When In Rome: We discover two of the Eternal City’s most exclusive properties

Lindsay Judge   |   08-10-2022

Hotel de la Ville, Rocco Forte

 

Hotel de la Ville – Cielo

 

Situated at the very top of the Spanish steps on the iconic street Via Sistina, Hotel de la Ville is a quaint boutique property offering Italian style with a modern twist. With an incredible view across the city, overlooking the Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti and just next to the entrance of the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens the location is perfect for those looking to relax but still have all the elements of the Eternal City on your doorstep.

 

Lobby

 

When entering the property you will immediately embrace a homely feel, with elegant décor and great attention to detail, you will notice every element has been carefully thought out and considered. The hotel’s building, much like many in the city has a great history. Dating back to the 18th century the building was first classified as a hotel at the beginning of the 20s and was later expanded in the mid-twentieth century. Today since a remodel in 2019, the hotel is part of the Rocco Forte Group and it combines this history with elegant design and interiors and the latest in modern technology.

 

 

Rooms & Interiors

 

 

The hotel’s interiors were designed by Olga Polizzi, Design Director for Rocco Forte Hotels with architecture by Tommaso Ziffer. Together the two drew inspiration from the 18th century Grand Tour, an era that has inspired the property since the beginning. Around the hotel, you will find carefully placed artworks and coloured elements that bring together the old and the new. This juxtaposition makes you feel at home and offers a modern twist on the classic property. 

 

 

 

The rooms themselves are super spacious with every detail thought out. Our Junior Suite was large but homely with added details such as a spacious wardrobe, bookcase, work area and state-of-the-art coffee machine adding to the luxury lifestyle. The hotel has 104 rooms in total many of which have views of the city or the quaint inner courtyard. Lavish fabrics are given a contemporary touch with that feeling of old meets new present throughout. The bathrooms are uber-luxurious with Italian marble from floor to ceiling, and if you’re looking for complete relaxation, lay back in the bath and enjoy the luxurious Irene Forte body and skincare products. 

 

 

Food & Dining 

 

 

Rome is one of the greatest city’s in Italy when it comes to food and Hotel de la Ville brings you some of the best of the capital’s cuisine. All of the property’s F&B concepts are overseen by Fulvio Pierangelini, Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels with menus by Maestro Pierangelini. Begin your day with breakfast at Mosaico as you relax in the outdoor courtyard and indulge in a wide offering of international and local dishes. In the evening choose from a variety of experiences depending on your taste. We recommend beginning your evening at the idyllic Cielo Terrace Bar, situated on the rooftop of the hotel for a traditional aperitivo.

 

 

This intimate yet glamorous venue is one of the best places in the city to take in the historical views. Also, a great place to watch the sunset Cielo is a relaxed location that would make the perfect destination for a date or catching up with loved ones. Later in the evening head to Da Sistina for dinner. This elegant bistro is designed in the style of a typical neighbourhood trattoria bringing classic elements from the local cuisine into a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. With a modern take on classic Roman gastronomy, the menu offers a fresh alternative to traditional dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

 

 

 

 

Hotel de Russie

 

  

Situated a little closer to the hustle and bustle of the luxury shopping streets of Rome, Hotel de Russie is perfect for those who love to be in the centre of all the action. This historic property is sat between two of Rome’s most famous piazzas, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo. With most of the city’s shopping districts and tourist destinations within walking distance, Hotel de Russie is the perfect destination for those who love to meander through picturesque streets and get a true taste of Roman life.

 

 

Much like its sister property, the hotel has a long history dating back to 1816 when the land was first acquired. In the year 2000, it became Hotel de Russie as we know it today and has since become a favourite for VIP guests and celebrities visiting the Eternal City. When entering this property you will instantly feel at peace and at ease. There is a feeling of greatness as you enter the spacious lobby with high ceilings and elegant interiors. Through the back of the lobby, you will see the famous “Secret Garden” designed by Giuseppe Valadier which mirrors the beauty of the Villa Borghese.

 

 

Rooms & Suites 

 

 

The Rooms of Hotel de Russie are highly focused on comfort with fine attention to detail. While more classic than those at Hotel de la Ville the sense of fine Italian hospitality and luxury is overwhelming. A colour palette of soft pastel tones creates a harmonious mood with touches of vibrant shades offering a bold artistic accent. Many of the rooms feature Fornasetti wallpaper, adding a creative flair and furnishings come in the form of hand-woven rugs and carefully selected accents.

 

 

Contemporary works of art complete the rooms, many of which have impressive views across the city’s rooftops and terraces. For the ultimate luxury, the special suites are individually designed for a sense of uniqueness. Bringing the outdoors in, each of these rooms is bright and airy and combines elements of nature that can be found around the city. Traditional Italian furnishings will make you feel completely at home. 

 

 

 

Food & Dining 

 

 

Le Jardin de Russie is one of the most sought-after destinations in the city. From a relaxing breakfast in the morning to aperitivo with friends in the early evening, and dinner in the evening set in the picturesque courtyard, this 360 destination must be pre-booked thanks to its high demand from both tourists and locals alike. Beginning with an elegant dining room Le Jardin de Russie sprawls out into a raised garden at the back of the hotel, at the foot of the Pincio hillside, surrounded by billowing pines and flowering citrus trees. The most relaxing destination, the Jardin de Russie becomes an exclusive restaurant serving mouth-watering traditional Roman dishes and local specialities. You must try the including “cacio e pepe” ravioli, spaghetti with fresh tomato and basil, and sea bass baked with pink Himalayan salt, and for dessert, there is a selection of delicious sweet treats to discover.

 

 

When you have finished with dinner, head to Stravinskij Bar which again is one of the most coveted places to visit in the city. Dedicated to the Russian composer for which it bares the name, the bar of the Hotel de Russie includes both an internal and external area overlooking Piazzetta Valadier, perfect for taking in the wonderful views of the garden even in the coldest months, thanks to an external heating system.

 

 

Out & About 

Both hotels offer a series of exciting excursions and experiences for guests. Ranging from guided tours of the city, shopping experiences and a chance to discover the rich culture of the city in five-star style. Further afield take the opportunity to get a closer look at the region’s gastronomy with an exciting day trip to Fattoria delle Ville Pontificie. Here you can explore a dairy far and discover how local ingredients are grown, sourced and prepared. The ancient island of Ponza can also be reached in just 40 minutes by helicopter from Rome and this can be organised by the hotels if needed. The opportunities are endless.

 

For more information visit www.roccofortehotels.com/