The Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie is an award-winning luxury hotel in the heart of Rome. I’m eager to return to this property after an impressive stay during peak summer. Discover more about the incredible property and guest experience in this review of the Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie in Rome.
Hotel de Russie History
Designed as a hotel in the 19th century by architect Giuseppe Valadier, the Hotel de Russie was known as “Grand Hotel de Russie et des Iles Britannique.” The building played many parts during its eventful history. At one time, it was the head office of a leading Italian television channel. Acquired by the Rocco Forte family, with a history in the hospitality business dating back to 1911, the property reopened as Hotel de Russie in 2000.
Hotel de Russie Location
Adjacent to Piazza del Popolo, in Rome’s desirable Tridente neighbourhood, the Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie is close to many historical sights, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon. Shoppers appreciate the close proximity to boutiques along Via Condotti and Via del Corso.
Arrival and Check-In
For a seamless arrival experience, contact the Hotel de Russie concierge and request a private transfer. Our driver met us after we retrieved our luggage at Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Subsequently, doormen warmly welcomed us into the flower-filled lobby of Hotel de Russie in under an hour.
Check-in was smooth, and we were escorted to our Junior Suite (see video below), where thoughtful welcome amenities, including a selection of bottled beverages, local apricots, Parma cheese and nuts, were arranged on the dining table.
Hotel de Russie Rooms and Suites
The 120 rooms and suites at Hotel de Russie are decorated with natural shades like blue, grey, and green. The guest accommodation blends luxury and comfort with timeless furnishings, premium fabrics, and design elements like Roman-style sculptures inspired by ancient Rome.
The Italian marble bathrooms are tranquil and luxurious, with plush bathrobes, slippers, and thick towels. Bathroom amenities include exclusive Irene Forte body and skincare products formulated with hand-picked Italian plant extracts.
The king-sized bed in the expansive Junior Suite was incredibly comfortable, with sumptuous down pillows and crisp but cozy linens. The guest room was refreshed during the evening turn-down service, and plush slippers were set out on bedside floor mats. The shutters drawn over the floor-to-ceiling windows contributed to deep and restorative sleep.
Family accommodations at Hotel de Russie feature two interconnected Deluxe Rooms. This option creates ample space for parents and children to spread out and relax. Until January 7, 2025, families can stay in a one-of-a-kind Fairytale Suite by Hamleys, the iconic British toymaker. This time-limited opportunity celebrates the opening of Hamleys, the world’s oldest toy maker, in Rome. With Hamleys trademark red, white and gold coloured murals, teddy bears galore and a special play area, the Fairytale Suite is the next best thing to spending the night in a toy store.
Hotel de Russie Spa
Rocco Forte Wellness is committed to the union of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, and along with the Forte Life concept combines science, technology, and an affinity with nature across Rocco Forte Spas. At Hotel de Russie, the urban spa includes an indoor saltwater pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, workout space, five treatment rooms, and a hair studio.
Dining at Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie
Rome has many fabulous restaurants, bars, and cafes. Fortunately, two are at the Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie in Rome.
Le Jardin de Russie
Regional Mediterranean ingredients inspire the creative Italian cuisine at Le Jardin de Russie, where local menu items include cacio e pepe, and fresh tomato and basil spaghetti. Breakfast is an excellent choice, especially if you are fortunate to be a guest at the Hotel de Russie. Lunch and dinner service is available under chandeliers in the elegant light-filled dining room or outside the Hotel de Russie’s lush Secret Garden.
Stravinskij Bar
Hotel de Russie guests, locals and city visitors gather under towering trees and alongside fragrant plantings in Stravinskij Bar’s cobbled outdoor piazza. Here, they sip libations from Stravinskij Bar’s newly designed drink menu inspired by the hotel’s historic Secret Garden. Herbs, flowers and other plantings growing in the hotel’s tiered green space flavour the creative and delicious cocktails.
I recommend the Stravinskij Signature Cocktail with sparkling wine, wild berries, saffron flowers, citrus essential oils, passion fruit and aromatic spices. Another delicious drink is Garden Punch, made with Appleton 12 Y.O. Rum, Amaro Braulio, Grand Marnier, Champagne, and a special mix of herbs and spices inspired by the Hotel de Russie garden.
Secret Garden at Hotel de Russie in Rome
Pass through the Hotel de Russie lobby and outside the cobbled courtyard where pathways wind past fragrant plantings, trickling water features, and lofty magnolia trees in the hotel’s 2,800 square metre terraced Secret Garden. Created by Giuseppe Valadier in the 19th century, the Secret Garden is one of the city’s quietest and most sheltered places. This urban oasis’s mature plantings, smells, sights, and tranquil sounds make the impressive Hotel de Russie even more remarkable. The Secret Garden is a wonderful respite from the heat and buzzing city. This botanical oasis is accessible to hotel guests and anyone dining at Le Jardin de Russie or Stravinskij Bar.
For an exclusive experience, up to four guests can dine at a special table in the Secret Garden.
Hotel de Russie Family Experiences
Hotel de Russie caters to the youngest guests. In addition to family accommodation outlined above, the hotel offers Rocco Forte Kid’s amenities, including Gianlorenzo, a plush stuffed frog, baby cots, Rocco Forte Hotel caps, pencil crayons, and a colouring book with images of the hotel and Secret Garden. The Hotel de Russie offers a treasure hunt for older children, who can search for answers to cryptic clues and discover Rome’s sites. In-room amenities include age-appropriate bath robes, slippers, and a child-sized table and chairs shaped like animals to ensure guests of all ages feel at home.
Travel Tips Hotel de Russie in Rome
- Join the Rocco Forte Friends guest recognition program for exclusive benefits. These may include food and drink discounts, late check-out, and early check-in.
- The Rocco Forte Families R Forte Programme is available at the Hotel de Russie. This program includes special amenities for babies, kids ages 4-12 and teens ages 13-16. Learn more about the family-friendly programs at Hotel de Russie here.
- Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie is an accessible hotel that offers accessible accommodation.
- Visit the Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie Rome website for the best offers. Contact the hotel directly at +39 06 328 881. The hotel is located at Via Del Babuino 9, Rome, Italy 00187
- When you are in Italy, you may want to explore these recommended rural Italian vacation destinations.
- Click here for more information on visiting Italian cities, including Rome, with kids.
I enjoyed a media stay at Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie in Rome. If I don’t love a property or experience, I will not recommend it.
