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THE ROCK HOTEL GIBRALTAR
HOTEL FACT SHEET ADDRESS Europa Road, Gibraltar TELEPHONE 00 350 73000 FAX 00 350 73513 e-MAIL rockhotel@gibtelecom.net WEB SITE www.rockhotelgibraltar.com HOTEL RATINGS Four AA stars (the AA’s highest percentage rated hotel in Gibraltar) and an AA Rosette Two RAC Dining Awards and an RAC White Ribbon for comfort and hospitality (the only hotel in Gibraltar to have a White Ribbon)
LOCATION & HISTORY The Ancient Greeks and Romans credited Hercules with the creation of the Strait of Gibraltar (separating southern Spain and north Africa) by piling up rocks on either side of this stretch of water to form the northern pillar of Mons Calpe (now known as Gibraltar) and the southern pillar of Mons Alba (the hill rising to the east of Ceuta in Moroccco). In 700 AD, the Arab leader Tarik-Ibn-Zeyad captured the Rock recognising its relevance as an important military and naval base. He named it Jebel-Tarik (Tarik’s Mountain) and for the next 1,000 years it was variously ruled by the Moors and Spaniards. Admiral Sir George Rooke then captured the Rock for the British in 1704 and since then Gibraltar’s appearances in the pages of British history have continued to be significant due to its strategic location in the western Mediterranean. Nelson’s body was brought ashore here after the Battle of Trafalgar and during World War II, Eisenhower was based deep inside the Rock as he commanded the Allied landings in north Africa. Positioned at the most southern point of the Iberian peninsula – and indeed Europe – the Rock of Gibraltar is formed from Jurassic Limestone, stretching 6 kilometres in length and 1.2 kilometres in width. Gibraltar combines an intriguing mix of British colonial, Spanish and Moroccan influences and its population harmoniously blends diverse cultural backgrounds within the community – including Genoese, Maltese, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu peoples. English is the official language although a mixture of English and Spanish is spoken in casual conversation, resulting in the local “Llanito” dialect. Two and a half hours from London, and with a warm, inviting climate, Gibraltar represents a popular, short Mediterranean break offering a variety of outdoor, historical and tourist attractions. The Rock is also the ideal base for day excursions into Spain and Morocco.
HOTEL DESCRIPTION Hugged by the Rock of Gibraltar, and half way up its western incline, the Rock Hotel was built by the Marquis of Bute in 1932. As Gibraltar’s pre-eminent hotel, The Rock captures a timeless charm alongside the traditional values of customer care. Looking out across the bay of Gibraltar to Algeciras in Spain, the 104-bedroomed hotel and its outdoor terraces also offer guests the most spectacular views over to the Rif Mountains of Morocco, just 15 miles away. While British colonial in style, Gibraltar’s Spanish and Moroccan legacies also come home to roost in the six-floor hotel. Set within terraced gardens, The Rock Hotel boasts its own swimming pool complex across from the hotel’s main entrance. Next door to Gibraltar’s casino and a short stroll from the Alameda Botanical Gardens, the Hotel is within easy reach of Main Street yet elegantly set apart from the hustle and bustle of the town. OPENING DATE February 1st, 1932 GENERAL MANAGER Stephen Davenport
GUEST ROOM & SUITES A fresh, light English style of interior décor runs throughout all 104 bedrooms (including nine suites), underscored by the colonial flavour that was established in 1932 and is now translated in a modern context. All rooms have views of Spain and Africa and come with balconies where guests can sit outside, relax and drink in the panorama. The spaciousness of the bedrooms, measuring 21.9 square metres, is matched by the large, gleaming white-tiled ensuite bathrooms. Four junior suites come with an added seating area while the three standard suites offer separate sitting rooms and larger bathrooms with double vanity units. The top floor’s pride are the two, one-bedroomed Penthouse suites - the Montague Suite and Napier Suite (named respectively after 17th and 19th century British generals connected with Gibraltar). In each, dining and sitting room areas combine with the spacious bedroom and en-suite bathroom to constitute a private apartment that enjoys the best views from the top of The Rock Hotel. DINING The Restaurant – Spanish and Moroccan influences also blend seamlessly with British and European flavours on the A La Carte and fixed price menus. Daily specials are featured and Executive Chef, Alfred Rodriguez takes full advantage of the Mediterranean waters and the local seafood, such as hake, swordfish, John Dory and sea bream. Old and new world wines appear on the Hotel’s Wine List which places the spotlight on the region’s Spanish wine makers. Arched windows frame views across the bay and its twinkling evening lights to add a distinctively romantic atmosphere at dinner. 18th and 19th century maritime prints and murals also add a further dramatic decorative touch to the restaurant which is non-smoking throughout. Restaurant Opening times: Breakfast: 7.30am-10.30am (Continental breakfast can also be served in guest bedrooms). Dinner: 7pm-10pm Dress: Smart-Casual
Lounges – the first floor of the Hotel, with its full expanse of floor-to-ceiling arched windows, offers guests a series of very spacious areas in which to relax, unwind and marvel at the southern European landscape, while enjoying light refreshments and snacks throughout the day. The atmosphere of calm and graciousness is further accentuated with English Afternoon Tea, served daily from 3pm-6pm. Step out from here onto an open terrace to make the most of good weather. Barbary Bar (Non-smoking) – Spanish tapas, light meals and cocktails can be enjoyed in this more contemporary setting. The high-points of Gibraltar’s past century are nevertheless captured here with framed black and white photos. Under a beautiful wisteria canopy, enjoy the same menu outside on the appropriately-named Wisteria Terrace, as you gaze out across the sea to Spain and north Africa. Afternoon tea, pre-dinner cocktails, wines by the glass and nightcaps all conspire to provide a sense of escape from the world back at home. On summer evenings, terrace barbecues are an added treat. Opening times: Noon – midnight. The Rock Hotel Pool - set within the Hotel’s private and secluded gardens, the pool is another splendid oasis for guests. The pool’s Mediterranean seawater is refreshing while the poolside cabana serves up light meals, tapas and drinks. Changing rooms and towels are also provided. Evening barbeques and themed events are also held here. Opening times: 10am-8pm daily, between 1st April – 5th October.
MEETING SPACE While theatre-style functions can be staged for 100 delegates, the Hotel’s speciality is in the organisation of small and medium-sized private meetings, conferences and dinners for some 50 guests. Both the Gimcrack Room on the Hotel’s Penthouse floor and the ground floor Wisteria Room add a spectacular dimension to meetings and conferences with the views that are captured of Spain and Africa. The Wisteria Room also allows meeting delegates to recharge their batteries by taking tea and coffee breaks on its outdoor terrace, under its beautiful wisteria canopy. A 24-hour delegate rate of £145 per person is available which includes single overnight accommodation alongside meeting room hire, meeting equipment, coffee break, lunch and afternoon tea. 4-hour and 8-hour delegate rates are offered too. Penthouses, suites and junior suites are also available for smaller meetings while the pool area provides an additional venue for private dinners, dances and wedding receptions.
BUSINESS SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY There is free wireless internet connection – WiFi - throughout the hotel, with broadband internet access included. A small internet room is also available so those travelling without a laptop can still go online. Aside from the hi-tech, a full range of secretarial services (including copy-typing, faxing and photocopying) is provided too. CIVIL MARRIAGES & WEDDING RECEPTIONS The Rock Hotel is licensed for Civil Marriages - around the hotel there are several choice spots for the ceremony and then the reception can follow on seamlessly. Whether it’s just the bridal couple, a small group of family and friends or a celebration for 100, The Rock Hotel has considerable experience in arranging fabulously memorable occasions and overseeing every single detail – large and small. Visit www.rockhotelgibraltar.com/weddings and click onto “Our wedding and celebration customers say…” for testimonials from impressed guests. HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY TREATMENTS Alongside hairdressing, Orlando’s Hair & Beauty Salon at The Rock Hotel provides a comprehensive range of beauty treatments; facials, manicures and waxing as well as Aromatherapy, Swedish, Sports and Dry Brush massages, Reiki, Ear Candling and a Bridal Makeup session. SPECIAL SERVICES & AMENITIES Fino Sherry on check-in Decanters of Scotch and Sherry in guest bedroom Mini-bars Cafetières and tea-making facilities Hairdriers Towelling bathrobes Plastic ducks in the bathroom Trouser press Fully remote, individually-controlled air-conditioning and heating CD players in suites and penthouses 46 non-smoking rooms Two bedrooms adapted for disabled guests. Baby-sitting and listening services Cots, high-chairs, child-sized portions Same-day laundry and dry cleaning (Monday-Friday) 24 hour Room service Satellite television – 26 channels and Radio Bedside, direct-dial telephones Themed packed lunches Special rates and seasonal packages RATES Single and Double bedrooms from £160 Junior suite from £195 Suite from £230 Penthouse Suite from £295
Rates quoted are per bedroom, per night. Service and tax included. Corporate and group rates are available on application and there’s a 30% discount, on the above rates, for on-line bookings. CADOGAN HOLIDAYS Award-winning specialist, Cadogan Holidays features The Rock Hotel and the scheduled services of British Airways (with daily flights from Gatwick) among its services to Gibraltar. The specialist team can tailor-make packages where clients can decide their own duration - anything from 2 to 56 nights, choose flight or accommodation-only options and arrange multi-centre holidays, combining hotels or destinations. For more information and reservations, contact Cadogan Holidays on 023 80 828313 or visit the website at www.cadoganholidays.com. For a brochure call 0870 0364532.
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