ALEXANDRIA, Va.--When it comes to finding a luxury property in
Italy for your hard-to-please clients, it pays to look beyond the
obvious.
The best and brightest may not be the best known or most
expensive, according to Judy Baer, founder and president of JDB
Associates here, a hotel and resort marketing company representing
upscale properties in Italy and the Caribbean.
Here are a few of her lesser-known favorites.
The 14th-century Luna Hotel Baglioni in Venice, which had a $23
million renovation in 1993, is the oldest hotel in the city.
"Agents who have not seen it since the renovation have no idea what
a luxurious hotel this is," Baer said. The 118-room property, which
is located near St. Mark's Square, has seven suites, several of
which Baer described as "opulent." The hotel's Canova restaurant,
which is decorated with ceiling frescoes, offers discounted rates
for guests. Not all rooms face the canal, however, so agents are
advised to ask before booking. Rates for a waterview room begin at
around $267, double.Excelsior Palace in Rapallo features views of the Ligurian Sea
from nearly every room, and the one-bedroom suite on the top floor
is especially luxurious. The 131-room property was built in 1901
and underwent a $460 million renovation in 1995. A sports facility,
including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa and fitness
center, opened in 1997. The hotel, which is open year-round, has
conference facilities with a separate entrance. Rates start at
about $200 per room, double.The 35-room Relais la Suvera in the Tuscan countryside is full
of antiques, original art and historical significance. "The
14th-century Papal Villa suites are furnished with so many antiques
that it is like living with the royal family," Baer said. The hotel
is located in Pievescola, about 17 miles from Siena. The property's
Oliviera Restaurant, which features organically grown wines, herbs
and vegetables, also made Baer's list of top properties. The hotel
is open from April through October, and two-night minimum bookings
are preferred. MAP is required in July and August. Rooms start at
about $200 a night, double.The Palazzo Bocci in Spello, a hill town in Umbria, is a good
spot for travelers who want to take a day trip to Assisi. The
18th-century palace, which became a hotel in 1992, has 23 rooms,
terraces overlooking the valley below and a highly rated
restaurant. Baer especially recommends visiting in February for the
Olive and Bruschetta Festival or in June for the Flower Festival.
Rooms are priced at about $200 a night, double.In Follina (in the Veneto region), Baer likes the Villa
Abbazia, priced at about $150 a night, double. Located across from
an ancient abbey, the 17-room, family-owned villa is situated in
the Prosecco wine region. The hotel does not serve dinner, but
there are several restaurants nearby, including Da Gigetto and Al
Castelleto.The new four-star Dei Mellini in Rome boasts some of the
largest standard double rooms in the city, Baer said. "It is only
about a 15-minute walk to the Spanish Steps, and the staff bends
over backwards to help clients," Baer said. The hotel has 80 rooms,
including 11 suites and two junior suites.Baer offers some tips on
selecting properties, see page E16, column 4. Rates begin at about
$200 per room, per night, double. All of the prices listed above
include breakfasts, tax and service charges.The JDB directory of properties, which sells for $10, is
available free to the firm's seminar and tour participants.
Phone: (703) 684-3834 or (800) 346-5358
Fax: (703) 548-5825
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.elegant-italy.com