What do you consider the three key ingredients to creating a successful luxury hotel?
It all comes down to comfort, first-rate service and a classic aesthetic. It’s never about hopping on the latest design trends. Service must be non-intrusive and at the same time highly professional, efficient and delivered in a friendly way. The staff are the service. They are the ones creating the luxury experience and making it all happen.
What is your latest opening and what makes it stand out?
Our last opening was Villa Igiea in June 2021. It is an iconic building which, like its original owner Franca Florio, is a grand lady of charm and elegance and a symbol of hospitality. It has been the focal point of the city of Palermo for more than 100 years hosting artists, emperors and the Hollywood elite, enraptured by the wonders of Sicily.
I’m proud to be part of the history of this remarkable hotel and restore it to its original splendour. Villa Igiea really is one of the great ladies of world hospitality.
What are the most important trends you’re seeing right now in business travel and how are Rocco Forte hotels responding to this?
In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, customer loyalty is increasingly important and business travellers rightfully expect to be rewarded for their brand allegiance. We developed a new recognition programme in 2021 called Rocco Forte Friends to ensure our members savour all the benefits like a friend of the family. Rocco Forte Friends are the first to take advantage of unique offers, attend VIP events and discover bespoke, experiential adventures.
We are also seeing more and more people take advantage of business trips and attach a few extra leisure days to their work. This makes for enhanced trips and longer stays in some of the world’s most beautiful locations.
Which is your favourite property in your collection and why?
I don’t actually have a favourite hotel. They’re like children, all different, all with an individual personality and I love them all.
Which is your favourite property in the world outside your collection and why?
I like the Plaza Athénée in Paris. A lot of the staff recognise me and welcome me beautifully each time I go. They also know what I like so I don’t have to re-state what newspaper or what juice I want in my room.
What is your pet peeve in a hotel as a guest?
A lot of hotel rooms are full of light switches and technical gimmicks. Often you need at least half an hour to figure out how everything works. I hate that.
Can you tell us about a memorable behind-the-scenes moment from your career?
Ah, there have been so many as much of the work is done behind the scenes in order for the stage to be perfect. I remember we once decided to knock down a wall for a major rock band who needed a large...
It all comes down to comfort, first-rate service and a classic aesthetic. It’s never about hopping on the latest design trends. Service must be non-intrusive and at the same time highly professional, efficient and delivered in a friendly way. The staff are the service. They are the ones creating the luxury experience and making it all happen.
What is your latest opening and what makes it stand out?
Our last opening was Villa Igiea in June 2021. It is an iconic building which, like its original owner Franca Florio, is a grand lady of charm and elegance and a symbol of hospitality. It has been the focal point of the city of Palermo for more than 100 years hosting artists, emperors and the Hollywood elite, enraptured by the wonders of Sicily.
I’m proud to be part of the history of this remarkable hotel and restore it to its original splendour. Villa Igiea really is one of the great ladies of world hospitality.
What are the most important trends you’re seeing right now in business travel and how are Rocco Forte hotels responding to this?
In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, customer loyalty is increasingly important and business travellers rightfully expect to be rewarded for their brand allegiance. We developed a new recognition programme in 2021 called Rocco Forte Friends to ensure our members savour all the benefits like a friend of the family. Rocco Forte Friends are the first to take advantage of unique offers, attend VIP events and discover bespoke, experiential adventures.
We are also seeing more and more people take advantage of business trips and attach a few extra leisure days to their work. This makes for enhanced trips and longer stays in some of the world’s most beautiful locations.
Which is your favourite property in your collection and why?
I don’t actually have a favourite hotel. They’re like children, all different, all with an individual personality and I love them all.
Which is your favourite property in the world outside your collection and why?
I like the Plaza Athénée in Paris. A lot of the staff recognise me and welcome me beautifully each time I go. They also know what I like so I don’t have to re-state what newspaper or what juice I want in my room.
What is your pet peeve in a hotel as a guest?
A lot of hotel rooms are full of light switches and technical gimmicks. Often you need at least half an hour to figure out how everything works. I hate that.
Can you tell us about a memorable behind-the-scenes moment from your career?
Ah, there have been so many as much of the work is done behind the scenes in order for the stage to be perfect. I remember we once decided to knock down a wall for a major rock band who needed a large...
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Business Traveller Uk (Digital) - 1 Issue, September 2023