.

The recent upgrades and careful retouches  have transformed this  structure into the premier hotel it always was meant to be. From the rich yet subtle touches of traditional furnishings coupled with modern functional bathrooms, each room category offers the guests either a breathtaking view of Rome's unique panorama, or a glimpse of the historic rooftops adjacent to the vast Villa Borghese gardens. 

The common rooms are vast, welcoming and well appointed, the bar and dining venues exclusive yet comfortable, allowing the  guest  to feel special yet at ease.

The Michelin starred chef joining the restaurant staff will further enhance the uniqueness and  gastronomic importance of the hotel.

Last but not least, the recently awarded urban spa, carefully ensconced below ground, adjacent to the main building of the hotel is a destination onto itself. Being named the very best hotel spa in Europe by Conde Nast is well deserved and no small feat.

Hotel guests have free access and are welcomed by a professional, friendly staff who meticulously guide the first time visitor to the myriad of options offered by the huge, elegant complex.

A unique feature, a rare one at that in the city of Rome, is the vast outdoor swimming pool, nestled in an intimate park which also features the remnants of an ancient Roman aqueduct.

An outdoor bar/ casual restaurant completes the total resort feeling of the hotel.

Parco dei Principi is truly a stand out amongst the handful of luxury hotels in Rome.It is the only centrally located luxury urban oasis in the eternal city