Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese – Hotel Review

It’s no exaggeration to say there are few views as impressive as the one that greets guests from the rooftop of Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. Thanks to a crisp refresh, this former 19th-century palazzo in the city’s historic centre strikes the perfect balance between historic and hip, with a bold decorative stamp running from the lobby to the rooftop restaurant which overlooks all of Rome’s atmospheric sprawl. Read on for the full review. 

Where is Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese? 

On the tip of the expansive grounds of Villa Borghese, the property is smack bang in Rome’s historic heart, looped by landmarks. From here it’s a quick eight-minute car ride to Roma Termini station should you be heading elsewhere in the country or to  Leonardo da Vinci airport by train. If you’d prefer a cab, it’s an easy half hour trip west. 

What’s near Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese?

The manicured gardens cut by tranquil ponds makes neighbouring Villa Borghese an excellent place for a passeggiata as does the 13-minute trip on foot to the enchanting Trevi Fountain. Barberini is the nearest metro station, with quick links to stops for the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Ottaviano “San Pietro” for the enormous Vatican and St. Peter’s.

Room types 

The soothing palette of white is reserved for the hotel’s simple and elegant rooms, where marble bathrooms, cream curtains and crisp, cotton-coloured, feather-topped mattresses set the scene for relaxation. In true Sofitel style, there are little treasures strewn around the place: namely fluffy bathrobes, Diptyque toiletries and Bose sound systems for a little bit of high-tech luxury.

Restaurant and bar

Settimo graces the top of the hotel, spreading out onto a terrace with incredible views over the city. The menu isn’t as bold as the interior palette (a tangle of emerald green velvet, terrazzo flooring and jungle-print lamp shades), it’s more a refined replating of Roman classics, from eggy carbonara to salty saltimbocca and a tasting plate of aged pecorino cheeses. A liquid meal is perfectly acceptable here, too. May we recommend the Roman Aperol spritz with a sprig of mint?

Travel for work

There are four on-site meeting rooms, each with their own bold colour scheme from rust red to deep teal. If you’re planning on working solo, all rooms have wi-fi and small dining tables at which to set up a station.

Gym

There’s a small fitness centre on-site.

What you need to know

From restaurant recommendations to a local’s look at the city, the hotel’s concierge staff know their stuff so make a point of running your plans past them.

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