Hotel de la Ville, A Rocco Forte Hotel

This stylish new sister property to Hotel de Russie, conveniently located at the top of the Spanish Steps, was added to the Rocco Forte family in 2019. It combines three freshly restored 18th-century palazzos that formerly housed the InterContinental Hotel. The style is classic but not fussy, with nods to the New Grand Tour through art and decor and is paired with the expected personalized service. Here, guests will be instantly plugged into the city scene, be it through the hotel’s two restaurants, rooftop terrace and bar or Via dei Condotti’s shops just down the Spanish Steps. 

The Standout: The spectacular view of St. Peter’s—and beyond—from the highly photogenic Cielo rooftop restaurant and bar, bedecked in vermilion and cream striped umbrellas and Roman brick

Don’t Miss: The upper-floor suites, with panoramic views and a blended Art Deco and Neoclassical design scheme

• The spectacular view of St. Peter’s and the entire city from the rooftop bar and restaurant and panoramic suite terraces
• A prime location at the top of the Spanish Steps in a restored 18th-century palazzo
• The chic Grand Tour feel of the rooms, which incorporates neo-classical busts, obelisks, bold colors and a sophisticated design scheme.

This 104-room Rocco Forte property, which occupies three recently renovated 18th-century palazzo, was designed by Olga Polizzi and Tommaso Ziffer and appeals to a similar crowd as its nearby sister property Hotel de Russie, just down the Via del Babuino. (It also doubles Rocco Forte’s room count in Rome.) If you like Grand Hotel lobbies, you may be disappointed (but only a little): Although it doesn’t have the memorable entry space of some of the city’s other grand dame hotels, the prime location atop the Spanish Steps, the panoramic rooftop view of the entire city from the bar and terrace and a quiet interior courtyard help to make up for it. The public spaces and rooms are sophisticated, like the Hotel de Russie’s, with classical influences—obelisks, Roman-style busts, touches of black and gold and bold colors and prints on walls, fabrics and rugs by local designers. 

An important gauge of a hotel is its staff, and the Hotel de la Ville's is genuinely cheerful and attentive, especially the small fleet of bellman at the front door and those attending to guests in the dining areas and the roof terrace. (Many of the team members were previously at Hotel de Russie and have more than 20 years of experience.) The hotel has two restaurants (one with a courtyard), two bars and an Irene Forte Spa ready to provide extensive treatments. In warmer months, you’ll definitely want to make your way to the roof; the terrace is a lively spot for a drink—and the light menu pairs well with an Aperol spritz or a glass of prosecco. At sunset, there can be a wait for a table, so even hotel guests may want to reserve in advance. Off the lobby, the bistro café has a wall of glass that looks onto Via Sistina, making it ideal for people-watching. On a recent visit, guests included Gucci clients from Tokyo, European businessmen in jeans and blazers, and well-turned-out couples, buzzing about in the reception area waiting expectantly for their cars to arrive.

Those who are looking for a stylish scene with killer views of the city (and who don’t mind the daily climb to the top of the Spanish Steps); couples, families and friends looking for a classic and quieter alternative to Hotel de Russie.