Hotel de Russie – Hotel Review

Rome’s Hotel de Russie has long been the hotel of choice for movie stars — both Italian and international. Although there’s an excess of glamour and luxury here, the real feature of this hotel is its secret courtyard — a place of sweeping staircases and tumbles of ivy vines where you can dine or sip an espresso at any time of the day. After walking the streets of Rome all day, particularly in the heat and crowds of summer, you’ll be so grateful to slip into this oasis of peace and greenery. Read on for the full review.

Where is Hotel de Russie? 

At the edge of the grand Piazza del Popolo in the city’s historical centre. It’s about half an hour by taxi from Fiumicino Airport. 

What’s near Hotel de Russie?

The location couldn’t be better, with romantic streets like Via Margutta (where there are often open-air art exhibitions), Villa Borghese (Rome’s best park with myriad activities for children) and Via dei Condotti (the glamour street for high-end shopping) all close enough to reach before you’ve finished licking even the most rapidly melting gelato. 

Room types 

Room decor is surprisingly understated, anchored by neutral tones and, in most rooms, simple woven carpet flooring. The character comes in the soft furnishings, with cushions and drapery creating a unique sense of fun and colour. The bathrooms — a mixture of mosaics and Italian marble, naturally — are lovely and spacious, with bathtubs available on request. 

Restaurants and bars 

Le Jardin de Russie? Glorious. Leading from a breezy, shaded courtyard to a  menagerie of sorts, the on-site restaurant is the stuff of Italian holiday dreams. The food — modern riffs on local classics including the heavenly cacio e pepe ravioli — from Fulvio Pierangelini is exquisite and the setting is swoon-worthy. There is no better place to plonk for a spritz after a long day of sightseeing. 

Travel for work

If you want to wow a client or colleague, an event at Hotel de Russie will do the trick (especially if you’ve booked the outdoor area). There are five meeting spaces, with room for up to 90. If you’re planning on work being more of a solo affair, you’ll have access to free wi-fi and all rooms have full-sized desks for comfort.

Spa, gym and pool

The hotel’s dedication to wellness is impressive. The sprawling spa, a subterranean saltwater pool, Finnish-style sauna and hammam are wonderful (especially when experienced in tandem). There’s also a state-of-the-art gym and hair salon, for multiple box-ticking.

What you need to know

Families are also accommodated (in pure, unadulterated luxury, of course). Expect kid-sized robes, teen-friendly treatments at the spa and the use of the saltwater pool for guests 12 years and older.

SEE ALSO: Live La Dolce Vita in these 13 Luxurious Rome Hotels