The younger sibling of Rome’s legendary Hotel de Russie, Hotel de la Ville is another luxurious property of the Rocco Forte Collection that combines old-world glamour with contemporary flair. Nestled within an 18th-century palazzo on top of the Spanish Steps, the hotel is located in one of the city’s most covetable locations, just steps from iconic shopping streets, including Via dei Condotti and Via del Babuino, renowned for their luxury shopping outlets.
Hotel de la Ville is a hotel that captures Roman romance and contemporary cool. Designed by architect Tommaso Ziffer in collaboration with Olga Polizzi, it features playful design elements that pay home to the Grand Tour era. Greek and Roman architectural details, antique furnishings, custom wallpapers and vintage memorabilia (globes, maps and other travel-related artifacts) all add to the hotel's allure.
The property has 104 sumptuous rooms and suites with luxe velvet furniture, whimsical wallpaper and geometric rugs — a mix that comes together for a wonderful effect. Although the property has a quaint inner courtyard, you’ll want to opt for a street-facing street for the most mesmerizing views of Rome.
Hotel de la Ville’s Irene Forte Spa, featuring Sicilian ingredients and innovative wellness treatments, has quickly become one of the most popular spas in the city. High-tech but focused on holistic health, it has a Mediterranean salt room, ice fountain, Kneipp foot baths, hydro pool and infrared relaxation loungers.
Famed chef Fulvio Pierangelini is Rocco Forte Hotels' Creative Director of Food so gourmands will love the dining offerings at the property. Julep Bar, a Fornasetti-esque vermouth bar, serves up creative cocktails and infusions in an aesthetic setting, while Da Sistina is a New York style restaurant and bar that serves elevated Roman classics. But the highlight is undoubtedly Cielo, a rooftop terrace with the best views of Rome in the entire city — hands down. Enjoy "cicchetti" (small bites) with your sunset Spritz before enjoying fresh seafood, seasonal produce and artful deserts.
Neighborhood
Piazza di Spagna offers a quintessentially Roman experience. It’s a ritzy area, with pricey old-school restaurants, stylish locals and chic boutiques for high-end shopping. And the views don’t get much better. If you veer off a few streets, you can also reach quaint art shops along the ivy-ladden Via Margutta and Rome's ancient walls which run along Via di Porta Pinciana. Villa Borghese is close by and you can stroll along Via Veneto for a taste of 1960s dolce vita.
Nearby
Palazzetto Zuccari: This a hidden gem that most tourists miss in the city. Less than 100 meters below the hotel, this historic residence (now a library) is often referred to as the "House of Monsters" due to the menacing masks that adorn its entrance.
Keats-Shelley House: For unique views of the Spanish Steps (without the crowds) pay a visit to this museum where English poet John Keats spent his last months in Rome. Tip: to visit his final resting place, visit the Protestant Cemetery in south Rome.
Villa Medici: Set within a 16th century villa with vast landscaped gardens, the French Academy hosts tours along with some of the city's best pop-up art exhibitions.
Time Out tip
Hop in a restored Fiat 500 for an eco-friendly tour of Rome that retraces Federico Fellini's masterpiece "La Dolce Vita". The tour, aptly named "Hurry up, Marcello!" takes guests to iconic locations in the city and concludes at the Trevi Fountain where actress Anita Ekberg famously stepped into the fountain.