Checking in to Hotel De La Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Rome
So what’s the story?
Rome has always been one of the most interesting and beautiful European capitals; a timeless city with contemporary spirit that plays host to must-see events and experiences. Situated in the heart of the city at the top of the Spanish Steps is Hotel de la Ville by Rocco Forte, offering an ultra-luxe hideaway from the bustling streets and tourist crowds. The vibrantly stylish hotel is classically designed with modern fittings; and features plush rooms, beautiful amenities, a Michelin-starred restaurant called Mosaico (which has the best maritozzis), and an unrivalled roof terrace where you will find the utterly delightful and unmissable Cielo restaurant.
Tell me more
Following the success of its impressive sister hotel, Hotel de Russie, Rocco Forte returned to the Italian capital in 2019 with the same designer in tow, Tommaso Ziffer, and opened Hotel de la Ville. Ziffer, along with Olga Polizzi, Design Director for Rocco Forte Hotels, ensures that the hotel delivers an alluring balance of 18th-century palazzo grandeur, paired with fresh wit, and bold colourful touches.
The hotels majestic interiors draw inspiration from the Grand Tour period when English and German nobility flocked to the European capitals collecting art. As a result, the charming heritage of the building is brought back to life through careful intervention by Italian artisans, like handmade wallpaper by Rubelli and Dedar, and the use of precious Italian fabrics and a refined selection of vintage tapestries by Zardi & Zardi.
Staying In
Hotel de la Ville offers 104 lavishly elegant rooms and suites whereupon the glamorous Grand Tour theme continues. Beds are king or super king-sized, rich textiles adorn the walls and furnishings, and indulgent Italian marble bathrooms are stocked full with luxurious Irene Forte Skincare products.
The in-house Irene Forte Spa includes five private treatment rooms and an enticing menu of treatments, which pay homage to Italy’s rich and fruitful history. The spa uses its own range of divine-smelling products that are made from ingredients grown on its private organic Verdura farm in Sicily - you will struggle to pick between the superb Trapani Sea Salt Body Scrubs, Sicilian Earth & Sea Toning Treatments, and Mediterranean Nourishing Treatments.
For active travellers, the hotel boasts a fully-fitted gym, running and cycling programmes, meditation lessons, and during the warmer months, yoga classes on the sunny rooftop terrace.
Don’t miss
From its perch above Piazza di Spagna, the Hotel de la Ville rooftop restaurant, Cielo, is its crown jewel with sweeping panoramic views across the city’s rooftops. Thanks to a well thought-out and discerning menu by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, Creative Director of Food at Rocco Forte Hotels, Cielo serves four courses of Italian dishes made from a gourmet selection of local, seasonal produce. Starters include healthy plates such as artichoke salad and raw sea bream salad. First courses like linguine with zucchini flowers, and Castelluccio lentil soup with prawns, will help you to settle in before eating second courses including Italian Marango beef fillet, and free-range chicken Milanese. The dessert menu is equally decadent with a mix of both indulgent and light options.
Going out
Hotel de la Ville is located on Via Sistina, one of the city’s most covetable locations, and many of Rome’s richest cultural treasures like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Villa Borghese are just a short walk away, as are iconic shopping streets, including Via dei Condotti and Via del Babuino, renowned for their high-end boutiques.
From the winding streets of the city centre, a stroll along the Lungotevere will lead you to the celebrated MAXXI Museum designed by Zaha Hadid; or head for the historic heart of the city to the renowned Palazzo Braschi and Foro Romano. The magnificent Scuderie del Quirinale and the Gagosian contemporary art gallery are also easy to reach on foot.
