Hotel de Russie Roma: A Majestic Oasis in the Heart of Rome

Updated: Feb 1, 2023

Overview

Rome, the Eternal City, is a melting pot of culture, history, art and food. And what better place to stay than the luxurious Hotel de Russie, located in the heart of the city, close to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions? This magnificent hotel is a serene oasis that combines modern comfort with timeless elegance, making it the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the best of Rome in style.

Built in the 19th century, Hotel de Russie has a rich history and has been visited by numerous famous guests, including Winston Churchill and Coco Chanel. This historic hotel has been beautifully restored and renovated to provide guests with a truly unforgettable experience. With its spacious rooms and suites, lush gardens, and exceptional service, Hotel de Russie is the epitome of luxury and sophistication

It opened in 2000, but constant nips and tucks have kept the city's first true design hotel fresh. Star features include a prime location, suave Ancient-Rome-meets-Art-Deco décor, and a raft of curated experiences – but the headliner will always be the courtyard, home to the hotel’s classy cocktail bar and restaurant. Though it’s fashion-shopping central today, this area of the centro storico, between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo, still retains some of the bohemian air of centuries past, when it was the city’s artists’ quarter. Today, the De Russie is equally well-placed for coming back with armfuls of bags from Gucci, Fendi and Prada, or going for a run in the Borghese Gardens. Frequented by fashion and film people, well-heeled tourists and style-conscious business travellers, the hotel is the entirely refurbished avatar of an earlier establishment popular with artists like Picasso and Jean Cocteau.

It's a joint venture between US interiors guru Tommaso Ziffer and Rocco Forte Hotels’ in-house designer, Olga Polizzi, who together have ensured the De Russie melds the elegant classicism of Ancient Rome with a more contemporary idiom that nods to the Art Deco-influenced design of the interwar years.

SOMETHING ABOUT ROME

Rome is a fascinating and captivating place filled with rich history and culture. From its humble beginnings as a small village on the Tiber River to becoming the center of a vast empire that ruled over much of the world, Rome has a rich and complex history that continues to captivate visitors from all over the world.

One of the main draws of Rome is its incredible architecture. From the Colosseum, a massive amphitheater built in 80 AD, to the Pantheon, a temple dedicated to all the gods that was built in 27 BC, Rome is home to some of the world's most iconic buildings. Visitors can marvel at the sheer size and magnificence of these structures, which were built thousands of years ago and still stand today as testament to the architectural prowess of the Romans.

Another aspect of Rome that attracts visitors is its rich religious heritage. The city is home to numerous churches and cathedrals, including St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world. Visitors can also explore the Vatican Museums, which house an incredible collection of art, sculptures, and other treasures, as well as the Sistine Chapel, famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo

In addition to its architecture and religious heritage, Rome is also renowned for its delicious food and wine. From traditional dishes like pasta alla carbonara and saltimbocca alla romana to local wines like Frascati and Est! Est!! Est!!!, there is something for everyone in Rome's culinary scene. Visitors can explore local markets, sample street food, or dine in one of the city's many restaurants to experience the best of Roman cuisine.

Finally, Rome is also home to many museums and galleries, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the National Museum of Rome, which showcases the city's history, or the Capitoline Museums, which house an extensive collection of art and artifacts.

In conclusion, Rome is a city that truly has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, religion, food, or art, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this incredible city. So why not plan a trip to Rome today and experience all that this magnificent city has to offer!

What we liked most

The Hotel de Russie secret gardens are definitely a must visit when you are in Rome. These beautiful green spaces provide a peaceful escape from the bustling city, and are the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you want to soak up the sun on a lounger, enjoy a coffee in the shade, or simply admire the stunning views, these gardens are an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.

Overall, Hotel de Russie Roma is a magnificent hotel that offers a truly unforgettable experience. With its luxurious rooms, beautiful gardens, and exceptional service, this hotel is the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience the best of Rome in style. Whether you're visiting the city for business or pleasure, Hotel de Russie is a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Rooms

All rooms have been brough in line with Olga Polizzi’s drive to make them feel like homes, not hotel units. Of the 120 rooms (of which 34 are suites) it’s worth angling for one that faces into the courtyard and garden, though if you’re in the long lateral wings of the hotel, top-floor street-facing rooms like Deluxe Suite 532 have lovely views over the Roman rooftops.

Note that there’s an almost seamless progression between the room and suite categories. Signature Suites like Popolo and Picasso are in high demand among big-spenders; a yet-to-be-named fifth Signature Suite, overlooking the garden, will be unveiled in May 2018.

Effortlessly blending classical influences and contemporary design, as envisioned by Olga Polizzi and architect Tommaso Ziffer, the 120 rooms and suites at Hotel de Russie exemplify luxurious Roman living with views out over the historic city streets and the magnificent Piazza del Popolo.

Generous in size and decorated with feature accents inspired by the city’s antique history, the elegant interiors include sculpture, photography and vibrant cushions made with lavish Zimmer + Rohde fabric, plus chic furnishings from Porada and Porta Romana. Bringing the outside in, the stunning botanically-inspired wallpaper from Lewis & Wood echoes the timeless splendour of the Secret Garden.

The hotel's rooms and suites are decorated in a classic, yet modern style, and are equipped with all the amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel, including flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel's luxurious suites are particularly special, with beautiful views over the city, spacious living areas, and separate bedrooms.

Food and Drink

When it comes to dining, Hotel de Russie has a fantastic restaurant that serves a range of delicious Italian cuisine. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Whether you want to enjoy a romantic dinner or a leisurely lunch with friends, the restaurant is the perfect place to sample some of Rome's finest food.

The hotel’s lovely, verdant terraced courtyard and garden acts as the al fresco venue for all the De Russie’s food and beverage options, which are overseen by talented Tuscan executive chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Stravinskij Bar serves light lunches (sandwiches, salads, pastas), but is better known for its expertly mixed cocktails.

The Jardin de Russie restaurant is as upmarket as you would expect (men: don’t turn up in shorts), but the menu is grounded in the Italian regional tradition: pasta dishes such as fettucine Bolognese; meat dishes such as veal Milanese; and seafood dishes such as seared octopus or grilled lobster.

Note that things can get a bit hectic at the buffet breakfast when the weather confines guests to the inside rooms, which are too small to meet the demand.

Le Jardin De Russie

From the elegant dining room, replete with stylish classically-inspired accents, to the verdant outdoor terrace at the foot of the Pincio, surrounded by mature pine and flowering citrus, Le Jardin de Russie offers stylish Italian cuisine in sublime surrounds in Rome.

Stravinskij Bar

Your oasis in the historic heart of Rome, the Stravinskij Bar is the gathering place for the city’s bright and beautiful. Crowned by mature trees, fountains, and lush botanicals, our private piazza is at the foot of Hotel de Russie’s Secret Garden, lending it a certain splendour.

Services and facilities

Service is top-notch, and it can be safely said the the De Russie boasts some of the best-informed concierges in the capital.

Facilities include a small but rather lovely spa with six treatment rooms, a fully equipped gym, and a range of bespoke activities. There’s even a Massimo Serini ‘Hair Corner’ salon, open from noon to 9pm. Guests can also go for the hotel's Avenue of Style programme, which offers bespoke experiences in the nearby boutiques of fashion and lifestyle brands, from Armani to Zegna.

Pool The spa has a small salt-water hydro massage pool which improves circulation after a long flight. Its blue mosaic walls are lit under a sparkling crystal-star ceiling.

Spa The intimate De Russie Spa wellness center has an incredible offering of treatments. Highlights include the 'Aux Cinq Fleurs' facial which combines aromatherapy of five tropical flowers with a facial massage that stimulates 62 acupressure points, or the energizing jet-lag treatment, which includes a body scrub, hot stone massage ana aromatic body and face massage. There's also a chromotherapy steam room and a Finnish sauna.

Gym A small gym has the latest Technogym weight and cardio equipment. An on-staff personal trainer, yoga instructor, or pilates teacher can be booked to help you reach any travel fitness goals. They can also arrange running or biking tours through the city.