And Speaking of… Reflections on Rome

It was a great honor and privilege to be invited to participate in the 万豪酒店 Luxury Brands Inner Circle Roundtable meeting last week in Rome. The eternal city was on full display during what is traditionally the slow season, and I enjoyed every moment of this remarkable city. I strongly recommend traveling to high-demand destinations during their slow season. This is a perfect way to beat the crowds and take more of what a city offers without the constant hustle and bustle at every turn.?

For my article this week, I want to share my top takeaways from my time in Rome. My week was truly impactful on various levels, and this trip deepened my appreciation for a global brand I respect and created the space to make new industry connections that were the highlight of my time in Rome.?

Vatican City with Arno Travel?

I arrived a day ahead of the planned events with Marriott Luxury Group to connect with one of our preferred Destination Management Companies (DMC) in Italy, Arno - Travel and Event Design . Urbano Brini and Marusca Innocenti met me the evening I arrived and treated me to a private after-hour tour of the Palazzo Colonna along with a decadent Italian dinner.

The next day, they met me bright and early at the W Hotel Rome to whisk me off to the Vatican. Arno arranged for a private guide to bypass every line and take us through the museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The entire experience was seamless and enlightening.

While we were touring the Vatican and discussing the private experiences Arno can arrange for clients, an email came through to Arno from one of our Gifted Travel Network advisors asking if they can arrange private tours at the Vatican, including a private audience with the Pope! Talk about timing, right? The answer (spoiler!) is YES. Arno can arrange all that and more!

W Rome?

Admittedly, I was hesitant about staying at the W Hotels in Rome. I had not experienced a W in quite some time, and my impressions were that I was not “cool enough” as this was a party-vibe hotel, which is not the phase of life I am currently in.

However, I am happy to share that the W Rome exceeded my expectations and created a new appreciation for the brand renaissance they’ve embarked on. I found the modern décor to feel like home vs. a hotel, and I loved the art-forward vibe with culinary activations with an award-winning chef.

The staff was highly attentive, smiling, and gracious at every interaction. I would stay again with my husband as I know he would resonate with the W in Rome.?

I look forward to my return!

Bulgari Rome?

After two comfortable and delightful nights at the W Rome, our program for the Inner Circle meeting commenced, and the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts Rome was my exquisite host. This 5-star hotel is a true masterpiece in the heart of Rome.

During our stay, we were treated to a new film on the making of this timeless property, and the story of the creation of this gem was so inspiring. This was a true labor of love and a tribute to the eternal city. I felt like I was in a jewel box of Bulgari, and the history of the city came alive at every turn on the property.

You first feel the magnificence of the property in the lobby as a 2000-year-old statue of Emperor Augustus greets you. Augustus is famously known for finding Rome as a city of rocks and leaving it as a marble city. The marble embedded in the hotel is just beyond any architectural realm I have seen in hotels.

What further stood out for me were the mosaics. The Bulgari shines with every small detail, reflected in the plethora of hand-crafted mosaics in every room and around the hotel.

During our stay, we were invited to Bulgari's headquarters and met with Creative Director Lucia Silvestri. She was gracious and engaging and showed us loose gems she was working on for her next pieces and a few necklaces that were unlike anything I could have imagined. It was so hard to say goodbye to this special property and all the wonderful people I met at the hotel!

Marriott Luxury Brands Female Leaders?

I met so many powerhouse female leaders who are carrying Marriott Luxury Brands into a new era. What struck me the most was the longevity of their respective tenures, which speaks to the positive work culture of Marriott. I was so impressed with their willingness to listen and be vulnerable about what they wanted for the future of the brands and the collaborative space they created for truly meaningful conversations about our industry and how to evolve with the changing needs of the high-net-worth traveler.

My highlights were the genuine and thoughtful connections with so many new colleagues. I am forever grateful to Jeremy M. , who recommended me for this esteemed meeting and supported my attendance. I am beyond grateful.?

Midnight Supper at the The St. Regis Rome ?

Luckily, Midnight Supper started at 8 pm! This over-the-top dining experience was an event that I will not forget. The opulent table, the engaging entertainment, and the overall level of detail were something out of a movie.

Traced back to NYC in the 1800s, socialite Caroline Astor started the concept of Midnight Supper at the St. Regis, the mother of the St. Regis Hotels & Resorts founder John Jacob Astor IV. The St. Regis team pulled out all the stops to end our time together on a high note. I have so much gratitude for a memorable night that will go down in the books for an Inner Circle event, I am sure!

Finally, I want to share that I was so warmly welcomed by my travel industry colleagues, many of whom I met for the first time at this event. The spirit of collaboration and connection was high at this meeting, and being able to deepen my relationships with my peer set was deeply meaningful.?

What did you think of my reflections on Rome? Are you ready to experience one of their many luxury hotel offerings in the eternal city? I would love to hear from you about my reflections, and I look forward to your comments!