Italy’s capital of history, politics, and religion is also the scene of multiple iconic eras. They range from the Roman Empire to the dynastic families, like the Borghese and Farnese, who wielded power through ancestral popes. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Rome was the prime stop of The Grand Tour—the coming-of-age journey for European aristocrats to learn about history, literature, art, and music. And, most recently, the Eternal City held court for the movie La Dolce Vita, where Anita Ekberg waded through the Trevi Fountain, calling for Marcello. Indisputably one of Europe’s most magnificent capitals, Rome offers lodgings to match its majesty. Here are three luxury hotels that showcase the unique and iconic sides of this singular city.
Palazzo Borghese
Former Home of Popes and Royalty
For those looking for the crème de la crème of opulence, the Borghese Palace has it in spades, plus a heavy dose of Italian history and art. Palazzo Borghese is essentially a 5-star hotel inside a world-class museum/art gallery.
Borghese Roman History
Oh, but the history. No family represents the tie between the papacy and the Renaissance better than the Borgheses. The Borghese Family were the Medicis of Rome during the Renaissance period—they owned everything. Beyond the Borghese Gardens, Villa Borghese, and the Borghese Gallery is the Palazzo Borghese in the center of Rome.
Cardinal Camillo Borghese bought the Baroque Masterpiece in the early 1600s, and when he became Pope Paul X in 1605, he gave the palace to his brothers. The Pope bestowed many privileges upon his family members, first appointing his adopted nephew Scipione Caffarelli a Cardinal. Scipione was productive; he financed the restoration and construction of churches and palaces, rebuilt the Villa Borghese, and added a significant collection of paintings and sculptures.
Luxury Lodging and Amenities Fit for Royalty
The Palazzo Borghese, the former home of royalty and popes, has a price tag fit for a king, too, at approximately 25,000 Euro per night to book all four suites. Guests can enjoy a butler-included private dinner with a gourmet tasting menu and top wines for an extra per person cost of 1,000 euros.
The adjacent Hotel Vilòn manages the Palazzo, and the available part of the palace is often called Palazzo Vilòn. Among its highlights is the Chapel Suite, which sits inside an actual Baroque chapel with a frescoed dome ceiling overlooking a king-size canopy bed.
For sleek, modern luxury, look no further than the 120-square-meter wellness space accessible 24 hours a day with a sumptuous pool, a sauna, a Turkish bath, and a hot tub. In addition to the wellness space, the historic Palazzo has a private gym, cinema, 24-hour butler, and chefs.
Hotel De La Ville
Rome’s Spanish Steps and Grand Tour Lodging
Dating back to the XVIII century, Hotel De La Ville came onto the scene when European nobles elected it their favorite place in Italy during the period of the Grand Tour. The design and interiors of Hotel de la Ville capture the essence of the Grand Tour with objects and works of art just like one would have found when traveling back in those times–like bathrooms carved out of Italian marble.
The 18th-century palazzo offers staggering panoramic views overlooking Rome’s iconic landmarks, and one step outside lands you at the top of the Spanish steps leading to world-class boutiques like Gucci, Prada, Chanel, and the Palazzo Fendi.
The Hotel De La Ville offers a range of dining options. Da Sistina is an elegant bistro that combines a typical neighborhood trattoria, bringing classic elements from the local cuisine, with a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. The hotel’s Julep Herbal & Vermouth Bar is a gorgeously designed cocktail bar. But the hotel’s hotspot is the Cielo Terrace Bar—a throwback to Roman glamour with fantastic cityscape views.
Hotel Vilòn
Rome’s Modern Luxury With a Twist
Hotel Vilòn, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is inconspicuously tucked away on a side street within walking distance of the Piazza di Spagna. This hotel’s most prized qualities are privacy and exclusion. Guests enter a protected outdoor lobby and ring to be granted entrance or arrange for staff to wait to whisk them through the door.
Decor is a mix of Art Deco and mod Italian (think Versace) with the utmost modern comfort and luxury considerations. But the design also gives a nod to the Dolce Vita and Baroque periods for a fantastic fusion of lush styles.
The 18-room boutique hotel is annexed to Palazzo Borghese, the former mansion of Prince Scipione Borghese and Princess Anna Maria de Ferrari Borghese. Situated in Rome’s high-end Tridente shopping district, it has easy access to everything. Plus, you can open your drapes and see a site unavailable to many: the Borghese Palace Gardens in the backyard.
Inside the hotel, the very well-regarded Adelaide Restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and daily breakfast. Adelaide is an homage to Princess Adelaide, a former resident of the 16th-century building.