I’ll aways remember the first time I encountered the charms of Hotel de Russie in Rome. It was the summer of 2010 and I’d had the pleasure of whiling away a good part of a balmy evening in the hotel’s viridescent terrace courtyard, basking in the charismatic company of a chart-topping musician and other memorable personalities from enviably creative fields.
I’ve been looking to revisit ever since and crafted the perfect opportunity for a stay at this iconic property, courtesy a quick stopover in Rome during our recent honeymoon trip to Italy.
Situated on the solid ground of Via del Babuino – overlooking the grandiose Piazza del Popolo – de Russie’s location couldn’t be more ideal actually, positioning us in close quarters to the city’s monumental attractions (not to mention those most high-octane names in fashion!).
Distinctively recognisable as part of the Rocco Forte collection, the hotel has injected a dash of glamour to its neighbourhood over time, once a bohemian bolthole for artists, drawing the likes of Picasso and Jean Cocteau. And in return, de Russie has imbibed the imaginative air historically characteristic of its environs too, with interiors and design details marrying the poignant charm of Ancient Rome with Art Deco aesthetics.
The hotel is also home to Rome’s most enchanting hidden gems – a courtyard terrace that doubles as a cocktail bar (serving up masterful concoctions) and a secret garden, surrounded by terraces strikingly set across different levels…
We enjoy the verdant view from our Valadier Suite, a capacious space spanning a study, glossy living room (embellished with fashion tomes and colourful corners) and a bedroom suite shaded with a touch of whimsy! It’s truly a pristine picture of unstudied glamour. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words…
The hotel’s magical unpacking & packing service means that we can instantly take up residence without abandon, whilst later checking out in a hassle-free fashion too! The complimentary service is actually one of many understated luxuries afforded by the hotel, with facilities extending to a spa and Massimo Serini ‘Hair Corner’ salon.
Breakfast is worth waking up early on your holiday for, if only to enjoy the cheery pleasures of the Jardin de Russie restaurant for longer. The hefty spread features a litany of specialties from fresh cheeses, cold cuts and prosciutto, to heaps of freshly-baked pastries including a devilishly-decadent Danubio which explodes with Nutella… Ultimately, it’s fabulously fresh ingredients which make a world of a difference, elevating simple dishes by revelatory measures!
But the surprise highlight of our trip emerges to be the unassuming concierge desk helmed by the formidably resourceful Masimiliano. His invaluable insights and guidance ensures that we more than make the most of the 48 hours we have in this transfixing city, before hopping on a train bound for Tuscany. Our destination: Hotel Savoy, Florence, the sister property of de Russie, also part of the Rocco Forte collection…
Catch up on more of our 48 Hours in Rome, here; or flick through to the next chapter of our Italy Diaries – Florence, here.
Hotel de Russie, Via del Babuino, 9, 00187 Roma RM, Italy | https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-russie/