Hotel de Russie
“I am in Paradise… I can pick oranges from my room window.” (Jean Cocteau, to his mother, when he stayed at the Hotel de Russie with Picasso) T Architect Tomasso Ziffer, working in cooperation with Rocco Forte’s designer sister Olga Polizzi and her team, has used an eclectic style, featuring some of the elements of the 1930s-1940s while combining Asian and Mediterranean aspects as well. The overall effect is designed to give the guest the distinct feeling that he or she has arrived in an exclusive place, rich in history, yet modern and hospitably luxurious. The Hotel de Russie is truly an elegant retreat in the heart of the Eternal City. In the design philosophy of Sir
Rocco and Mrs. Polizzi,
Director of Building & Design of
the Rocco Forte Collection, modernization does not mean adopting a strictly
modernistic point of view in which right-angles and minimalist shapes
dominate, the slogan of the
Collection “The Art of Simple Luxury” reflect this philosophy. Rather, an The Hotel de Russie’s lovely gardens offer you a peaceful oasis of tranquility just as they did for Picasso and his friend Jean Cocteau who thought they discovered paradise itself. In late spring, summer and early fall you may enjoy the beautifully landscaped courtyard as you dine under umbrella-shaded tables amidst the terraced and secluded “Secret Garden” butterfly sanctuary that lies just beside Rome’s famous Villa Borghese Gardens. The captivating Le Jardin de Russie restaurant (see accompanying review) serves a bountiful harvest of exquisite Mediterranean cuisine that is bound to please even the most discriminating palate. W Staff members at the De Russie are extremely helpful and courteous. We found them to be particularly attentive to the needs of children. Upon our arrival, our son was presented with a colorful guidebook, Ancient Rome for Kids, a book that turned out to be more useful for us as a family than some of the guidebooks we brought with us. Staff at the De Russie have also prepared an eight-page list of suggested activities for families with children that includes bus tours, horse and carriage rides, boat excursions, a list of age-appropriate museums, parks and villas to visit, and a list of stores specializing in clothing and toys for children. Their confident description of Rome as “The City for Children,” put anxious parents like us at ease, people who normally wilt when faced with that perennial (and unnerving) question, “What is there to do here?” Rome is a vibrant, exciting place to visit and a stay at the Hotel De Russie will certainly maximize your experience and enjoyment of this beautiful city. From the moment we checked in, we were greeted with enthusiasm and made to feel like VIPs. It was wonderfully refreshing to be in such an upbeat environment in which each member of the hotel staff appeared as if he or she were thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to serve us. It felt as if we were being welcomed home by good friends who sought only to lavish their attention upon us. This genuine and thoughtful attention was given along each step of the way: by the doorman, the registration staff, the bellman, the management who brought us to our suite and went over the details of our room, the concierge, and the maitre d’hotel. Our visit to this five-star luxury hotel, a place of incomparable elegance and sophistication, was enriched all the more by the friendly staff who ensured that our comfort and enjoyment was their only concern. If the stunning art, architecture, décor, location, history and elegance of this remarkable hotel are factors in enticing you to book a reservation, the warmth and hospitality of the De Russie staff will surely bring you back on your next visit to the Eternal City. Be sure not to miss the wonderful restaurant located in this hotel. Click here to see our review of Le Jardin de Russie Restaurant Hotel de Russie |
he Hotel de Russie is
located between two of Rome’s most beautiful and famous piazzas, Piazza
del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna. Its name reflects the past glories of
the days when members of the Russian Imperial Court would reside here
along with Russian painters who found inspiration in the light and
landscape of the Eternal City, as well as those aristocrats seeking
exile from more turbulent conditions at home. But much has changed
within this grand building originally planned by Giuseppe Valadier in
1814. Today, Sir Rocco Forte’s 122-room Hotel de Russie
on
Rome’s fashionable Via del Babuino which opened in April 2000 has become
a favorite of the Hollywood A-list and a five-star hotel of impeccable
grace and elegance.
aesthetic philosophy that embraces an eclecticism of
styles creates a modern and contemporary décor that harmonizes well with
a capital city’s rich, historic tradition. Thus, we found our room
decorated in delicate pastel shades, from greenish-blue to sand-ivory
with sophisticated touches of amethyst. An Asian-looking TV cabinet in
dark wood and orange lacquer appears in the same area as an English
Georgian chair with a typically French desk in the style of the 1940s.
Upholstery is done in simple, pastel-colored fabrics and is eminently
restful. The texture of the wool carpet looks more like Eastern coconut
mats than typical carpeting. Our bathroom combined both classic with
contemporary design elements. We found mosaic tile typical of a
luxurious Roman palace on the floor and surrounding the entire bathroom,
climbing high over the tub and shower. It was bordered by a marble
chair rail and painted wall surfaces. Towel warmers, now de rigueur
in most hotels of this quality, and other modern appointments enhanced
the overall décor. The lighting used throughout our suite used both
indirect, background lighting, direct overhead lighting as well as
occasional lamps to allow for reading and comfortable lounging. Large
screen televisions and high speed internet connections are, of course,
standard.
ithin the luxurious De Russie
Wellness Zone the Romans’ fine tradition of relaxed bathing is continued
with style and elegance. Mosaic, the well-known decorative feature of
Ancient Rome, is used with opulence and grace beside and throughout huge
marine hydropools of warm waters equipped with dozens of soothing jets
and two pedestals of cascading falls. We donned terry-cloth robes and
slippers supplied in individual lockers within the fully-equipped
changing rooms before entering the subterranean Wellness Zone’s various
rooms. Here you may find a sauna and Turkish steam room just outside the
ultra modern pool area. The Spa also has a fully-equipped gym featuring
state-of-the-art exercise equipment.
