Rocco Forte hotels in four destinations

In four destinations: Rome, where the collection holds two a short walk apart — Hotel de Russie between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, and Hotel de la Ville at the top of the steps; Florence & Tuscany, where Hotel Savoy stands on Piazza della Repubblica in the centro storico; London, where Brown's Hotel stands on Albemarle Street in Mayfair, a step from Piccadilly and Bond Street; and Edinburgh & Scotland, where The Balmoral holds the east end of Princes Street beside Waverley station, with the Castle across the gardens.

Each was admitted on its own merits, one hotel at a time, never by brand. The five are city houses on the streets and squares their cities walk across: a terraced secret garden rising in steps behind the Rome flagship, 104 rooms and a rooftop bar over the city at the top of the Spanish Steps, a bistro, Irene, whose tables are on Piazza della Repubblica, London's oldest hotel on Albemarle Street with Charlie's and the Donovan Bar, and the station hotel of 1902 on Princes Street, Rocco Forte's since 1997, whose clock tower is kept three minutes fast so that no one misses a train. All five hold five-star standing.

It depends on the destination. Rome and Florence agree: both are at their best in spring and autumn — April to June and September to October — and both run hot and busy in July and August, when Rome empties in the middle of the month; winter is the quiet time, with the museums to yourself. London belongs to May, June and September and stays full through Christmas, with Wimbledon and Trooping the Colour taking the rooms of Mayfair months ahead. Edinburgh belongs to May to September, with the long days of June; in August the International Festival, the Fringe and the Tattoo take over the city and rooms go months ahead, and Hogmanay does the same at New Year. Each destination page carries its note on the months, and the concierge advises on dates for a specific hotel — including which rooms and which parts of the garden at Hotel de Russie are open after its winter renovation.

Search your dates on the hotel's page to see reference rates, then send the concierge a request. The concierge confirms exact rates and availability with you before anything is booked, and any payment and its timing are set out before you confirm.