Hotel de Russie
Via del Babuino, 9, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
Why We Like It
Hotel de Russie makes VIPs feel like regular people and regular people feel like VIPs. It may be the hotel of choice for movie stars and musicians, but the staff doesn’t fawn over them any more than they would a normal guest. The service standard here is the same for everyone across the board and as one of Rome’s pioneering boutique hotels, they’ve set the bar high.
Fodor's Expert Review
Occupying a 19th-century building that once hosted royalty, Picasso and Cocteau, the Hotel de Russie is now the first choice in Rome for government bigwigs and Hollywood high rollers seeking ultimate luxury in a secluded retreat. Famed hotelier Rocco Forte updated the bright rooms with modern furnishings and large marble bathrooms. The spectacular multiterraced "secret garden" and its sharp Le Jardin de Russie restaurant make this a truly one-of-a-kind oasis just steps from Piazza del Popolo.
PROS
- Big potential for celebrity sightings
- Well-equipped gym and world-class spa
- Excellent restaurant and cocktail bar have outdoor tables in a multitiered garden
CONS
- Rooms near the elevator can be a bit noisy
- Breakfast not included
- Very expensive
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Rooms and suites feature timeless furnishings and big comfy beds, with flat-screen TVs, espresso machines, and minibars stocked with premium products. Some have floral wallpaper and patterned cushions, while others feature photographs or busts inspired by ancient Roman statues.
You Should Know Some of the entry-level rooms are quite small; you’ll get better bang for your buck at hotels in other neighborhoods.
Bathroom
Marble bathrooms have rainfall showers and come stocked with Irene Forte skincare products made using organic ingredients like oranges and almonds grown on the family’s resort in Sicily. Some have bathtubs and Roman-style mosaics.
Lobby
A doorman greets you at the entrance, directing you to the reception area on the left. The lobby lounge on the right has comfortable couches and chairs where you can sit and wait if you’re meeting someone, but most of the action takes place in the Stravinskij Bar directly in front of the entrance.
Tip The beautiful displays of flowers and ceramic vases in the lobby are by Sebastian Flowers. For special occasions, the staff can send a bouquet up to your room or place it on your table at the restaurant.
Pool
There’s a small indoor whirlpool pool in the spa.
Spa
The spa has a hydropool Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. Treatments incorporate products from Irene Forte’s skincare line made using natural ingredients, such as almonds and citrus, from the family’s Sicilian resort.
Gym
The gym is equipped with Technogym equipment and free weights. Private yoga and Pilates lessons, personal training, and running or biking tours can be arranged at an additional charge.
Dining
The hotel’s restaurant, Le Jardin de Russie, is set in a romantic garden on the second floor overlooking the bar. In the morning, it’s bustling with guests sipping cappuccinos and helping themselves to fresh croissants and other treats, both sweet and savory, at the buffet. At lunch and dinner, it tends to attract locals celebrating anniversaries or other special occasions and Sunday brunch is an animated affair, with a buffet full of delicacies including oysters. The menu by renowned chef Fulvio Pierangelini prizes fresh, genuine Italian cuisine rather than frills or fussy preparations. Try the signature cacio e pepe ravioli and the fresh catch of the day with olive oil mashed potatoes and artichokes.
Drinking
Set in the ground-floor courtyard, the Stravinskij Bar buzzes from the early evening, when people flock here for aperitivo, until midnight. Cocktails, including the signature Stravinskij Spritz, are well above par and come served with olives, almonds, and potato chips. There’s also a menu of international classics, including a Caesar salad, burger, and club sandwich.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel is just steps from Piazza del Popolo and a 10-minute walk from the Spanish Steps. The closest metro stop is Flaminio and there’s a taxi stand on Piazza del Popolo.
Restaurants
One of Rome’s best fine dining restaurants, Ristorante All’Oro (a 10-minute walk) showcases chef Riccardo di Giacinto’s creative side with dishes that turn classic Roman recipes on their head. Marzapane (an 8-minute walk) is a hip café with excellent pastries and international brunch classics. Canova, right next to the hotel on Piazza del Popolo, was Fellini’s hangout and is still a prime spot for people watching.
Bars
Metropolita (a 6-minute taxi ride) is a trendy lounge that serves creative cocktails and international-inspired tapas.
Photos
Quick Facts
HOTEL INFO
HOTEL DETAILS
Rate Includes: No Meals
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