Pascal’s New Rule: Rosewood’s Rooftop Open to All
By • June 10, 2016 0 1737
Pascal Forotti, managing director for the Rosewood in Washington, D.C., is making some small changes to the daily operation of the hotel. But one change that will certainly prove popular to locals is the opening the rooftop amenities to all.
“We’ve made a decision to open the Rooftop Bar & Lounge to the public,” Forotti said. “Rosewood is all about ‘A Sense of Place’ in innovative and memorable ways, and I can’t think of a better way to welcome our neighbors and guests this summer than to the Rooftop Bar & Lounge for a true Rosewood experience. With its panoramic view of the city’s skyline — and now offering a limited lunch and dinner menu created by our Grill Room executive chef Frank Ruta — it’s the perfect place for an authentic, live-like-a-local experience. We’re also offering the rooftop for private gatherings for 10 to 110 guests.”
Forotti is devoted to this world-class luxury hotel — and he expects the hotel staff to do the same.
“Even beyond our unique design, location and acclaimed restaurant, one of the reasons that this hotel will be a success is that, with our size and Rosewood’s signature style of operation, it feels more like a residence to our guests,” he said. “We can be more personalized in our service, something that most D.C. hotels can’t offer.”
When asked about any challenges or opportunities he anticipates in Washington, Forotti replied that his “first priority is to increase our staffing by 20 percent. Our industry is often challenged to find good and motivated people to join the Rosewood family. We live in such a fast-moving world; the greatest challenge is to keep up with new trends and to adapt to them. We’re looking for people who have that mindset and the courage to be the leaders and not the followers here in Washington, D.C., people who will surround themselves with equally capable people, knowing it’s not a one-man show but a team effort.”
The Rosewood will deal with its first presidential inauguration in January, although Forotti is no stranger to D.C.’s version of the Super Bowl. He experienced two past inaugurals while working at the Willard. Rooms throughout the city will be at a premium, and the Rosewood expects its rates will start at about $1,095 per night. If it makes sense, Forotti would like to see the entire hotel — guest rooms, Rye Bar, the Grill Room and Rooftop Bar & Lounge — go to a single client or group. The price tag will be high, but with its boutique size of 49 luxury rooms and suites it could be the perfect location for the bold-face names and high rollers expected at the inauguration of President Clinton or President Trump.
With nearly 25 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Forotti seems a perfect choice to lead Rosewood’s future in the nation’s capital. Before joining Rosewood, Forotti spent eight years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where he served for five years as general manager of the Four Seasons Costa Rica, and for three years prior to that as hotel manager of the Four Seasons Hotel New York. His former 17 years with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts included leadership positions here in Washington, D.C., at the Willard, along with the InterContinental Buckhead and InterContinental Chicago.
When asked how he feels being back in Washington, Forotti said, “Seeing so many changes since my last tour here — newly emerging neighborhoods, an exploding, world class dining scene, and just being in Georgetown — is incredible and I’m looking forward to exciting times ahead.”
