"How did it strike you on arrival?The owners of Fendi Private Suites must have emptied a marble quarry, or five, during its construction, because the hotel’s public spaces are absolutely plastered with the stuff. Huge windows and mirrors sit in red marble frames, golden blocks form chunky tables, and the reception desk is five massive pieces sat higgledy-piggledy atop one another. It’s grand and solid, angular and elegant, which is no less than you’d expect after walking in from the imposing architecture of 18th-century Palazzo Fendi outside. Nice. What’s the crowd like?If you see another traveler at Fendi Private Suites, you'll have won the lottery. There are only seven suites in the hotel, and guests come for the privacy, as well as the facilities. If you do see anybody, they’ll be talking to the concierge to arrange outings like a private viewing in one of the local galleries. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.After the hardness of the public spaces, it was something of a surprise to step into Suite No.3 and be hit with so much fabric and softness. We’re talking deep leather couches, rugs and cushioned headboards. There’s room enough to roam, and you could fit another bed in the bathroom – which brings the marble back for a triumphant, if less imposing, encore. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Let’s be clear, everything in Fendi Private Suites is worth stealing – if it weren’t they wouldn't have it in there. Karl Lagerfeld photographs line the walls, the armchairs in the lounge were designed by Fritz Hansen, the sofa comes straight out of the Campana Brothers workshop, and there’s a chandelier by Lindsay Adelman. Whether any of it would fit in your suitcase is entirely another matter. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Fendi-branded soap. Fendi-branded linens and robes. Fendi-branded slippers. You get the idea, but it’s a truly brilliant idea that smells so good, and feels so soft. And you’ll appreciate them all the more after getting out of a glorious walk-in rain shower that must empty a nearby lake every time it’s turned on. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Oh yes, the Wi-Fi is free. This is mentioned offhand by the staff, as if no hotel would ever stoop so low as to charge you. It’s plenty fast, too. Room service: Worth it?Breakfast is complimentary, even if you order it to your room. Do this. Do this every day. The menu is amazing, the food is incredible, and everything tastes ten times better when you eat it in bed, while drinking an espresso from the equally complimentary espresso machine. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Guest Relations Manager Elfriede Schallmeiner shows guests to their suites, while explaining the ethos of the hotel, the design concepts, and the famous names who’ve contributed to it. She’s worked for the brand for over twenty years, and knows everything. Ask questions. She always has an answer, or can get one. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Madeline cakes under a glass dome, and a complimentary tablet to browse the room service menu and services guide, make this hotel feel truly seven star. Zuma Restaurant is on the roof, which gets rave reviews from some, and middling from others. Either way, it’s expensive, has great views over Palazzo Fendi, and is only an elevator ride away if you fancy a special meal. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Staying in a hotel is often a noisy experience, from the bustle of check-in, to the crowded lobby, and guests in the corridors. Fendi Private Suites is nearly silent, sometimes eerily so. But that only adds to the feeling of exclusivity. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Fendi Private Suites feels like the ultimate hotel experience. Everything is personal, the décor is incredible, the design unique, and the staff impeccable. It’ll cost you, but you won’t have stayed anywhere like it before." - Maresa Manara
