Why book Hotel de la Ville

If Hotel de La Ville’s sibling, Hotel de Russie (a few streets over), was Rome’s glamorous grande dame, Hotel de La Ville would be the seductive little sister. The entrance seems fitting, taking a little work – either a hike up the Spanish steps, of which the hotel sits almost directly at the top or an ascension up one of its narrow cobbled roads. Designed by Italian architect Tommaso Ziffer, the luxurious five-star property is a cheeky riff on the Grand Tour, the beloved 17th- to 19th-century tradition where the world’s monied boys journeyed through Europe and Italy to become cultured young gentlemen. There’s stucco detailing, a tiled marble lobby, Napoleonic yellow wallpaper, teal, busts, grand portraits and repro micro-mosaics – a popular souvenir for the time. The hotel feels like stepping into Alice and Wonderland, with a unique design awaiting on each floor. Dining-wise, the offering is magnificent: courtyard Mosaico is sandwiched between the hotel’s pink walls and bathed in sunlight, while Cielo rooftop city’s cool crowd with its candy-red striped umbrellas and surreal Rome views. The spa is a real treat, too, an underground labyrinth doubling as one of Rome’s most exclusive health clubs.

Location

Lording over the city sitting right at the top of the Spanish Steps, Hotel de La Ville’s location is nothing short of impressive. With the illustrious Houseman hotel to its left, it’s one of the most salubrious in the city – wander down the steps for the luxury boutiques of Via Condotti and the gardens of the Villa Borghese, or head down the road to get into Rome’s more gritty, commercial sprawl. Because of its location, views from the Cielo Rooftop are like a Renaissance painting – ticking off most of the city’s best sights. The only downside for some might be the sheer amount of steps to climb each day, but it’s worth it to work of some of the pasta…

The vibe

Despite being the playful little sister, Hotel de La Ville feels more exclusive than its illustrious sibling, perhaps due to the intimate lobby and narrow corridors. We encountered a range of guests on our stay, monied couples and solo travellers, business people, and chic groups of friends – though that said, it feels less family-friendly than De Russie. Like the hotel, the Cielo Rooftop attracts a good-looking crowd with a DJ throughout the week, while the restaurant is more subdued. There’s a laidback, youthful, fresh feel throughout the property.

Rooms and suites

Ziffer’s Grand Tour theme makes its way into the property, 100-plus rooms and suites, which are positioned around the hotel’s internal courtyard and either offer views of this, the rooftops of Rome of Via Sistina. Rooms use more traditionally masculine hues; think shades of blues and greens, with burnt orange and mustard yellow pops that really pack a punch. Bespoke furniture and cheeky artwork are a playful nod to 18th-century trends like chinoiserie and neoclassical designs, while objets d’art and bold patterned rugs create a homely feeling – especially in our Deluxe Room, which, in the eaves, feels extra cosy. Our gleaming white marble bathroom has a rainfall shower and separate soaking tub and is stocked with Irene Forte Skincare products – made from organic botanicals grown on the Forte family’s Sicilian estate. Each room varies slightly in size, layout and design, thanks to the historic nature of the building, which adds to the charm. For example, solo travellers can check into two-storey superior rooms with wrought iron spiral staircases, while speciality suites have terraces with sun loungers. We’d have liked to see a better mini bar and coffee-making set up (standard rooms come with no tea, milk, kettles or long coffee cups) – but Italian purists won’t have a problem.

Food and drink

In the summer months, and no doubt year round, breakfast feels like a dream – serve in the sun-dappled Mosaico: a rose-tinted courtyard with iron tables shaded by candy-striped parasols. The breakfast team delivered the best we experience in the city, serving up pots of steaming Italian coffee, freshly pressed organic juices from the buffet’s juice machines (create your own from celery, ginger, carrot and more) and classics and specials like carbonara scrambled eggs, and ricotta and mint omelettes. Next door, the ochre-hued Julep Bar serves vermouths, amaros, cocktails and infusions, with printed wallpaper and Grand Tour illustrations adorning the walls. Da Sistina emulates the feeling of a neighbourhood trattoria and is the spot to grab an espresso, pastry, or quick lunch.

That said, we made full use of the stunning Cielo Rooftop – one of Rome’s top rooftop bars and restaurants – just a wander down our corridor. We popped in for espressos, beers and apertivo – never tiring of the stunning views, red-striped parasols and, come night, twinkling lights. There are two separate areas, the main bar and a smaller restaurant space one floor up, which offers a more grown-up, peaceful feel largely filled with couples and mature groups. The cocktail list doesn’t take itself too seriously, with a pink Barbie-themed serve, and the Italian menu is sublime – champing Lazio, Liguria, Piedmont and more with antipasti, fresh pasta, grilled meats, traditional desserts and all the Roman classics.

Spa and facilities

Head down to the basement and you’ll find one of the greatest treasures in the city- the subterranean Sicilian-themed DLC Club. When opening the hotel, it’s clear that five-star fitness and wellness facilities were the modus operandi, expanding on De Russie’s offering to create a dimly-lit, cocooning sanctuary with five treatment rooms, a hydro pool, Kneipp foot baths, cold plunge, infrared and Finnish sauna, ice fountain, steam room, relaxation room with healing infrared beds. There’s also a great gym with Technogym equipment, a fitness studio and a yoga Terrace. The hotel sells memberships to external guests for a high price tag, so the facilities are impeccable and well-kept. Make full use of the hotel’s excellent and extremely well-connected concierge – able to make bookings across the city in a heartbeat’s notice – or book one of Rocco Forte’s exclusive Roman Tours and tailor-made experiences, which include behind-the-scenes access to key sights and day trips outside the capital.

Doubles from €1,100 (about AED4,400); roccofortehotels.com, @hoteldelavillerome

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