“Rome holds a special place in my heart. It's where my mother grew up, where my grandmother currently resides, and home to two Rocco Forte properties where I spent years working, including our Irene Forte Spa at Hotel de la Ville. It’s a city I visit often, and every time, I fall in love all over again. Here’s a little insider’s guide to my favorite spots in the Eternal City.” - Irene
Where to Stay
Hotel de Russie
Located between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, Hotel de Russie is a luxurious oasis in the heart of Rome (and a celebrity favorite). Known for its lush, terraced gardens, the perfect spot for unwinding with a glass of wine, it offers a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. The hotel combines historical elegance with contemporary comfort, and the Italian cuisine at its restaurant, Le Jardin de Russie, is a must-try.
Located between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, Hotel de Russie is a luxurious oasis in the heart of Rome (and a celebrity favorite). Known for its lush, terraced gardens, the perfect spot for unwinding with a glass of wine, it offers a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. The hotel combines historical elegance with contemporary comfort, and the Italian cuisine at its restaurant, Le Jardin de Russie, is a must-try.
Hotel de la Ville
Located above the Spanish Steps, Hotel de la Ville offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. From its elegant design to its vibrant rooftop bar, Cielo, this hotel blends modern luxury with historic charm. The Irene Forte Spa here provides a tranquil escape with treatments designed to revive both body and mind. Cielo is a go-to spot for sunset drinks, with breathtaking views over Rome’s iconic skyline - an experience you won’t want to miss.
Located above the Spanish Steps, Hotel de la Ville offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. From its elegant design to its vibrant rooftop bar, Cielo, this hotel blends modern luxury with historic charm. The Irene Forte Spa here provides a tranquil escape with treatments designed to revive both body and mind. Cielo is a go-to spot for sunset drinks, with breathtaking views over Rome’s iconic skyline - an experience you won’t want to miss.
Palazzo Talia
For those seeking classic Roman elegance, Palazzo Talia offers a luxurious stay steeped in history. Located in a historic palazzo, this hotel transports you to a bygone era, with antique furnishings, intricate frescoes, and impeccable service. If you’re looking for a true Roman experience with all the charm of the past, this is the place to stay.
For those seeking classic Roman elegance, Palazzo Talia offers a luxurious stay steeped in history. Located in a historic palazzo, this hotel transports you to a bygone era, with antique furnishings, intricate frescoes, and impeccable service. If you’re looking for a true Roman experience with all the charm of the past, this is the place to stay.
Sentho
Blending contemporary design with Roman history, Sentho is a chic boutique hotel located in the Monti district, one of Rome’s coolest neighborhoods. It’s perfect for modern travelers seeking a more intimate experience. The hotel’s stylish interiors and personal service make it a great choice for those looking to combine luxury with a touch of urban charm.
Blending contemporary design with Roman history, Sentho is a chic boutique hotel located in the Monti district, one of Rome’s coolest neighborhoods. It’s perfect for modern travelers seeking a more intimate experience. The hotel’s stylish interiors and personal service make it a great choice for those looking to combine luxury with a touch of urban charm.
La Posta Vecchia
A short drive from Rome, La Posta Vecchia is a stunning seaside villa perfect for those wanting a tranquil escape. Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this 17th-century villa is ideal for a peaceful retreat, whether you’re looking to unwind by the sea or enjoy some fresh air before a flight - it’s conveniently close to the airport!
A short drive from Rome, La Posta Vecchia is a stunning seaside villa perfect for those wanting a tranquil escape. Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this 17th-century villa is ideal for a peaceful retreat, whether you’re looking to unwind by the sea or enjoy some fresh air before a flight - it’s conveniently close to the airport!
Foodie Finds
Emma or Montecarlo
Rome has no shortage of incredible pizzas, but Emma and Montecarlo are two of Irene’s personal favorites. Emma is known for its organic ingredients and delicate flavors, while Montecarlo offers a more traditional Roman pizza experience with thin, crispy crusts. Both are must-visits for pizza lovers!
Rome has no shortage of incredible pizzas, but Emma and Montecarlo are two of Irene’s personal favorites. Emma is known for its organic ingredients and delicate flavors, while Montecarlo offers a more traditional Roman pizza experience with thin, crispy crusts. Both are must-visits for pizza lovers!
Taverna Trilussa
Taverna Trilussa is a cozy, authentic Roman restaurant in the heart of Trastevere, known for its traditional pasta dishes like Carbonara and Amatriciana, served in charming terracotta pots. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.
Taverna Trilussa is a cozy, authentic Roman restaurant in the heart of Trastevere, known for its traditional pasta dishes like Carbonara and Amatriciana, served in charming terracotta pots. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening meal.
Jardin de Russie
For a special dining experience, head to Jardin de Russie at Hotel de Russie. This beautiful restaurant is nestled in the hotel’s famous secret garden, offering a serene escape from the city. It’s particularly known for its Sunday brunch, where you can enjoy a delicious spread of Italian and international dishes surrounded by lush greenery.
For a special dining experience, head to Jardin de Russie at Hotel de Russie. This beautiful restaurant is nestled in the hotel’s famous secret garden, offering a serene escape from the city. It’s particularly known for its Sunday brunch, where you can enjoy a delicious spread of Italian and international dishes surrounded by lush greenery.
Pierluigi
Located near Piazza Navona, Pierluigi is one of Rome’s most famous seafood restaurants. Its elegant outdoor dining area is perfect for people-watching while you savor flawlessly prepared seafood dishes. This one is a bit on the upscale side, making it ideal for a sophisticated dining experience.
Located near Piazza Navona, Pierluigi is one of Rome’s most famous seafood restaurants. Its elegant outdoor dining area is perfect for people-watching while you savor flawlessly prepared seafood dishes. This one is a bit on the upscale side, making it ideal for a sophisticated dining experience.
Dal Moro
For a more casual meal, Dal Moro is the place to go. This family-run trattoria serves up Roman classics like cacio e pepe and saltimbocca in a warm and inviting setting. It’s a great spot for a hearty, traditional meal after a day of sightseeing.
For a more casual meal, Dal Moro is the place to go. This family-run trattoria serves up Roman classics like cacio e pepe and saltimbocca in a warm and inviting setting. It’s a great spot for a hearty, traditional meal after a day of sightseeing.
Cielo
Cielo, located on the rooftop of Hotel de la Ville, is the ultimate spot for an aperitivo with a view. The rooftop offers sweeping views of Rome, and there’s nothing quite like sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the city’s iconic skyline.
Cielo, located on the rooftop of Hotel de la Ville, is the ultimate spot for an aperitivo with a view. The rooftop offers sweeping views of Rome, and there’s nothing quite like sipping on a cocktail while watching the sunset over the city’s iconic skyline.
Roscioli
If you’re looking for a quick yet satisfying bite, Roscioli is fantastic. Part deli, part restaurant, Roscioli offers a wide array of Italian delicacies, from artisanal cheeses to freshly baked goods. It’s perfect for grabbing something on the go or enjoying a casual lunch.
If you’re looking for a quick yet satisfying bite, Roscioli is fantastic. Part deli, part restaurant, Roscioli offers a wide array of Italian delicacies, from artisanal cheeses to freshly baked goods. It’s perfect for grabbing something on the go or enjoying a casual lunch.
Ciampini
Located near Piazza di Spagna, Ciampini is a go-to for an afternoon coffee or gelato. Its outdoor seating area is ideal for people-watching while enjoying a sweet treat. It’s also a lovely spot for a pre-dinner aperitivo—there’s something magical about sitting here and watching the city go by.
Located near Piazza di Spagna, Ciampini is a go-to for an afternoon coffee or gelato. Its outdoor seating area is ideal for people-watching while enjoying a sweet treat. It’s also a lovely spot for a pre-dinner aperitivo—there’s something magical about sitting here and watching the city go by.
What to See
Rome is a city filled with history, art, and culture at every turn. Here are some must-see places to explore:
Galleria dell'Arte Moderna
This gallery is a treasure trove for lovers of modern art. It’s home to an impressive collection of Italian and international contemporary works, making it a refreshing change from the city’s classical offerings.
This gallery is a treasure trove for lovers of modern art. It’s home to an impressive collection of Italian and international contemporary works, making it a refreshing change from the city’s classical offerings.
Palazzo Borghese & Palazzo Altemps
These two palaces are not only architectural masterpieces but also home to some of Rome’s finest art collections. Palazzo Borghese features Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, while Palazzo Altemps showcases ancient sculptures and artifacts. Both are must-visits for art and history lovers.
These two palaces are not only architectural masterpieces but also home to some of Rome’s finest art collections. Palazzo Borghese features Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, while Palazzo Altemps showcases ancient sculptures and artifacts. Both are must-visits for art and history lovers.
Galleria Borghese
Set within the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens, this gallery is home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including pieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raffaello. The surrounding gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll after taking in the art.
Set within the beautiful Villa Borghese Gardens, this gallery is home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including pieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raffaello. The surrounding gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll after taking in the art.
Chiesa del Gesù & Chiesa San Luigi dei Francesi
These two churches are filled with breathtaking art and grand Baroque interiors. Chiesa San Luigi dei Francesi, in particular, is known for its three Caravaggio paintings, while Chiesa del Gesù is known for its dramatic ceiling frescoes.
These two churches are filled with breathtaking art and grand Baroque interiors. Chiesa San Luigi dei Francesi, in particular, is known for its three Caravaggio paintings, while Chiesa del Gesù is known for its dramatic ceiling frescoes.
The Sistine Chapel
Of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes are truly breathtaking, and the entire Vatican Museums complex is a must-see for any visitor.
Of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes are truly breathtaking, and the entire Vatican Museums complex is a must-see for any visitor.
Where to Shop
Rome is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from luxury boutiques to vibrant markets. Here are some of our top picks:
Beautyaholic’s Shop
For clean, niche beauty products, including Irene Forte Skincare, Beautyaholic’s Shop is a must-visit. It’s the perfect destination for beauty enthusiasts looking for something special and unique.
For clean, niche beauty products, including Irene Forte Skincare, Beautyaholic’s Shop is a must-visit. It’s the perfect destination for beauty enthusiasts looking for something special and unique.
Nia Boutique
Nia Boutique offers a curated selection of Italian fashion pieces, combining contemporary style with classic Italian craftsmanship. If you’re looking for something chic and distinctively Italian, this boutique won’t disappoint.
Nia Boutique offers a curated selection of Italian fashion pieces, combining contemporary style with classic Italian craftsmanship. If you’re looking for something chic and distinctively Italian, this boutique won’t disappoint.
Diego Percossi Papi
One of Irene’s favorite jewellery stores, Diego Percossi Papi is known for its intricate, handcrafted pieces that are both colorful and elegant. Each creation is like a miniature work of art, perfect for a one-of-a-kind souvenir or gift.
One of Irene’s favorite jewellery stores, Diego Percossi Papi is known for its intricate, handcrafted pieces that are both colorful and elegant. Each creation is like a miniature work of art, perfect for a one-of-a-kind souvenir or gift.
Campo de' Fiori Market
This vibrant market is open Monday through Saturday and is a sensory delight, filled with fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods. It’s the perfect place to pick up fresh ingredients or browse for unique souvenirs.
This vibrant market is open Monday through Saturday and is a sensory delight, filled with fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods. It’s the perfect place to pick up fresh ingredients or browse for unique souvenirs.
L'Archivio di Monserrato & Atelier Bomba
Both shops offer a carefully curated selection of vintage fashion pieces and accessories. If you love vintage shopping, these are great places to find rare treasures and one-of-a-kind items.
Both shops offer a carefully curated selection of vintage fashion pieces and accessories. If you love vintage shopping, these are great places to find rare treasures and one-of-a-kind items.
Mercato di Porta Portese
Held every Sunday, this bustling flea market is a must for vintage lovers and people-watchers alike. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover, from vintage clothes to antiques.
Held every Sunday, this bustling flea market is a must for vintage lovers and people-watchers alike. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover, from vintage clothes to antiques.
Where to Spa
Irene Forte Spa, Rome
Of course, we have to mention our beautiful Irene Forte Spa at Hotel de la Ville. The spa offers a range of treatments using our signature Irene Forte Skincare products, designed to rejuvenate your skin and leave you feeling completely refreshed. Whether you’re a guest at the hotel or just stopping by for the day, it’s the perfect place to unwind and indulge in a little self-care.
Of course, we have to mention our beautiful Irene Forte Spa at Hotel de la Ville. The spa offers a range of treatments using our signature Irene Forte Skincare products, designed to rejuvenate your skin and leave you feeling completely refreshed. Whether you’re a guest at the hotel or just stopping by for the day, it’s the perfect place to unwind and indulge in a little self-care.
We hope this guide helps you experience the magic of the Eternal City. Whether you’re enjoying a rooftop aperitivo, wandering through ancient ruins, or indulging in a spa day, there’s something truly special waiting for you in Rome.
