otel de la Ville is a luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of Rome. Situated on Via Sistina, the hotel offers a prime location overlooking Piazza di Spagna. It is part of the Rocco Forte Hotels collection.
Dating back to the 18th century, Hotel de la Ville became a popular destination for European nobles during the Grand Tour era. It was officially classified as a hotel in the 1920s and expanded in the mid-20th century. The hotel joined the Rocco Forte Hotels collection in May 2019, after a renovation that took 2.5 years.
Designer Tommaso Ziffer, working alongside Rocco Forte Hotels’ Design Director Olga Polizzi, reimagined the historic palazzo as a modern-day tribute to the 18th century Grand Tour.
The hotel’s interiors showcase refined craftsmanship with handmade wallpapers by Rubelli and Dedar, vintage tapestries by Zardi & Zardi, and luxurious Italian fabrics. The inner courtyard seamlessly connects three buildings, offering a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Hotel de la Ville has earned several prestigious accolades, including being ranked #2 in Travel+Leisure’s 2024 Readers’ Favourite Hotels in Rome, #14 in Europe’s Favourite Hotels, and receiving a One Key Hotel Award from Michelin. It also earned the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award.
The hotel is renowned for its exquisite floral arrangements, which enhance its elegant ambiance.
On arrival we were warmly greeted by the friendly doormen, who took our luggage and directed us to reception. While we were being shown to our room, we were given a brief tour of the hotel. Throughout our stay, all the staff greeted us with a smile and a cheerful “Buongiorno.”
Hotel de la Ville features 104 spacious rooms, including 15 suites. We stayed in a Deluxe Room with views of Via Sistina. Despite the hotel’s location on a busy road, the noise was minimal, and the shutters along with the blackout curtains ensured a restful night’s sleep.
The design of the rooms blend original furnishings with contemporary touches, featuring luxurious fabrics and vintage memorabilia from the Grand Tour era.
The bed linen was extremely comfortable, and our super king bed was very spacious.
The rooms also are equipped with modern amenities including smart TVs, free WiFi, USB charging ports, European, UK and US plug sockets, and mini bars.
A beautifully presented box of “Pippi” from La Bottega Dei Pippi, with a handwritten note, were in our room on arrival – a thoughtful welcome gift. “Pippi” are traditional Italian cookies, made with honey, almonds, and spices, which are especially popular in Rome. These treats were, historically, baked by women for their children during the St. Bartholomew celebration. A bowl of fresh fruit was also provided.
A Nespresso coffee machine with Illy coffee capsules is provided. A kettle and tea-making facilities can be supplied on request.
An iron and an ironing board are also available on request.
Our spacious marble bathroom had a walk-in shower and a separate bath. A powerful GHD hairdryer is supplied. One of those small luxuries that makes all the difference.
Plush, Rocco Forte Hotels embroidered bathrobes and slippers are provided. Our room was stocked with Irene Forte toiletries and skincare products, which are made from Sicilian plant extracts.
The turndown service was exceptional with an Irene Forte Pistachio Face Mask placed on the bed, clothes neatly folded, make-up arranged on towels and everything carefully positioned. Even our swimwear was hung on hangers in the shower, showcasing, once again, meticulous attention to detail. These were lovely gestures and much appreciated after a long day of exploring!
Hotel de la Ville offers a diverse and eclectic dining experience curated by Fulvio Pierangelini, Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels.
Breakfast is served daily in Mosaico from 7AM to 10.30AM (11AM on weekends). During the cooler months breakfast is served indoors. In the warmer months guests can enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio, complete with red and cream striped umbrellas.
The buffet breakfast is plentiful, offering a wide selection of cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit, pastries, and cakes, including banana bread and apple pie. A variety of meats and cheeses, including ham, smoked tuna, smoked salmon, smoked swordfish, and turkey are available.
An à la carte menu is offered in addition to the buffet. The à la carte menu features only five options – an omelette with ricotta, “carbonara” scrambled eggs, homemade almond ricotta, homemade granola with yogurt ice cream, and coffee granita. However, we quickly discovered that nearly any hot breakfast item can be ordered, including eggs cooked to order and pancakes.
The “carbonara” scrambled eggs were recommended – it certainly didn’t disappoint! The food is beautifully presented on green and white striped Geminiano Cozzi porcelain tableware. The service was exceptional.
In the evening, Mosaico offers a menu inspired by local, seasonal ingredients and culinary influences from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The sharing-style menu features unique dishes in an open kitchen setting. The restaurant is open every evening from 7.30PM until 11PM.
In partnership with Ginori 1735, Italy’s premier porcelain and lifestyle brand, Café Ginori offers a dynamic twist on classic Italian cuisine. The menus, crafted by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini and plated on Ginori’s signature tableware, bring colour and character to every course. There is also a special set menu, featuring some of their signature dishes, available for both lunch and dinner.
We enjoyed a lovely lunch at Café Ginori. Our experience began with a delightful welcome from the chef: a small cauliflower ricotta and herbs dish. Delicious fresh bread sticks and brown and white sourdough bread were also brought to our table.
For main course, I had the Spaghetti with tomatoes and basil. It was delicious – simple, yet full of flavour. Every dish was beautifully prepared and presented. Our meal concluded with petit fours: orange peel covered in chocolate, paired with meringue and whipped cream, along with a bowl of fresh strawberries.
The atmosphere was both relaxed and luxurious. The service was exceptional – the staff being both friendly and attentive. Café Gironi is open daily from 10.30AM to 10.30PM.
Julep Herbal & Vermouth Bar is a cocktail bar inspired by the 13th-century Spice Route, serving classic cocktails and creative infusions. It is open daily from 4PM to 1AM.
Located on the 6th and 7th floors of Hotel de la Ville, Cielo Terrace Bar provides a stunning setting to enjoy cocktails and small dishes while admiring the breathtaking skyline of the Eternal City.
The Irene Forte Spa is a 550m² tranquil haven, featuring five treatment rooms, including a luxurious double treatment suite with its own private relaxation area and a double-seater Rasul. A wide range of treatments is available, all of which use Irene Forte Skincare products.
The thermal area offers a Mediterranean salt room, sauna, steam room, ice fountain, Kneipp foot baths, hydro pool, and a plunge pool. The relaxation area, with its soothing infrared loungers, was the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
The spa is open daily from 10AM to 8PM. Towels and slippers are provided upon arrival. Refreshing drinks, tea and fresh fruit are available.
There is also a 100 m² state-of-the-art gym, open 24 hours a day. It is fully equipped with Technogym machines and includes a fitness studio offering Barrecorre, Pilates and Yoga lessons.
The level of service and attention to detail throughout the hotel was exceptional. The staff are impeccably trained, ensuring every aspect is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Every detail – from the thoughtful touches to the elegant décor and exquisite dining – made our stay truly special. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
For more information, visit https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-la-ville/.
