After more than 30 years (yes, you read that correctly) I was able to return to see the fabulous city of Rome through a different lens. Of course, staying at the fantastic St. Regis and the fabulous Hotel de la Ville made the stay even more special.
In addition to those stays, my friend Shelley and I had a wonderful tour of the Holy Deer property on the Piazza Navona, the Hotel de Russie and a boutique hotel called Margutta 19 near the Piazza de Popolo and the Sofitel Villa Borghese.
Let’s stick with hotels for a minute. The St. Regis Rome, a historic palazzo built in 1894, has undergone a transformation that brings it lovingly and beautifully up to date without sacrificing any of the grandeur and history of the building. The rooms are stunning and the main restaurant and lounge area timeless and elegant. Whatever you do – don’t skip your breakfast here!
After two nights at the St. Regis we moved to one of the three Rocco Forte addresses in Rome. Ours, the Hotel de la Ville, boasts one of the most beautiful terraces for a cocktail in all of Rome (and a killer Negroni). Situated next door to the iconic Hassler Hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps, the location can’t be beaten and the dinner we had was arguably one of our best in Rome. The experience was topped off by superb service, a lovely room, and the following tour of the sister property, the Hotel de Russie, whose light and airy feel along with the MOST GORGEOUS COURTYARD ever made it a place I’m dying to return to.
The Holy Deer is the third of the San Lorenzo Lodges and their first “city property”. The “they” I refer to here are Stefano and Giorgia Barbini. The couple, having had their fill of the fashion world, embarked upon providing a different kind of “hotel” experience. That which is more of a home stay where the “home” is completely yours. This property was once the home of Pope Innocent X in the 17th century. Restored to former glory and lovingly brought up to date and decorated with Giorgia’s sense of style, it’s a beautiful haven right in the middle of Rome.
The Villa Borghese has a stunning view toward Vatican City from their rooftop restaurant. A smaller property in number of rooms and in a quieter neighborhood, it is chic and modern without losing it’s comfortable feel.
Margutta19 is a boutique property with a lively garden restaurant and quaint bar. I love the room we saw with french doors looking out onto the garden and a separate sitting area from where the bed is situated. We had an outstanding lunch here and the location couldn’t be better if you like an intimate neighborhood feel. It is also close to Villa Borghese.
I can’t believe I am already out of room to write and I haven’t even begun on the food and experiences. In addition to that I am writing this from Bucharest, Romania so the places and experiences just keep piling up!
Who knows what this next week will bring, but the next time I sit down to write it will more than likely be from Poland.
As always, I’m only a phone call away! Let’s plan YOUR getaway to Italy! Schedule a chat with me here.
