The hotel scene in Rome continues to generate buzz with exciting renovations and luxury debuts. After The St. Regis Rome unveiled a multimillion-dollar renovation last December, Rocco Forte hotels has been preparing to open their second hotel in the Eternal City, the highly anticipated Hotel de la Ville. Now we’ve learned big news from Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. The luxury hotel will reopen on July 1 following a renovation. Accor called on sought-after designer Jean-Philippe Nuel to orchestrate the makeover. Nuel’s projects have comprised talked-about hotels like the Molitor in Paris and the InterContinental in Marseille. Stylistically, expect a contemporary mix of Roman classicism and French art de vivre.
Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese occupies a 19th-century Roman palazzo within walking distance of famous sites like the Trevi Fountain and the Villa Medici. The renovation has sought to create a relaxed vibe and a sense of place. The renovated hotel will have 78 rooms and suites, some of which have been enlarged. There will be a new fitness center and wellbeing program with personalized fitness therapies. Guests will also be able to take advantage of the Sofitel MyBed Sleep Menu, along with an in-room bath service.
A stand-out will be the rooftop lounge and restaurant called Settimo. Sigh over the views of the Villa Borghese gardens and St. Peter’s Basilica while sampling executive chef Giuseppe D’Alessio’s contemporary take on traditional Roman cuisine.
Nice touch: The Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese has designed a candle ritual that’s said to be inspired by the lighting of the streets of Paris during Louis XIV’s reign. The luxury hotel plans to light large candles outside the entrance at sunset, accompanied by music, as a welcome to guests returning after a day out in Rome.