Live like a local

Our ‘little black book’ of places to visit

April 04, 2022

At each of our hotels, you can find a friendly concierge team happy to share their expert knowledge on how to make the most of your stay. In the meantime, here are some of their favourite places in our glorious destinations.

MILAN

Cinque Vie

A stone’s throw away from the Duomo, you’ll find Milan’s oldest district, known as ‘Cinque Vie’ or ‘five ways’. A meeting of five ancient streets and a dynamic crossroads of trade in Roman and Medieval times, today this district is home to buzzing galleries, craft and antique shops, artist studios, design stores and boutiques. At Wait and See on Via Santa Marta, set in a charming 18th century former convent, you’ll find quirky vintage pieces sourced from France to Los Angeles. It’s impossible to come away without finding something unique to bring home.

Recommended by concierge Lorenzo Fradegradi
at Hotel Principe di Savoia

More inspiration

The charm of Milan lies in the diversity of its exceptional experiences and it’s a real joy for me to give guests ideas for hidden gems and new places to visit during their stay with us.

Lorenzo Fradegradi

Concierge at Hotel Principe di Savoia

LONDON

Chelsea Physic Garden

One of London’s most restorative green spaces, Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 by The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries to cultivate medicinal plants. Hidden behind the high walls of what is one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens, you’ll find an oasis of nearly four acres of magnolia trees, lavender, and medicinal herbs. Plants were harvested here during the First World War to treat injured soldiers, and today the collection continues to support the production and research of medicinal plants.

Recommended by the concierge teams
at The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane

More inspiration

We take great pride in getting to know our guests and suggesting personalised recommendations to offer them a unique perspective of London. Whether they are first-time visitors in search of iconic sights or regular guests looking for hidden gems, we’re here to unlock this wonderful city for them.

Jeremy Dawson

Concierge Manager at The Dorchester

ROME

Taverna Trilussa

With its ivy-covered entrance and walls adorned with vintage photos and cured meats, Taverna Trilussa is located in the heart of Trastevere and is a popular local landmark, having been around for almost a century. Renowned for classic Roman dishes including bucatini all’Amatriciana and cacio e pepe, and serving pasta in the steel pan in which it’s cooked, reservations are highly recommended. After a memorable meal, take time to explore Trastevere’s cobblestone side streets and Medieval maze of piazzas.

Recommended by the concierge team
at Hotel Eden

More inspiration

We love sharing the many secrets of Rome with our guests and seeing them mirror our passion for this great city.

Alessandro Arciola, Ana De Castro and Fabrizio Dubla

Concierge team at Hotel Eden

PARIS

Collection Pinault – Bourse de Commerce

Beneath the rotunda of the Bourse de Commerce lies the impressive contemporary art collection of French billionaire François Pinault. Once a grain exchange, the 18th century building is filled with light. One of the highlights is ‘Ici Plage, Comme Ici Bas’ by Martial Raysse, a large panel in vivid sienna hues depicting a utopian landscape with a crowd of sunbathers and carnival-goers. You can see the Montagne Sainte-Victoire in the background.

Recommended by Marine Leroux and Jean Mora
at Hôtel Plaza Athénée and Le Meurice

More inspiration

I love delighting guests by helping them discover hidden gems and arranging memorable tailor-made experiences.

Marine Leroux

Head Concierge at Hôtel Plaza Athénée

LOS ANGELES

Just One Eye

Just One Eye is an edgy, art-filled Hollywood boutique. The enormous space showcases one-of-a-kind pieces by Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol and Takashi Murakami, alongside men’s and women’s fashion pieces by Gucci, Prada, Chloe, Missoni, and Christian Louboutin. You can spend all day exploring this emporium of a store. There’s furniture designed by Brad Pitt, vintage décor from the forties to the sixties, Hermés tabletop items, fine jewellery and fragrances. Look out for the VIP entrance in the back, where celebrities stroll straight into the Jorge Serrano salon, enjoy lunch and get their car washed while they wait.

Recommended by Abbas Golestani and Steve Sorg
at The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air

More inspiration

As a Les Clefs d’Or Concierge, I proudly wear my golden keys and follow our ‘Service Through Friendship’ motto to form real connections with our guests. It’s so rewarding when guests tell me how I’ve helped them create incredible memories during their stay.

Steve Sorg

Chef Concierge at Hotel Bel-Air

ASCOT

Highclere Castle

Famous for being the setting of the television series Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. Records show the estate dates back to 749, when an Anglo-Saxon king granted it to the Bishops of Winchester. The castle, as it stands today, was designed in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, the architect of London’s Houses of Parliament. Tour the state rooms that appear in Downton Abbey and don’t miss the permanent Egyptian Exhibition, which celebrates the fifth Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun. The castle is an hour’s drive from Coworth Park.

Recommended by Rowan McFeat
Director of Rooms, Coworth Park

More inspiration

We love giving guests recommendations from a local perspective and hearing how they’ve enjoyed their stay in beautiful Berkshire. Whether it’s ideas for kids, family gatherings or a romantic break – we’ve inspiring ideas for everyone.

Rowan McFeat

Director of Rooms at Coworth Park

For more destination ideas, take a look at our Moments blog and do stop by our concierge desk for any assistance or inspiration you need during your next stay.

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Live like a local