The rich cultural heritage of the city of Rome is what makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its archaeological and artistic significance, as well as its unique traditions, date back thousands of years. Today, Rome remains an extremely lively hub for meetings and exchange, with rich cultural and social life.
HOTELS
On our recent visit to Rome, we settled in the five-star superior Hotel De Russie. Its fame is widely known among the inhabitants of the city, and far beyond. When heard of our final destination, our taxi driver said that we’re staying at the most beautiful hotel in Rome, and now we can say with confidence that he was right. Offering a modern and luxurious lifestyle in a historic building, it is the perfect place to get to know the city and experience its eternal charm.
Location
Situated along the elegant Via del Babuino between two of Rome’s most famous piazzas, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo, Hotel de Russie is the ideal place to explore the Eternal City. It is located at the foot of the Pincio hill and mere steps from the picturesque Via Margutta. Thanks to its incredibly convenient position it is the perfect base for visiting the city’s most important sites and attractions, as well the museums and shopping streets.
The Story of Rocco Forte Hotels
Forte family has a long history in hospitality business that dates back to 1911, when Sir Rocco Forte’s grandfather opened a café in Scotland called The Savoy. He run a number of successful restaurants in both Scotland and England, which inspired his son Charles Forte to open a Milk bar on Regent Street. It quickly grew to become the Forte hotel and restaurant business, and the largest hospitality group in the world.
Something different. Something special. Something unique.
Growing up, Sir Rocco Forte worked in a different parts of the business including customer service, and even kitchen work and housekeeping, stating that it was very important for him to get to know as many different departments as possible. He took over from his father as CEO of the Forte Group in 1992, and his sister, Olga Polizzi, became the group’s co-founder and Director of Design. Today, Rocco Forte Hotels group is a proud family business with a strong focus on luxury properties in major cities.
The Building
The five-star superior Hotel De Russie offers a modern and luxurious lifestyle in a historic building, inaugurated into the Rocco Forte Hotel family in 2000. The long and vibrant history of the building traces back to the nineteenth century, when Marquis Francesco Lucernari purchased the land and enlisted Architect Giuseppe Valadier to design the building. The hotel was originally known as “Grand Hotel de Russie et des Iles Britannique”, thanks to the numerous members of the Russian Imperial House and Russian intellectuals who were frequent guests.
During the Second World war the hotel was taken over by Military Information Services, and at the end of the 1940s, Count Vaselli acquired and closed the hotel. It was renovated in the mid-fifties, and became the seat of the Rai offices. In 1999 the building was taken over by Sir Rocco Forte, who restored it to its ancient beauty and reopened the hotel, today known as “Hotel de Russie”.
Architecture & Design
An eclectic interior design is a work of architect Tommaso Ziffer, helped by Olga Polizzi, Design Director of Rocco Forte Hotels. Taking the inspiration from various international hotellerie styles, the design carefully mixes history and modernity, paying the attention to every single detail and perfectly blending the contemporary concepts with the classic architecture of historic building. Hotel de Russie, in my opinion, is the most beautiful hotel in Rome. None other boasts a garden like ours – a true oasis in the heart of the city where you can relax sipping a cocktail or a glass of wine. The restyling took into consideration all the rooms, which are now decidedly refreshed. We also added new, vibrant colors – like the papal shades of orange and violet – and a touch of everlastingness with original details on the cushions and wallpaper. – said Olga Polizzi, Design Director for Rocco Forte Hotels.
Our project came to life with the hope of allowing guests of Hotel de Russie to feel immediately at one with the Eternal City thanks to an original design and a classic, contemporary style which has always distinguished this hotel.
– Olga Polizzi
The color palette combines the pastel tones from bluish green to sandy off-white, with sophisticated shades of amethyst which matches the linear furniture, with tasteful hints of black and orange. Thanks to its incredible charm and elevated approach to restoration, Hotel de Russie is without a doubt one of the most elegant hotels we stayed in.
Rooms
Hotel de Russie boasts 86 spacious rooms and 34 elegant suites, distinguished by a balance of luxury and comfort. The rooms start from 30 m2 for Classic Room, with large windows overlooking the streets of Rome, to Executive Rooms facing the lush Secret Garden. Deluxe Rooms start from 55 m2 and can be adjoined to the Junior Deluxe Suites for family vacations. Superior Deluxe Rooms are very unique thanks to their living room and open floor plan and can be paired with an elegant Junior Deluxe Suite into a spacious Family Suite of 95-100 m2.
Besides the classical ones, the hotel offers a selection of special suites, including the Garden Suite, inspired by the heritage and liveliness of Rome, Vaselli Suite that reflects the historic buildings of Rome, Valadier Suite, designed by Olga Polizzi, that preserves an authentically Roman feel, Suite Picasso that pays homage to the renowned artists who stayed in the hotel in 1917, with its elegant and expressive decor, as well as the top floor, Suite Popolo with an incredible terrace views and the mind blowing Nijinsky Suite inspired by the celebrated dancer and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky.
Perfectly balancing luxury and comfort, the careful choice of furniture and the stylish details make for an incomparable stay. The color palette includes shades of blue, grey and purple, accented with the touches of orange and green, adding to a vibrant atmosphere. Lively touches come in a form of renowned Fornasetti wallpapers and floral frescoes by Lewis & Wood. A modern design furnishings and cushions inspired by Roman history, are made with fabrics by Zimmer + Rohde, with tables from Porta Romana, seats from Potacco and hand-woven rugs made by San Patrignano.
Spa
The luxurious De Russie Spa is a perfect oasis of serenity and calmness for those looking to escape the fast pace of city life and recover after a long journey. Inspired by the dreamy greenery of the hotel’s ancient garden, the 600m2 spa includes a wide range of services, including a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, Turkish bath and a gym with Technogym equipment and a personal trainer. It also offers a range of exclusive spa treatments, such as Facials by the renowned Swiss Perfection brand and a sophisticated offer of Holistic Therapies including Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Reiki and Ayurveda treatments. The hotel, as well as the Spa offer an exclusive Irene Forte Skincare products, created in collaboration with Dr. Francesca Ferri’s team from Effegilab.
The Garden
The historic “Secret Garden” is what makes this hotel truly special. It is a small part of the vast Villa Borghese garden, designed by Giuseppe Valadier in the XIX century, initially conceived to accompany the building and instantly became an indelible asset to the property. It was restored in 2020 by architect Pietro Paolo Lateano who managed to return it to its original layout. It features the elements of neoclassical architecture such as terraces, balustrades, caves, basins, nymphs and statues perfectly matched with the scents and colors of the plants, each particularly chosen to form a unique botanical bliss.
Food & Beverage
The beautiful Le Jardin de Russie restaurant offers refined Italian cuisine set in the most exclusive garden in Rome. Inspired by the traditional Roman cuisine, the menu offers local specialties, including a selection of pasta dishes and fish, selected by Executive Chef Nazzareno Menghini and Fulvio Pierangelini. In the summer, Le Jardin de Russie sets the tables in the charming Secret Garden, where you can enjoy the food amongst ancient trees and rose gardens.
One of the city’s most stunning “it places”, Stravinskij Bar includes both an internal and external area overlooking Piazzetta Valadier. Bar manager Paolo Dianini, has prepared a wide range of cocktails, including exclusive creations like the ‘Stravinskij Spritz’ to the ‘Roman G&T’, as well as a selection of healthy drinks. It also has a “Light” menu with healthy and delicious Mediterranean dishes. It is open throughout the day, but in the evening, the Stavinskij Bar becomes one of the most iconic meeting points in the city.
Hotel de Russie
Via del Babuino, 9, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
+39 06 328881
reservations.derussie@roccofortehotels.com
www.roccofortehotels.com
Keep up with Hotel de Russie on Instagram – @hotelderussie
