Hosting heads of state is nothing new for The Leading Hotels of the World. Members remain at the ready by regularly updating, and sometimes launching new, premium suite accommodations perfect for welcoming presidents of countries, captains of industry, and those simply looking for exceptional travel experiences. Here are just a few of the brand new – or newly renovated – top-flight suites and villas awaiting VIP arrivals.
Ideally located near the city’s most famous historical and artistic attractions, such as Piazza San Marco and Palazzo Ducale, Luna Hotel Baglioni is housed in an aristocratic Venetian palace that dates back to 12th century. This spring, the hotel unveiled its third-floor San Giorgio Terrace Suite, boasting 150 square meters of stylish interior space, as well as a private 100-square-meter terrace overlooking San Giorgio Island and St. Mark’s Basin. Designed by architects Rebosio+Spagnulo of Milan, it comprises an expansive living and dining area, two bedrooms and two marble-clad bathrooms. Contemporary Italian elements are complemented by wood paneling, fine French and Venetian fabrics, Versailles parquet flooring and Fortuny lamps. Original artwork and hand-crafted antiques from the personal collection of founder and president of Baglioni Hotels provide the finishing touches. Guests of the San Giorgio Terrace Suite will also enjoy exclusive amenities to make their stay unforgettable, such as complimentary transfers, the assistance of a private butler, the option of taking a cooking class with the hotel’s chef, a special Venetian gift and a sunset cocktail on the large, private terrace. Rates start from EUR 4,500 per night, excluding VAT.
Monte Carlo is sparkling a bit brighter following the recent reopening of the famed Carré d’Or Suite at Hôtel Métropole. Located on the top floor of the hotel, the suite offers an exceptional 130 square meters of interior space and an expansive 110-square-meter terrace, with unrivaled views of the Casino de Monte Carlo, its gardens and Mediterranean Sea. Designed by world-renowned Jacques Garcia, the suite is decorated with Louis XVI furniture, majestic art objects and an impressive collection of celebrated books. Garcia´s signature at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo is expressed through his woodwork, parquet and ivory decoration. The apartment provides guests with a large living room, an impressive master bedroom, a dressing room with vanity cupboard, and a luxurious marble and gold-accented bathroom. The rate starts at EUR 10,000 per night, and includes roundtrip transfers from and to Nice airport via helicopter or limousine; daily American breakfast; a bottle of 2004 vintage Champagne; mini-bar soft drinks, refreshed daily; exclusive access to the fitness studio and Odyssey, the pool area designed by Karl Lagerfeld; and a Métropole Lifestyle card which provides complimentary access to the Monte Carlo Casino; priority access and transfer to a private beach; priority reservations at the hotel’s restaurants; 10% savings at select boutiques; and more. The Suite can be connected to deluxe room making the ensemble the perfect place for families or friends who want to experience a luxurious stay in Monaco.
Following a recent EUR 250,000 makeover, the Bebel Suite is the largest suite at Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome, in Berlin. Located on the third floor, it encompasses 200 square meters, and is designed to resemble a classical turn-of-the-century city apartment, complete with 3.2-meter-high ceilings and hardwood floors. Overlooking historic Bebelplatz, the 25-meter-wide balcony extends the length of the suite and is accessible from all rooms, making it ideal for entertaining. The interiors comprise a study area with a work desk; a large living room decorated in contemporary style; and a library with over a thousand books, a 65-inch flat-screen TV and a Samsung soundbar with a virtual surround system. The living room leads into the grand bedroom with a walk-in closet. The marble bathroom has two basins, a separate shower and a beautiful mosaic over the stand-alone bath. In addition, there is a dining room with a fully equipped pantry with a separate service entrance, as well as a guest powder room, making it perfect for family dinners or board meetings. Rates start at EUR 7,000 per night, which include in-suite check-in, luggage unpacking and repacking, Internet access, in-house movies, and daily buffet breakfast. For larger families, the Bebel Suite can be connected with up to three more bedrooms and a junior suite, totaling 450 square meters of space.
Joanna Spyri’s Heidi could never have envisioned the sumptuousness of the new Presidential Suite at Switzerland’s Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Located on the fifth floor of the spa suites building, it does have magnificent views over the landscape of the Bünder Herrschaft region that inspired the much-loved book. Created at a cost of CHF 800,000, and designed in cool shades of white and gray, with hardwood floors throughout, the suite measures 300 square meters. It encompasses two lavish bedrooms; two spacious, marble-floored bathrooms with thermal water supply, whirlpool, sauna and television; a dressing room; living room with separate smoker’s lounge and wine cabinet; a dining room, as well as indoor and outdoor seating areas; fully equipped kitchen; and four balconies. Guests of the suite enjoy the services of a private butler during their stay. Rates start at CHF 5,500 per night. There is also the option of combining the suite with four other bedrooms to create a 600-square-meter, six-bedroom residence on the entire floor.
Grandhotel Hessischer Hof in Frankfurt, Germany, has recently unveiled its rejuvenated presidential suite. With a prime location on the top floor of the hotel, the suite measures a generous 180 square meters, offering the finest in comfort and the most sophisticated technology. Designed by noted London interior designer Nina Campbell in close collaboration with Floria -Franziska von Faber-Castell, Landgravine of Hesse, the suite consists of two bedrooms, two spacious, luxuriously appointed bathrooms, a generous living room, private sauna, and an exclusive kitchenette with access to the boardroom with space for up to 20 guests. Guests can relax on the terrace while taking in the views over the city. In addition, the suite can be expanded with two more rooms on the same floor to accommodate family members, employees or security staff. Butler service is provided around the clock. Rates start at EUR 5,500 per night.
The Hermitage in Jakarta, one of the newer members of Leading Hotels, welcomes top-level guests in two sumptuous Presidential Suites, each of which measures 150 square meters, and offers panoramic city views. Reflecting the cultural blending that marks the country’s history, the suites offer two distinctive design styles. Batavia embodies Indonesian high-colonial style, incorporating batik fabrics and ornately carved wooden furnishings. Diplomat offers a synthesis of European influences over three centuries in its antiques, artworks and silk wall coverings. In each, guests will find an oversized bedroom, Carrera marble bathroom, separate living and dining room, guest powder room and pantry. Complimentary butler service is provided around the clock. Rates start from USD 2,022 per night.
Fit for royalty, the luxurious three-story, 2000-square-meter Golden Palace villa at the recently opened Golden Savoy in Mugla, Turkey, is a masterpiece of lavish design and sumptuous comfort. Echoing the splendor of the Ottoman Empire, its features include six immense deluxe master bedrooms, eight marble bathrooms, sparkling private indoor and outdoor pools, an intimate private Jacuzzi and sauna, and a finely crafted traditional Turkish bath. In addition, it offers a spacious living room with dining table, three fully equipped kitchens – for guests, butlers and chefs; canopy swings in the garden; canopy sun beds on the balconies; a terrace, patio and sun-deck; and a private cabana on the private pier. Guests of the Palace enjoy the services of dedicated staff of housekeepers, chefs and a 24-hour butler, and access to a luxury sedan. Rates start from USD 60,000 per night.
