Uncover Italy's Hidden Gem: Rarity Suites Awaits!
Uncover Italy's Hidden Gem: Rarity Suites Awaits! – My Honest (and Slightly Overwhelmed) Review
Okay, folks, buckle up. You want a review of Rarity Suites? Get ready for the real deal. Forget those polished brochures, I'm here to spill the (delicious Italian) tea. This isn't just a hotel; it's a whole experience, and honestly, it's a lot to take in. Let’s dive into this chaotic beauty, shall we?
Accessibility: (Mostly) A-Okay, but Double-Check!
First things first: the basics. They say Rarity Suites is accessible. Now, I’m not in a wheelchair myself (thank the travel gods!), but I did poke around, and from what I saw, it's mostly accommodating. Elevator? Check. Ramps? Yep, saw those. But always, always call ahead and confirm your specific needs. Accessibility in older Italian buildings can be a bit… patchy. Don't rely solely on my word! Make sure things are perfectly accommodating for your requirements before your trip.
Wheelchair Accessible: As mentioned, there are ramps and elevators. Double-check with the hotel to confirm room accessibility.
Rooms: My Sanctuary… Or Maybe My Overly-Luxurious Prison?
Woah. Seriously, the rooms. They are ridiculously well-equipped. I mean, "everything-but-the-kitchen-sink" levels of luxurious.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (seriously?), Bathtub (oh, the bubbles!), Blackout curtains (thank goodness after those limoncello-filled evenings!), Carpeting, Closet (thankfully, because a suitcase explosion is inevitable), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (bless them, seriously), Desk (didn't touch it, but it was there!), Extra long bed (thank you, sleep gods!), Free bottled water (and lots of it!), Hair dryer (good!), High floor (got lucky there!), In-room safe box (never used it, but good to have!), Interconnecting room(s) available (perfect for families, I guess?), Internet access – LAN (who uses that these days?), Internet access – wireless (yay!), Ironing facilities ("for the crumpled masses" is what I thought as I ironed my shirt), Laptop workspace, Linens (heavenly!), Mini bar (dangerously tempting!), Mirror (obvious, much?), Non-smoking (thank goodness!), On-demand movies (loved!), Private bathroom (duh!), Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature (always a plus), Satellite/cable channels (lost myself for hours), Scale (judgmental little devils, but there!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (yes!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (a modern necessity!), Sofa (plopped down here more than I care to admit), Soundproofing (essential for escaping the jetlag!), Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella (forgot it, naturally!), Visual alarm (never needed it, still appreciate it!), Wake-up service (used it once, after a particularly epic nap!), Wi-Fi [free] (thank you, internet gods!), Window that opens (breezy, gorgeous!).
Let's be real: This place is over-the-top. Like, after a while, I felt guilty for not using EVERYTHING. The bathroom phone? Still a mystery. Did I need a scale? Probably not. But hey, luxurious is luxurious! One slight moan? Some of the rooms, while beautifully designed were a little dark. That's just me, though -- many prefer a darker atmosphere.
Internet: Connected, But Prepare for Some Italian Charm
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Thank the heavens! Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, mostly. It's Italy. And the internet is good, but not always lightning fast. Embrace the occasional buffering. Drink more prosecco. You're in Italy, people!
Internet [LAN]: Seriously, who uses LAN anymore?
Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Good, strong, usually reliable.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to Roll Yourself Home
Oh, the FOOD. Be warned: Rarity Suites is a culinary black hole. You will emerge several pounds heavier, but utterly blissed out.
- A la carte in restaurant: Excellent choices.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Accommodating.
- Asian breakfast: Interesting, but stick with the Italian classics!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Surprisingly good.
- Bar: Lovely place to unwind.
- Bottle of water: Always provided.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The stuff of dreams! A dizzying array of pastries, cheeses, meats, fruits… basically, everything your heart (and stomach) desires.
- Breakfast service: Delightful!
- Buffet in restaurant: See above. Don't miss the pastry section. Seriously.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Perfect.
- Coffee shop: Great for a quick caffeine fix.
- Desserts in restaurant: Heavenly. Do not skip the tiramisu. I beg you.
- Happy hour: A MUST. Aperol Spritzes galore!
- International cuisine in restaurant: A good option when you're tired of pizza (which is a lie, you'll never be tired of pizza).
- Poolside bar: Essential.
- Restaurants: Several great options.
- Room service [24-hour]: Dangerous. SO tempting.
- Salad in restaurant: Needed some greens after all the pasta.
- Snack bar: Convenient.
- Soup in restaurant: Comfort food at its finest.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Good options for you herbivores.
- Western breakfast: Plenty to choose from if you're not into Asian.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Solid.
The absolute kicker? The breakfast buffet. I dream of that buffet now. It's everything you imagine Italian breakfast to be and about 500% more. The pastries? Flaky, buttery, and practically melted in my mouth. There were cheeses I'd never even heard of, and the coffee? Forget Starbucks. This was the real deal. I spent at least an hour there every morning, just grazing and feeling utterly, unapologetically happy. It's a highlight.
Things to Do (Or, Ways to Relax Your Guilt Away)
Okay, so this is where Rarity Suites really shines. The spa? Spectacular. The pool with a view? Instagram-worthy. The fitness center? Well, I looked at it…
- Body scrub: Blissful!
- Body wrap: Tempting, but I was busy eating.
- Fitness center: It’s there. If you’re into that sort of thing.
- Foot bath: Relaxing.
- Gym/fitness: See above.
- Massage: Yes. Do it. Do it now.
- Pool with view: Stunning. You'll want to spend all day there. The photos do the view NO justice. It's stunning.
- Sauna: Nice.
- Spa: The highlight.
- Spa/sauna: Yep.
- Steamroom: Didn’t try it.
- Swimming pool: Lovely.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Fantastic.
Here’s the anecdote: I spent an entire afternoon by the pool. I started with a cocktail (obviously). Then, I ordered a pizza (because, Italy). Then, I took a nap in the sun. Then, I spent some serious time just gazing at the view of the Italian countryside. It was glorious. I felt utterly, completely, and unapologetically relaxed. Days were spent here.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, Feeling Clean… Mostly
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Always a plus.
- Breakfast in room: Nice touch.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Convenient.
- Cashless payment service: Helpful.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know.
- First aid kit: Always a necessity.
- Hand sanitizer: Plenty of it.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Standard.
- Hygiene certification: Yay!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly adhered to.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good to know.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: They let you decline housekeeping, which is excellent.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Thank goodness.
- Safe dining setup: Reassuring.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Essential.
- Shared stationery removed: Thoughtful.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Excellent.
- Sterilizing equipment: Good!
Overall, felt safe and clean. COVID protocols are in place.
Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood: Your Royal Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your beige travel brochure itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. A messy, opinionated, lovesick (Italy does that to you, you know) attempt to navigate Rarity Suites Italy. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster, the gelato-stained fingers, and the existential dread that inevitably creeps in when you're staring at the Pantheon at 3 AM.
Rarity Suites Italy: A Very Human Itinerary (and probably a disaster, but a beautiful one)
Day 1: ARRIVAL & THE GREAT PANIC
- Morning (aka The Arrival): Land in Rome. Which, let's be honest, already feels chaotic. The baggage carousel is a Hunger Games arena, and I swear I saw a suitcase wearing sunglasses. Found my luggage (miraculously!). Take the Leonardo Express (which, by the way, is named after Leonardo DiCaprio, right? Please tell me it is).
- Afternoon (aka The Panic): Arrive at Rarity Suites Rome. OMG. The lobby? Unreal. Marble everywhere! But then… where's the hotel actually? Find myself rambling around the building with all the luggage. Finally, FOUND IT!… except reception takes 20 minutes to check me in. Feeling a bit like a sweaty, bewildered tourist.
- Evening (aka The Pizza-Sated Relief): Finally, settled into my room. View is stunning. This city is magic. Immediately crave the pizza. Find a little pizzeria nearby. The pizza? Divine. The waiter? Gave me the side-eye for ordering a Coke Zero with it. Italian pizza-snobbery is a thing, apparently. Try to watch the sunset; my phone dies. Sigh. Then eat more pizza.
Day 2: ROME - The Colosseum & Inner Turmoil (and Gelato!)
- Morning (aka The Gladiator Blues): The Colosseum. Massive. Humongous. It was all pretty incredible, and I had to pay like five times to get a tour for the Colosseum, and then got separated from the group and was looking around alone… and just standing there, in the middle of it, I started wondering if I'd ever amount to anything. Pretty heavy thoughts for a Tuesday morning, but hey, that's Italy for you. It makes you think, man. Also, I forgot my water bottle, and it's HOT. So, there you have it.
- Afternoon (aka The Trevi Fountain Triumph & Heartbreak): The Trevi Fountain. Tossed a coin. Made a wish. (Okay, maybe two.) Felt like a cliché, but a damn beautiful cliché. Then, the existential dread crept in again. Realized I might be travelling alone for the next week, and it kind of stung. But then…
- Late Afternoon/Evening (aka Gelato Salvation): GELATO. All the gelato. Found a little gelateria. Three scoops. Chocolate, pistachio, and… ugh, some kind of weird bubblegum flavor (my inner child took over). Sat on a stair by the fountain, eating gelato, watching people… and it was perfect. Maybe this solo trip is a good thing? Maybe?
Day 3: FLIGHT! Florence and the Great Renaissance Wanderings
- Morning (aka The Florence Flight Fiasco): Train to the airport. Get to the airport, and… my flight is delayed. Of course. Spend approximately 2 hours circling the airport looking for coffee that isn't instant. Find some. Eventually boarding.
- Afternoon (aka The Florentine Overwhelm): Land in Florence! The air? Different. Fresher. Prettier. Rarity Suites Florence is a total dream, though. I instantly feel calm in my room. The Uffizi Gallery! So much art! So many people! So much beauty that I'm pretty sure I'll spontaneously combust. Stand in front of Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" for at least twenty minutes, practically weeping. Art overload.
- Evening (aka The Steak Florentine Revelation): Steak Florentine for dinner. Oh. My. God. Cooked perfectly. Ordered a Chianti with zero knowledge of wine, hoping for the best. It was the best. Walked the Ponte Vecchio, starry eyed and full of steak. Fell totally hard in love with Florence. Maybe I'll just stay here forever.
Day 4: FLORENCE'S HIDDEN SECRETS (and More Gelato)
- Morning (aka The Secret Door Discovery): Did a walking tour of Florence. They showed us the secret little door that used to lead to the secret passages connecting the various palaces, I literally spent the next hour trying to imagine what it was like inside those buildings. Got lost. Accidentally found a tiny artisan chocolate shop. Bought everything, including a chocolate sculpture of David. Did not regret it.
- Afternoon (aka The Duomo Climb & Altitude Sickness): The Duomo! Climbed the 463 steps. Regretted every single one while gasping for air halfway. The view from the top? Unreal. Worth the near-death experience. Then went and got gelato because, you know, I needed it.
- Evening (aka The Italian Lesson Debacle): Tried a beginner's Italian class. Utter disaster. I can confidently say "Ciao" and "Grazie." That's about it. Sat in a piazza, feeling like a complete idiot, but hey, at least I tried? (Probably not going to try again.)
Day 5: EXPLORING TUSCANY - Wine, Sunflowers, and (Maybe) a Breakdown
- Morning (aka The Chianti Countryside Escape): Rented a car. Because I'm a genius. Got gloriously lost in the Tuscan countryside. Sunflowers everywhere! The roads were curvy. The landscape was postcard-perfect. The soundtrack to my car ride? Celine Dion. Don't judge.
- Afternoon (aka The Wine Tasting Wonders): Wine tasting at a vineyard. Sampled some amazing wines. Spilled red wine on a pristine white shirt. Cursed. Drank more wine (which apparently helps with the cursing). Felt a little bit like a movie.
- Evening (aka The Solo Supper Sigh): Ate a delicious pasta at a little trattoria. The ambiance was so perfect I could do nothing but smile. Took a moment to think about all the people I love back home and that I miss them. Had another gelato.
Day 6: VENICE - Gondolas, Canals, and My Soul's Longing (Again)
- Morning (aka The Venice Hustle): Made my way to Venice early on. Tried to be all cool and sophisticated on the train, but probably looked like a confused tourist, which I was.
- Afternoon (aka The Venice, My Love): Venice! The magic! The romance! Got hopelessly lost in the maze of streets. Took a gondola ride. Expensive, yes. Worth it, absolutely. Felt a deep, inexplicable pang of longing. For what, I don't know. Just… for something.
- Evening (aka The Cicchetti & Spritz Bliss): Ate cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and drank Aperol Spritzes. Sat by a canal, watching the world go by. It all felt a little too perfect. Almost felt a bit surreal. I don't think I can explain this well enough.
Day 7: VENICE - The Last Day and the Goodbye Blues
- Morning (aka The Renaissance's End): This morning in Venice, I wanted to sit down in St Marks Square and just breathe. The morning sun was so beautiful, and the birds were singing.
- Afternoon (aka The Emotional Reckoning): I find myself looking around Venice again, and not really getting that feeling of wanting to be stuck, that I felt in Florence. Then I begin to look for a way to leave. I started to realize this trip was coming to an end. The last day in this beautiful place, I started to get so sad.
- Evening (aka The Bitter Farewell): Pack. Sigh. Do a last walk around Venice, and find myself at the very first place I stopped, the little restaurant by the canal. Order a pizza, and just sit there until they tell me to leave. I left.
Day 8: DEPARTURE - Back to Reality (and planning the next trip!)
- Morning (aka The Flight Home): Depart from Venice. The air is thick with the bittersweet scent of memories. Italy, you beautiful, infuriating, soul-stirring place. I will return. I WILL.
- Afternoon (aka The Endless Transit): Land. The airport again. Wait for your luggage.
Notes & Imperfections:
- Gelato Consumption: Vast. Possibly excessive. No regrets.
- Language Skills: Pathetic. But I tried. Dammit.
- Lost Items: Possibly a map, definitely my cool sunglasses. Probably my sanity.
- Emotional State: Highly variable. Expect tears. Expect laughter. Expect existential crises.
- Food Consumption: Primarily pizza, pasta, gelato, and copious amounts of wine. No complaints.
- Will this be useful?: Possibly not. But it's real. And that's what matters.
So, there you have it. A disastrous,
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Okay, So "Rarity Suites"... What *IS* That, Exactly? And Is It Worth It? (Ugh, The Eternal Question!)
Alright, alright. So, "Rarity Suites" is basically this... I'm gonna be honest, the website copy sounds like a thesaurus threw up. It's supposed to be THIS amazing collection of, like, super-unique, boutique-y accommodations *somewhere* in Italy. Think ancient villages, maybe a converted castle, maybe a REALLY fancy cave... the hype is strong in this one. And is it worth it? Ugh. Depends. Depends on your budget, your tolerance for the "rustic charm" (read: potential plumbing issues), and how much you *really* hate fighting crowds. I'd say... leaning towards yes, but with a HUGE asterisk. My experience was… complex. More on that later. I'm already giving too much away!
Where in Italy Are These Magical Suites? Because I’m Imagining Tuscan Sunsets, Obviously.
They don't exactly slap a big "HERE'S WHERE WE ARE!" sign on the front door, do they? That's part of the "rarity," I guess. The *general* vibe is off the beaten path. Think less Amalfi Coast, more… *whispers*… Umbria? Or even further south, maybe Puglia… Honestly, it's part of the allure. The anticipation! The thrill of the unknown! (Or, you know, the logistical nightmare of figuring out the train connections…) I'd been dreaming of Tuscany, and for a while thought I got exactly what I wanted, but then... well, keep reading, it's a rollercoaster.
Are These Places Kid-Friendly? Because My Toddler Thinks "Fine Dining" Means "Throwing Pasta."
NO. God, no. Probably not. Look, these aren't your cookie-cutter resorts. They're *boutique*. Think "hand-picked linens," "artisanal soaps," and "quiet, contemplative spaces." Little Timmy's temper tantrum is going to ruin everyone's vibe, and probably chip some valuable antique. I'm going to guess most Rarity Suites lean heavily towards, shall we say, "adults only." Or maybe "adults who can appreciate the quiet serenity and aren't constantly covered in yogurt." If Timmy *is* coming, pack earplugs for everyone. And maybe a hazmat suit for yourself.
Okay, So Let's Talk Money. Are We Talking "Sell a Kidney" Expensive? Or "Skip Starbucks for a Month" Expensive?
Okay, look. It's not budget travel. Let's put it that way. I think you can get away with the "skip Starbucks for a month" approach... if you have a *really* good job. And if you are fine with maybe eating pasta for the entire trip. Rarity Suites are definitely on the luxury side. They're not *insanely* expensive *compared* to, say, a private island. But they ain't cheap. Factor in flights, transfers (which might be… *ahem*… interesting), and that little thing called "food." Bring a credit card. And a spare.
Tell Me About Your *Personal* Experience! The Juicy Bits! The Drama! Spill the Tea!
Okay, okay, you twisted my arm. I booked a place on the website that looked… amazing. Stone walls, huge windows, a private terrace overlooking… well, the description spoke of "rolling vineyards" and "breathtaking vistas." I pictured myself, sipping prosecco, living *la dolce vita*. It was booked. It was paid. And it was… further out than I imagined. Like, *really* far. I thought, "oh, this is wonderful. I'm going to explore the 'authentic' side of Italy!"
Getting there was an adventure. (That is, an adventure if you consider "losing your luggage" and "getting hopelessly lost in the middle of nowhere" an adventure.) The "charming" cobblestone streets proved less charming with a suitcase. The "rolling vineyards" were, in practice, a bit more… *hilly*. And the "breathtaking vistas" were gorgeous! Seriously.
The suite itself... was mostly the same as the pictures. Beautiful. Until the plumbing started to get… *vocal*. And I mean very vocal and temperamental. There was the issue of the, shall we say, slightly temperamental water heater. Cold showers are NOT my ideal Italian experience. And the internet was… unreliable. So my "remote working" dreams sort of died. I had to spend an hour a day just trying to get the wifi to work.
There was also a local festival happening. which meant fireworks. Which were stunning at first, but then they went on until 2am. And my beautiful view, was also now the loudest view.
I was very, very close to having a full-blown meltdown.
BUT… The food! The food was incredible. The people, once you actually found them, were lovely. And that view? Still gorgeous. So… mixed feelings. Definitely an unforgettable experience. And I’m now fully prepared for whatever the next adventure throws at me.
What Should I Pack? Besides my sanity (I'm half tempted to leave that at home...)
* **Comfortable shoes**: You WILL be walking. Cobblestones are killers.
* **Adaptor:** Italy uses different plugs. Learn from my mistake.
* **Insect repellent**: Mosquitoes love "rustic charm" too. They are a plague.
* **A phrasebook:** English isn't always widely spoken off the beaten track. (And even if it is, try to get the locals to like you!)
* **A sense of humor**: Essential. You'll be needing it. Trust me.
* **Something versatile:** Layers are key. Italy can have unexpected temperature swings.
* **A portable charger:** Especially if the internet is as unreliable as mine. You'll be taking a lot of photos.
* **A good book:** For those hours you'll be waiting for your luggage to arrive. (Kidding. Mostly.) Or the WiFi to start working.
* **A willingness to embrace the unexpected**: Honestly, this is the most important thing. Things will go wrong. That's part of the fun (I swear!)
* **Another credit card:** You know, just in case.
Would You Go Back? Be Honest!
Hmm. That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? After that week, I said 'never again'. The cold showers and the temperamental internet… It *almost* broke me (and my manicure). But… If someone offered me a free stay? Yeah, probably. Especially if they guaranteed a hot shower and good internet! Because despite the hiccups, there's something magical about those places, something you *Around The World Hotels
