Hotel de Russie Rome

In celebration of the Vatican’s 400^th Anniversary of the Lux in Arcana (translation from Latin: “Light in the Archives”), which was the subject of Dan Brown’s post-da Vinci Code blockbuster Angels and Demons, Hotel de Russie has partnered with Rome’s Capitoline Museums to offer guests a private tour of the exhibition.  For the very first time, the ‘Lux in Arcana’ exhibition will display documents from the Vatican Secret Archive buried beneath the Holy Sea, making it one of the most exciting and highly-anticipated displays in Roman history.  The documents – which span from the 8^th century to the 20^th – not only shed light on the history of the Catholic Church, but also on the history of Europe.

Highlights of the exhibition include the documents which describe the inquisition of Galileo Galilei, the case against the Knights Templar and the order for Martin Luther’s excommunication.  The exhibit also features a parchment in Latin with the seal of 83 English Lords, which seeks a marriage annulment for King Henry VIII so he could marry Anne Boleyn. Henry’s failure to obtain Papal approval ultimately led to the Reformation in Britain.

The hour and a half private tour can be tailor made, focusing on specific documents of interest to each visitor. The package starts from €485 (10% VAT and city tax excluded, based on double occupancy) and is available through September 15^th 2012.  It also includes:

• A two-night stay in a double classic room (with upgrade subject to availability) with breakfast
• Tickets to the exhibition
• A copy of the official exhibition catalogue

Additionally, the Wellness Zone at Hotel de Russie has launched a new spa treatment inspired by Ancient Rome tradition that soothes tired and sore feet after a day of exploring.  After all, visitors ambling around the Roman “Sanpietrini” may forget the wear on their feet, as tested by the cobbles!  

The “Ancient Roman Ritual” begins with a relaxing warm footbath of volcanic stones, essential oils and flower petals. After an exfoliation with an energizing blend of oils, sea salts and flowers, a relaxing mask cocoons feet in a thin paper wrap. The ritual continues with a reflexology massage and ends with an application of moisturizing, aromatized balms to create a sensation of lightness and relief.

Sheraton Hotels

I remember the first time I stayed at the Sheraton & they had changed the beds to the aptly named Sweet Sleeper.  Housekeeping arrived to add cute pillows to our beds as people were taking them home.  I don’t blame them. I love the comfort of the beds and the linens.  It’s like a big hug!

At Sheraton it’s the little details that matter.  Like being welcomed by happy staff who greet the morning with exactly what you wanted but didn’t need to ask: the morning paper, coffee and a warm hello. Or simply being able to open the door to the most comfortable room you’ve seen in weeks and collapsing into a much-needed catnap. 

Sheraton Hotels have lots of limited time offers so do check them out prior to your next getaway.  Offers are available around the world.

Explore premier destinations, relax on sparkling beaches or enjoy some family fun in the sun.  The longer you stay, the more you save at participating Starwood Hotels & Resorts in North America & Latin America!

Want your own comfy bed?
I really do have the Westin Heavenly bed in my home but you can enjoy the comfort of Sheraton’s Sweet Sleeper Bed in your own home. Order the complete Sweet Sleeper Bed  for a restful night’s sleep, every night.

Mamaison Hotels & Residences

Mamaison Hotels & Residences are a unique collection of Boutique Hotels, Business & Conference Hotels, and All-Suites Residence Hotels, all leaders in the hospitality world across Central & Eastern Europe’s finest destinations.


Appealing to both discerning leisure and business travelers alike, individual flair is felt in everything that they do. From charm and cuisine, to service and facilities; as special and original as YOU!  

From Bratislava to Budapest, and Prague to Warsaw, Mamaison’s unique properties take you to the heart of these exciting locations. Within easy reach of central and Eastern Europe’s major historical attractions, vibrant culture, busy business districts and fashionable shopping centers, Mamaison places you where you want to be.

Summer in the City where the longer you stay, the less you pay!  Enjoy the sunlit cities from June until September when days are long and spend your summer in Europe’s most desirable destinations - rich of culture, sights and fun – with a 20% discount!

Experience can say more than a thousand words – come to feel the pleasure of the sunny season (May 1^st – September 2^nd)  in some of the most beautiful European Capitals while staying in the truly unique hotels & residences. Stay with Mamaison and save 15% off the best available rate when staying 2 days or 20% off when staying 3 or more days.

Book your summer getaway now – The longer you stay, the less you pay! and don’t miss all the Specials

Participating hotels

Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel Pokrovka Moscow - hotel website
Mamaison Hotel Le Regina Warsaw - hotel website
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest - hotel website
Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague - hotel website
Mamaison Suite Hote Pachtuv Palace Prague - hotel website
Mamaison Hotel Imperial Ostrava - hotel website
Mamaison Residence Izabella Budapest - hotel website
Mamaison Residence Diana Warsaw - hotel website
Mamaison Residence Sulekova Bratislava - hotel website
Mamaison Residence Belgicka Prague - hotel website

About Mamaison Hotels & Residences:
Mamaison Hotels & Residences is an independent hotel chain in Central and Eastern Europe. The company has 10 years of experience in the hotel industry. Mamaison Hotels & Residences offer their guests a portfolio of ten selected hotels from midscale to upscale deluxe category, classified as three hotel types - “Mamaison Boutique Hotels”, “Mamaison Business & Conference Hotels” and “Mamaison All-Suites Residence Hotels”. The hotels are located in the heart of the attractive cities of Budapest, Bratislava, Moscow, Ostrava, Prague and Warsaw. This unique hotel concept is distinguished by its design, buildings true to their original surroundings, personal style and first-class service and is a winner with both business and leisure travellers.

If I owned a Hotel...

I love hotels,  I love looking at photos of guestrooms in the same way as some people salivate over recipe books.  I have worked in hotels as has my daughter so this got me thinking…if I owned a hotel.

To begin, I would realize that the most important people in my hotel are the housekeepers.  It does not matter how great the facilities are or luxurious the spa.  If the guestroom is unkept, in any manner, I’m not coming back.  Period.  If the room is really run down, I’m not coming back and I’m telling everyone I know about it. I want to walk into my guestroom and see no evidence that anyone has been there before.  No left over trash, no hairs in any location, no dust on any surface.   I can forgive the sully person at the front desk, the concierge who does not call back, my breakfast missing my bacon but not stains, in any shape or form.

I have been warmly greeted at the front desk of a 2* hotel and ignored at a 5* resort.  Working at the front desk requires patience & kindness.  Some people are just not cut out for this job and my hotel will recognize these people and remove them from dealing with my guests.  I expect a smile at the bare minimum and polite conversation if there is time.  I expect my guests to feel welcomed & special to be booking into my hotel.  This costs my staff nothing to achieve except time.  My staff must be up to date with all specials and promotions including general knowledge of the area.

I would rent my dining room to experienced restaurateurs and let them deal with this end of the business.  I would deal with breakfast only & keep a small room service menu.  I am not a restaurateur, I am a hotel owner.  My job is to sell my guestrooms not dining tables.

I would spend a lot of time on the never ending maintenance of all the public areas, guestrooms, air & heating units etc.  Boring but a stitch in time, saves nine. I would include wireless Internet, breakfast, local calls, decent size toiletries, enough towels, bottled water for each guest and lots of clear reception TV channels in the price of my guestroom. I would approach local business within my area and get great samples of their products for my guests. Attached with their business card, of course.

I would not care about any rating system.  In my mind, this only means that a hotel has more in house facilities that I do not have. For example, you cannot get a 5* if you don’t offer a swimming pool, spa, exercise room, business facilities etc.  I would concentrate on my guest.  I would build my business with every guest that leaves.  If a guest is happy, they will tell 5 people, if they are unhappy, they will tell 20.  I will follow up with each guest via email and invite them to contact me,  I would keep an email list and offer specials,  I would read what my former guests are writing about me online and respond to everyone.  I would make my website easy to navigate with a quick booking system.

Obviously, I would have accountants, bookkeepers, IT, middle managment, grounds, maintenance people and more to deal with but my guest does not care and they pay my bills.  So I will take very good care of the people that make my guests stay an exceptional experience.  I will reward them accordingly.   As should you,  so the next time you are leaving your room, please leave a tip behind, not your dirty sock.

>>>  if I owned an airline…