For the legendary designer Coco, whose original name was Gabrielle Chanel - the Ritz was not only a hotel but an elegant home where she checked in twice as a long staying guest for more than thirty years: first in 1935 and then in 1954 till her last breath on January 10, 1971, aged 87. She had also moved some of her beloved furniture, chandeliers, gilded mirrors and several art pieces from her apartment and work studio that stood steps away. Today, the suite, which is a reproduction of her apartment suite, is dotted with two bedrooms and a living room with Place Vendome square views and continues to exude Chanel’s charm. The suite walls are a witness to her entertaining colleagues and clients, hosting exhibitions of her signature dresses, drawing sketches and leisurely lingering by the windows or fireplace. Today they are adorned with some of the very same sketches, her rare portraits and crystal lamps while the high ceilings hang with her favourite chandeliers. Her good luck charms such as the totemic lion on guard and ear of wheat occupy many corners along with her Chinese art collection from her travels. Bathroom taps too are engraved with her name. The suite’s enticing hammam beckons one to relax and so is the hotel's Chanel inspired spa which recently launched an exclusive nail bar.
From: 31,000 Euros per night
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Boasting Calton Hill views which may also remind one of Rome, the suite instantly evokes the warmth of nature courtesy the woodland theme wallpaper and miniature wooden sculptures of birds and animals and fragrant fresh flower blooms in many corners. JK Rowling, the celebrated Harry Potter author lived here for nearly six months in the first half of 2006 to complete the last book of the Harry Potter series. The day she wrapped up writing, she secretly signed the marble bust of Hermes placed in her room which became a hallmark of the suite. Its lounge has an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furniture with desks that encourage one to write. A simple bookshelf proudly holds the complete set of Harry Potter books. To enrich the experience, the hotel also offers complimentary Harry Potter walks in the city as well as access to the hotel's resident poet and a private bagpiper session. Interestingly, Rowling’s writing sessions in the suite remained punctuated with room service coffee orders.
From: £1,900 per night
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Drenched in colonial architecture with high ceilings, Raffles Singapore first hosted Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor in November 1957 when she was on a world tour. At that time, she was accompanied by her third husband, Mike Todd, celebrating the success of his Oscar-winning film ‘Around the world in 80 days.’ She returned again in August 1993, this time with her good friend Michael Jackson. From the many pictures of Taylor in the suite, the one with Todd at a dinner party stands out. The classic strapless gown worn by her in the picture was sourced from the hotel’s shop. Despite contemporary touches, old-fashioned switches in the suite are reminiscent of a bygone era. Its well-lit powder room with large mirrors was apt for the actress. Books on Taylor’s flamboyant life dot the suite and offer engaging reads. The wide verandah overlooking the verdant courtyard is worth appreciation along with an around the clock butler service.
From: S$ 2,300 per night; pets not allowed
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The high-floor suite is where Princess Diana stayed from June 4 to 6 in 1996. She was in Chicago to raise money for cancer research. One bedroom suite with an opulent residential style living room, a galley kitchen and a reading room rolls out an elegant yet simple vintage vibe. The neo-classical styled bed, sofas and other furniture add a charm of their own. The fourteen expansive windows keep one connected to the magnificent Michigan Lake and skyline on the side. The view was highly appreciated by Lady Diana. Fresh flowers, wall lamps, books and her framed pictures reflecting her Chicago moments make one feel welcome. A grand fireplace in the sun-lit living area ups the historic feel. During her stay, Diana enjoyed High Tea at the hotel’s Palm Court with Rose Pouchong tea as her favourite. The official autograph book of the hotel carries her original signature.
From: USD 850 per night
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Shortly before the release of her film ‘The Grand Hotel’ (1932), it is said that Greta Garbo, the Swedish – American actress, known for her roles in silent and early Golden eras of Hollywood, stayed at this Belle Époque designed hotel. The suite named in her honour includes a terrace facing the world-famous lake with its beautiful traffic of boats, ferries and sea planes. Gold and saffron hues give a cozy touch to the suite’s living room which is peppered with books on Hollywood and Greta. Its large windows frame the lake. One can enjoy the sunrise and chirping of birds while sipping coffee on the terrace or dine in one of its five garden and lake facing restaurants. Or further still take a dip in the garden pool or the pool on the lake. A private tennis court, planned hikes and walks accentuates its wellness quotient. Boat rides, private villa tours or even a day trip to Milan, which is just an hour away, are a tourists’ delight.
From: Euros 3500 per night
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The one bedroom suite with a large living room and terrace overlooking Lake Geneva and its famous fountain, Jet d’ Eau stages 19th century luxurious décor where Austrian empress Elizabeth, popularly known as Sisi, lodged herself for short stays in 1897 and 1898. She preferred travelling incognito and enjoyed long strolls along the lake after breakfast of assorted bread rolls. However, on September 10 of 1898 when she stepped out to catch a steam boat, she was suddenly stabbed by an Italian anarchist, Luigi Luccheni. She was rushed back to the hotel where she died within minutes. She was sixty and had checked in just a day before. Just outside the suite’s door, Sisi’s last photograph taken in Geneva, a pair of gloves with her embroidered initials and cutlery engraved with her initials are displayed in a glass case. Inside the living room is the same mirror which was used by the fashionista empress while dressing up. A stone’s throw from the hotel is the memorial statue of Sisi which also depicts her love for fashion. (The suite is currently closed for refurbishment for a couple of months).
From: CHF 5,250 per night
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