Rome, the Eternal City.
It famously straddles seven hills, but Rome often feels like several cities. There's the ancient one, of course – the Rome of emperors and amphitheaters, still visible today. Then there's grand, baroque Rome, a city of immense squares, florid churches and fountains, each more spectacular than the next. There's the Dolce Vita vibe, still, in elegant boutiques, bars, and restaurants, and landmark hotels still on Via Veneto.
But Rome is also modern, with formerly residential neighborhoods such as Testaccio, Monti, and Ostiense now as attractive to tourists for their nightlife as the classic areas.
In the space of a day you can go from a Roman emperor's home to a hipster market; you can peel away the layers simply by stepping down into the basement of a church. Of course, all this excess needs some restraint. You should find that in the Vatican; but instead you'll find Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel there. So when it all gets too much, there are the parks – the Giardino degli Aranci with its sublime views of the dome of St Peter's; the Villa Borghese, whose sprawling grounds contain several museums; and the Via Appia Antica, a Roman road strewn with mausoleums, catacombs, and ancient aqueducts. Even out in nature, Rome can't help but go over the top.
The impressive view from Piazza di Spagna over the Spanish Steps – climbing to Trinità dei Monti.
From the 16th century on, the entire area around the Trinità dei Monti had long been under French influence; in the 19th century, this influence expanded somewhat to include the Villa Medici and the French Academy. The French provided the funds for the celebrated Spanish Steps, which were built some time around 1725 by Francesco De Sanctis. Their purpose was to celebrate the peace between France and Spain by linking the Piazza di Spagna – so called because of a road leading to the Bourbon Spanish Embassy – to the French church.
Hotel de la Ville – a classic.
Located in the historic centre of Rome, the Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville sits on top of one of the famous hills of Rome: peeking at the top of the Spanish Steps, near its sister hotel, the Hotel de Russie, this historic 18th-century palazzo has elegant and sumptuous rooms and suites. The spacious, light-filled rooms take their cue from the city they overlook, with prints and Piranesi etchings of Roman pine trees. Designers Tommaso Ziffer and Olga Polizzi have taken inspiration from the Grand Tour, when British aristocrats came to Rome to learn about culture and art.
The red and white striped parasols dotted throughout the courtyard, as well as on the terraces, are synonymous with the hotel, echoed in the dapper hotel slippers that boast a matching striped lining. With more than 100 rooms and suites, there’s heaps of choice when it comes to size and each room feels individual in its design.
Commenting on Ziffer’s vision for the hotel, Olga Polizzi said: “The Grand Tour heavily influenced European design and Italy played a major part in this – the term ‘The Grand Tour’, from which originated the term ‘tourist’, was introduced by Richard Lassels in his 1670 book Voyage to Italy. The country was key to the Grand Tourist’s voyage, and Rome at the heart of it all. It made sense for us to celebrate this important part of Italian history with the newest addition to the Rocco Forte Hotels portfolio, Hotel de la Ville.”
Suite De la Ville, Sitting Room.
The extravagant style of the 18th Century is boldly weaved together with Ziffer’s contemporary touch. Handmade wallpaper from local designers Rubelli and Dedar, and rich Italian fabrics and tapestries from Zardi & Zardi sit alongside ‘antiquated’ design elements created using new technologies such as digitally printed mosaics and laser-cut wall coverings.
From the first step over the hotel’s threshold, the peculiar items integrated into the design that evoke the diverse feel of The Grand Tour, capturing guests’ attention. An imposing Roman marble trapezophorus, traditionally found in ancient Roman palazzos, stands in the place of a traditional Concierge desk, while the black and white geometric lobby floor, interwoven with handmade terracotta from Umbria, is reminiscent of typical monochrome flooring found in English mansions of the 18th and 19th Centuries, where the Grand Tourists would return to in order to install their new collections of antiquities.
Light blue walls, embellished with stone columns and Roman ruins, and a set of mirroirs sorcières hanging across the passage to the staircase, bring the whimsical personality of the lobby to life.
Located just off of the lobby, the hotel’s lounge ‘The Print Room’ is a Roman take on an English concept. Grand Tourists would hang prints to showcase the artwork they collected during their journey, and the lounge recreates this concept with memories of Roman antiquity digitally reproduced and exhibited on the walls. Classic designs of micro-mosaic jewellery, a typical souvenir for Grand Tourists, have also been printed digitally. This appreciation for nuanced details extends to every corner of the hotel, including the elevators, which have become centrepieces in their own right. Paisley, green foliage, and studded leather patterns are printed on the glass screens, conceiving a modern tapestry that offers guests a visual feast whilst transporting them up and down the hotel’s seven storeys to the 104 rooms and suites, and beyond.
Epitome of Luxury: the new Penthouse Suite.
Three suites, Canova, Roma and the Presidential de la Ville combine to create the largest and most spectacular panoramic Penthouse Suite in town: An exclusive six-bedroom apartment perfect for extraordinary celebrations and bringing together families for an incredible Roman holiday. The crown jewel of the residences is the panoramic terrace. A total of 345 square meters, the terrace offers several outlooks over the divine city. From sunbathing on the rooftop overlooking Saint Peter's Dome, to peaceful reading overlooking the Villa Borghese Gardens, to private dinners and parties under the stars with expansive views over the city.
Guests begin the unique experience from the private elevator which opens directly into the apartment. The terrace lends itself to a myriad of activities from private yoga sessions at dawn and dusk, to candle lit romantic dinners, to parties with your own DJ set. For guests wishing to dive into the delights of Roman gastronomy, mixology and cooking classes can be enjoyed from the comfort of the Penthouse Suite.
Booking a signature suite also comes with the tailored Rocco Forte benefit program.
Cielo terrace – striking views from atop Trinità dei Monti.
Launched in 2019, the Hotel de la Ville has quickly become one of Rome’s most coveted addresses due to its vibrant personality, striking design and lively atmosphere. Having won several international design awards, hosted fashion events, film stars, artist and international personalities the hotel reopens its doors with the enhanced roof top terrace.
Better known by locals simply as Il Cielo – literally the sky – the rooftop terrace is beautifully lined with retro red and white striped parasols shading an eclectic mix of guests, from locals to foreigners, who, throughout the day can enjoy celebrity chef, Fulvio Pierangelini’ s menu of creative sharing dishes. A highlight, dim sum, an Italian and Chinese fusion marries the lightest Chinese pastry with the most Italian of Carbonara or Cacio e Pepe fillings.
As the light fades, candles begin to flicker, framing St Peter’s Basilica’s dome as the last rays of the sun cast a captivating evening light over the city. Even the Romans, who are well accustomed to wonderful views over their city, are struck by the most glorious sunset aperitivi, leaving some guests speechless when gazing at the stunning panorama.
The renowned mixologist and bar strategist, Oscar Cavallera, has created a cocktail menu based on herbs, spices and fresh ingredients such as the much loved Nova, based on Vodka with ginger, lime and violet liquor. His inspiration derives from the Romans who would add spices to their wines to preserve them. Another favourite is the Gavio, a refreshing mix of Billecart Salmon and Saint Germain liquor on a bed of Elderflower. Complementing the cocktails is the live music or perfectly designed playlists featuring local artists, lounge sounds and popular international tracks.
Where Rocco Forte Hotel de la Ville, Rome
Phone +39 06 9779 3716
Opening hours
Mon-Sun 11PM-5PM
Pricing ££££
Inspired by the rich landscape of Sicily, the 550-square-metre spa promotes spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health opened past Summer 2019 with a colourful, singular design, natural materials, live plant walls, and the delicious floral scent of orange blossom. The treatment area includes 5 single rooms and a double suite with a Rasul for Sicilian mud rituals. The thermal area is equipped with a Mediterranean salt room, a sauna, a steam room, an ice fountain, Kneipp foot baths, a hydro pool and a plunge pool. Infra-red heated loungers are set in the relaxing area, complete with soothing atmosphere.
Central to the treatments is the newly launched Irene Forte Skincare, a multi-benefit and sustainable line, inspired by Sicily and handmade in Italy. Created by the group’s Wellness Director Irene Forte, it is the Mediterranean diet for your skin.
Where Via Sistina, 69, 00187 Rome, Italy
Phone +39 06 977931
Pricing ££££