Hotel de Russie, Rome, Italy

The Hotel de Russie resides at the top of Via Babuino just off the Piazza del Popolo and a 10 minute stroll from the Spanish Steps and fashionable shopping area of the Tridente. Widely considered to be Rome’s hot hotel of the moment, it is a temple to contemporary style. Often described as minimalist, instead the trademark décor of Hotel de Russie has a calming, cocooning effect, richly luxurious in its understatement. The renovation of the building, previously occupied by the offices of Italy’s national broadcaster RAI, was completed in 2000, headed by architect Julio La Fuente and designer Tommaso Ziffer alongside Olga Polizzi (Rocco Forte’s sister).

The exclusive atmosphere begins at the entrance. High ceilings, sweeping lines, wide open spaces. Neutral tones predominate: grey, cream, beige, muted amethyst and plum complementing the dark wood of the furniture in the stylish and sophisticated ‘Stravinskij’ cocktail bar. Highly regarded and high priced dining is to be found in the restaurant ‘Le Jardin de Russie’ (rosy décor with silvery-gold leaf on the ceiling dripping with Murano chandeliers). In summer guests and cognoscenti spill out onto the ultra-popular umbrella-ed terrace and courtyard.

Hidden from public view, the Hotel de Russie’s secret terraced garden, originally designed by Valadier in 1814, offers a quiet haven, instantly whisking the frenetic havoc of Rome away with its verdant serenity and space (a very sizable 3000m2). It borders the park of the Villa Borghese.

Wide cream hallways bathed in soft aquatic lighting lead to 125 spacious rooms of which 31 are suites. Some have spectacular views of Piazza del Popolo but for guaranteed quiet, request a room overlooking the garden. Contemporary rather than minimalist in style, most are done in relaxing shades of pale green, some accented in a gentle lilac. Chic gilded mirrors and black lacquer tables show oriental influence. The elegant seating was inspired by design of the 30s and 40s. Outsized flower prints by Mapplethorpe hang in the rooms with smaller ones in the bathrooms. Sleek dark wood furniture, thoughtful lighting, opulently draped windows, linen sheets and hand quilted bedcovers on the super comfortable beds complete the luxurious look. Fully equipped, each room proffers phones with 2 lines, voicemail, pre-programmed one touch for all conceivable hotel services, fax, modem, voltage sockets for European, UK and US plugs, broadband internet connection (soon to be Wifi which is already available in the public spaces of the hotel) and of course a safe and minibar. B&O tv and dvd are found in suites only, mere rooms make do with a Phillips tv and no dvd.

Intricate mosaic designs adorn the walls in the generously proportioned marble bathrooms which feature piles of white towels, robes, transparent scales, professional hairdryers and slightly disappointing showers (strong pressure but spitting heads). The toiletries are luscious and free as is the overnight shoeshine. Everything else you see you pay for: breakfast, more for cooked breakfast, tax on the room rate, entry to the spa (offering a plethora of massage, health and beauty treatments, gym, sauna, Turkish bath and hydropool), internet. Hotel de Russie has six meeting rooms (some opening onto the gardens), a small business centre, and provides valet parking.

Hotel de Russie is invariably the choice of international superstars, well-informed and deep-pocketed individuals and Rome’s fashionable set. Fabulous service, always with a willing smile, comes from the youthful and enthusiastic staff. The service may be superlative but so are the rates. Paying prices this outrageous guests have the right to expect perfection: the Hotel de Russie comes tantalisingly close.

Currently the Rome darling of the glossy magazines, the Russie, close to the Piazza del Popolo, is also adored by an Armani-suited army from the nearby fashion houses. They crowd its cool lobby and public areas by day and night. Rooms are brightly decorated and furnished and incorporate fax machines, modem points, two phone lines and interactive televisions enabling quick check-out. The indulgent spa includes Turkish steam baths, hydropool and the possibility of a massage with smoothed volcanic stones. Yet, the hotel’s real charm lies in its historic terraced gardens, formerly part of the Villa Borghese. Dining al fresco here in the warmer months, among rose bushes, magnolias and orange trees nearly fulfils the hotel’s promise, of evoking “La Dolce Vita”.