Hotel de Russie, the gateway to a Rome that goes beyond any guidebook

In the capital of Italy, the past and present intertwine in programs full of history, culture and mystery. In the majestic Russie Hotel the experiences offered go beyond the ordinary, allowing the visitor to even open – literally – the Sistine Chapel.

Located in the heart of Pomegranate between two of the most beautiful and famous squares in the city, the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza di Spagna is the iconic Russie Hotel a hotel in Rocco Forte group . And the word “iconic” here is to be taken literally.

The hotel opened its doors at the end of the 19th century, under the name “Albergo di Russia” or “Locanda delle Russie”. Only in 2000 did he join the Rocco Forte family.

The name “Russia” may sound strange, but it refers to the time when the palace was frequented by the international aristocracy, including representatives of the Russian Imperial House, Russian intellectuals and painters. At the turn of the century, the enterprise was taken over by the Silenzi brothers, protagonists of the Roman hotel scene between the 19th and 20th centuries.

It became a frequent place for characters such as Margherita of Savoy, Boris of Bulgaria, Gustav of Sweden and even Prince Girolamo Bonaparte spent the last years of his life in the hotel. The famous painter Picasso in 1917, as soon as he arrived in Italy he spent a long time at the hotel, defining it as a “earthly paradise” .

During the Second World War, the hotel was requisitioned for the Military Information Services — the so-called “SIMs” — and later occupied by displaced people. In the late 1940s, Count Vaselli acquired and closed the place. After a renovation in the mid-1950s, the building became the headquarters of the offices of Rai, the famous Italian radio and television network, until 1999, when Sir Rocco Forte took over the property’s structure and restored all of its original architectural beauty, the transforming into Russie Hotel that we currently know.

Luxury in the smallest details and the most sought-after “secret” garden in the city

It is no wonder that the Russie Hotel It appears on numerous lists of the most luxurious hotels in Rome. In fact, luxury is present in every detail. From the reception, adorned with imposing vases of fresh flowers, to the service that cares about each guest’s preferences. The spacious accommodation of its 120 rooms, where the smallest is a large 30 m², a rarity in Europe, and the largest are more than 100 m², feature a decor that meticulously mixes traditional and modern. And, obviously, talking about its beds that invite you to nights of deep sleep, luxury amenities from the Irene Forte brand and top-of-the-line linen would be redundant.

Although its rooms are impeccable, its 600 m² spa area offers a range of massages perfect for post-walking through the streets of the Eternal City, a gym with modern equipment, a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna and a Turkish bath; and you Le Jardin restaurant offering exquisite Italian cuisine and a breakfast worthy of a soap opera, with a rich buffet of local delicacies and à la carte items, such as creamy hot chocolate and eggs benedict, there is no denying that in the development the big star is the garden and its Bar Stravinskij right in the center of the hotel, surrounded by trees and plants.

O Bar Stravinskij It is one of the most popular places to be in Rome. Surrounded by the hotel’s private garden, at the foot of the Pincio, classic and signature drinks and a Mediterranean menu, with pastas, salads, sandwiches and snacks are a hit even among Rome residents, who choose the place for happy hour and celebrations, such beauty of the place. During winter, a heater system comes into action and not even the severe cold can scare away the queue for a table.

The Secret Garden of the Hotel de Russie, which is not secret at all, as it is the dream of many to spend a few hours there, was designed by Giuseppe Valadier, in the 19th century, and is the largest private garden in the center of Rome.

Situated at the foot of the Pincio hill and the stunning Villa Borghese, the garden was designed to complement the building and has since become an object of desire for travelers and locals alike. In 2020, architect Pietro Paolo Lateano sought to restore the garden to its original layout. Elements of neoclassical architecture, such as terraces, balustrades, nymphs, fountains and statues, emerge from a rich botanical heritage. It’s delightful to stroll through the garden with a book – or a glass of wine – and forget about time.

The Vatican only for De Russie guests and other exclusive tours

Perhaps, along with the stunning garden and the popular bar, the De Russie concierges are also the biggest stars of the place. This is because it is through them that hotel guests achieve feats that seem like dreams, such as having the Sistine Chapel all to themselves.

With prior reservations and payments, guests have the opportunity to literally open the Vatican Museum alongside the “keepers of the keys”. A program that starts even before the sun rises and looks like a scene from a movie.

Alongside the team responsible for the more than 3,000 keys to the Vatican, guests walk around opening doors, turning on lights and preparing the place for the official opening to visitors.

One of the most impactful moments of the tour is when the Sistine Chapel opens. The Chapel’s ceiling, designed by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is considered not only a landmark of High Renaissance painting, but also one of the most famous works in the history of art and one of the greatest treasures of the Holy See. Now, imagine having this place just for you, in the silence of the morning? On this 4-hour tour, this is possible.

In addition, other exclusive tours, such as driving around the city in vintage cars, visiting hidden galleries, having a personal shopper, are also available in the hotel concierges’ catalog of tour options.