HOTEL DE LA VILLE...déjà vu

The first time that my wife and I stayed at the old Hotel de la Ville

was back in the late '70s.

We loved it then, and now, under the guidance

of Sir Rocco Forte, we love it even more.

I remember our enthusiasm when we entered our room

and saw a terrace that went from one end of the hotel to the other.

And, if you squint real hard, you'll see the white arrow

pointing at my wife in the center of the terrace.

Enough with the nostalgia, this Blog is about the new Hotel de la Ville.

After three years of extraordinary renovation, this 18th century palazzo

has been converted into a 21st century sight to see.

Let's begin with the old saying, Location, Location, Location,

because that's what this hotel has and it starts right at the hotel

with the Spanish Steps.

And at the bottom,

you can wander through the streets appropriately know as,

Also within walking distance are

the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum.

While the Hotel de la Ville has a great location,

the hotel offers even more on the inside beginning with

104 well-appointed rooms and suites

that are among the most elegant and spacious in Rome.

The rooms are designed by Olga Polizzi and Tomasso Ziffer

who were inspired by the Grand Tour of the 18th century.

Here are just a few examples.

The signature suites offer unrivaled

panoramic views of the city from their large terraces.

But the coup de grâce is the hotel's crown jewel,

the magnificent Suite de la Ville, located on the 8th floor,

with its own private elevator, two panoramic terraces

and perfect for entertaining or just an intimate dinner.

Not to worry.

The Hotel de la Ville is home to some innovative

food and beverage sites created by the celebrated chef,

Fulvio Pierangelini, exclusively for the Rocco Forte Hotels.

The diverse offerings range from all-day dining at Da Sistina,

serving authentic trattoria-style food with modern touches,

to Mosaico, the hotel’s main restaurant

serving Mediterranean gourmet cuisine overlooking the courtyard.

(RISTORANTE MOSAICO)

The bold Julep bar offers all varieties of cocktails

plus the Julep Print Room that continues in the Grand Tour style.

Working with local artisans, the lavishness of the 18th century

is weaved boldly together and shown through

the display of handmade wallpaper from local designers Rubelli and Dedar, rich Italian fabrics and historic tapestries from Zardi & Zardi.

(JULEP BAR) (JULEP PRINT ROOM)

The rooftop terrace bar, aptly named Cielo,

entertains guests with creatively crafted drinks,

a fusion of “aperitivi” and memorable views of the Roman skyline.

(BAR CIELO)

​At the center of the hotel is the enchanting courtyard,

a hidden retreat away from the bustling city

that embodies the life and spirit of Italy.

How true!

(No. That's not Hitchcock. That's me after working on this blog.)

Fusing three buildings into one, the courtyard design has been lifted

by George Carter, a designer who specializes in creating gardens

inspired by the simple geometry of the 17th century.

To keep within the Grand Tour concept,

obelisks, remarkable greenery and black and gold touches

bestow a mystical feel that is further romanticized

with prudent lighting, evocative of ancient candle-lit spaces.

Bringing a piece of Sicily to Rome,

there is a 550 square meter Rocco Forte Spa

that's the most technically advanced in the capital

offering relaxing and indulgent treatments carried out by

an expert team of therapists using Irene Forte Skincare products.

The spa is an all-encompassing healthy retreat for physical

and spiritual wellness cocooned in the centre of the bustling Italian capital.

And as the sun slowly disappears over the Roman rooftops,

we'll close with Sir Rocco's poignant words:

“Rome will forever be one of the top destinations in the world

for both business and leisure travelers.

It embodies the intricacies and wonders of Italy throughout the ages while being perfectly contemporary.

I am so proud of the Hotel de la Ville,

it has all the vibrancy and elegance of this extraordinary city.”

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Enough said.

Please contact me for complete details about the

Hotel de la Ville

and your other needs in Rome as well as all of Italy.