ADVERTORIAL • July 2024
From rooms fit for a king to a hideaway with Golden Age glamour, stay in one of the most fabled suites in Europe and collect 250 bonus Avios with Marriott Bonvoy®
There are luxury hotel suites, and then there are those that take it to another level. We’re talking about spaces that have that je ne sais quoi. How do they stand out from the crowd? While they offer sumptuous comfort and flawless design, they also have a rich narrative. Each of these four suites in Europe has a unique tale to tell, whether about kings and queens, Hollywood royalty or a storied heritage brand.
Marriott Bonvoy spans more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations – and the more you stay, the greater the rewards, from complimentary breakfasts to special rates and room upgrades. But for now, it’s story time. Are you sitting comfortably? Then we’ll begin…
Not yet a member of Marriott Bonvoy? There’s no better time to sign up: it’s free to join, and you’ll collect 250 bonus Avios
Best for: scene-stealing charm and crisp mountain air
The home of chocolatiers, watchmaking, waterfront promenades and Alpine escapes, what’s not to love about Geneva? With a prime spot on the lake and Mont Blanc as its backdrop, the five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix has been welcoming a glitzy clientele since 1865. Live like royalty in the Grace Kelly Suite, named after one of the hotel’s most glamorous guests. The light-flooded rooms are as elegant as the movie star-turned-Monegasque princess herself, reflecting her inimitable understated style in the neutral-and-gold palette and subtle Art Deco flourishes, while photos capturing iconic moments from her life line the walls.
The Club says… The balcony is as pretty as a picture, offering a front-row seat to the Jet d’Eau, Switzerland’s most famous fountain.
Best for: regal romance and palatial views
This landmark hotel in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood was commissioned in 1929 by King Alfonso XIII (who was married to Ena, Queen Victoria’s niece, no less). The Andalusian-Moroccan décor is delightful, from the snazzy Mensaque tiles with their characteristic metallic sheen to the orange blossom-scented courtyard. Of the 148 guestrooms, the Reales Alcázares Suite is one of the jewels in the crown. It takes inspiration from the secret romance between the 14th-century King Pedro I and Maria de Padilla – the lovers would no doubt approve of the seductive colour scheme, king-size bed and glimmering metallic-marble bathroom.
The Club says… You’ll fall head over heels with the view of the Real Alcázar Palace and its exotic gardens.
Best for: a fresh spin on opulence and heritage craftsmanship
East meets West in Istanbul, where Ottoman palaces sit alongside cutting-edge galleries, and centuries-old bazaars jostle for space with chic boutiques. The upscale St. Regis Istanbul, in the lively Nişantaşı district, perfectly captures the city’s blend of timeless glamour and modern innovation. Rev up your stay by booking the one-of-a-kind Bentley Suite, where every nook and cranny reflects the craftsmanship of the heritage brand – from the curved walls echoing the car’s silhouette to the light installation based on the headlights and the quilted leather pattern of the sofa (naturally, a Champagne cooler is built into the upholstery).
The Club says… The suite’s bar adds va-va-voom with its dashboard-inspired doors and bespoke humidor handcrafted in Bentley’s wood shop.
Best for: superstar status and ancient views
It’s the 150th anniversary of the Grande Bretagne and what stories this iconic Athens hotel has to tell. First opened in 1874, it has played host to Winston Churchill, Jackie Onassis, the Kennedys, Elizabeth Taylor, Gandhi, David Bowie, Maria Callas (the piano used for her rehearsals remains an exquisite addition to the hotel’s Royal Suite)… you get the idea. The lobby alone is stop-in-your-tracks stunning and that’s before you whizz up to the Royal Suite, where luxury reigns supreme. Spanning 400sqm, it’s as lavish as it is large, a vision of silk wallpaper, gilt lighting, decadent fabrics, museum-worthy antiques and artworks. Guests have personal butlers and exclusive access to the wine cellar with a choice of more than 300 international and local vintages (sweat it out in the private gym the next day).
The Club says… Breakfasting on your terrace while overlooking the Acropolis is surely one Greek odyssey we all want to be on.
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