Staying at the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese will surely bring you satisfaction amidst the stylish luxury of this hotel that borders the Borghese Garden. Positioned on a serene street within one of the most elegant parts of the Eternal City, the hotel serves as a retreat amidst the vibrancy that exists just beyond its entrance. It’s conveniently situated near Rome’s major attractions, making exploration effortless with just a map. Yet, envision a more enriching stay with expert-led tours tailored to your interests. Eager to indulge in Italian fashion but unsure where to start? Count on Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese to connect you with a savvy guide. Craving gelato but overwhelmed by the plethora of options? Let the hotel introduce you to a gourmet who will lead you to the finest choices.
On its own, this hotel – one among the 190 historical structures in Italy – stands out as a destination. The 7th floor restaurant, Settimo Roman Cuisine, along with its outdoor terrace that offers breathtaking views of Rome, ensures an exceptional experience. The 78 roomy rooms and suites, featuring Baroque-inspired ceilings adorned with frescoes, reflect the building’s past as a 19th-century Roman palazzo that once served as a guesthouse for the noble Ludovisi Boncompagni family. Each space incorporates contemporary design elements to enhance comfort, including the sumptuous Sofitel MyBed* bed and opulent marble bathrooms stocked with Diptyque bath products.
The hotel’s designer, the contemporary French architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, drew inspiration from the landscaped gardens of the nearby Villa Borghese for his design. The rooms facing west overlook these gardens and are styled in neutral hues with hints of nature-inspired tones, reflecting a blend of Italian ‘La Dolce Vita’ heritage and French classicism. The public areas feature striking elements like the marble mosaic flooring that contrasts with the original checkered tiles of the building. The lobby boasts a sparkling wall adorned with French champagne bottles and displays vibrant artworks sourced from partner galleries.
At Settimo, the fine dining restaurant, the influence of Villa Borghese is evident. Resembling a garden enclosure with expansive glass doors that open fully during warmer seasons, the panoramic vistas are as captivating as the delectable Roman cuisine crafted by Chef Giuseppe D’Alessio. The breakfast selection is ample, with offerings that include pasta dishes like the Primi Piatti cacio e pepe and spaghetti carbonara. The Secondi menu showcases D’Alessio’s culinary expertise, with dishes like pan-fried chicken supreme served with pumpkin cream and roasted artichokes. Be sure to save room for the traditional tiramisu. As the Italian tradition goes, an aperitivo before dinner is almost obligatory, and at Settimo’s small outdoor terrace overlooking the Borghese Gardens and the Vatican, you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of Chianti or Brunello. Undoubtedly, one of Rome’s finest rooftop bars, this alone is reason enough to visit Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese.
What truly elevates Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is its array of distinctive, personalized activities catering to diverse travel preferences, from luxury supercar day trips in the Mini Viaggi collection to yoga sessions across scenic Roman sites. The Bellissima Experience pairs guests with a prominent Italian fashionista, Selvaggia Capizzi, for a bespoke fashion journey encompassing wardrobe selection and styling by a celebrity artist. The experience includes a private jewelry session at the family-run Cazzaniga studio, established in Rome since the 1920s, where guests collaborate with Paolo Cazzaniga, the son of founder Angelo Giorgio Cazzaniga, for a custom design. Purchased items can be flaunted during an evening with Angelo’s grandson, Giorgio Cazzaniga, starting at Cazzaniga’s luxurious residence.
Food enthusiasts can savor the five-day New Roman Foodie Tour curated in collaboration with Rome’s culinary expert Lauren Caramico of Davvero Rome. Highlights range from sampling various gelato styles to exploring Mercato Trionfale, one of Rome’s premier food markets, and enjoying a pizza making class and street food tour. There’s also a truffle hunting excursion, wine tasting in Frascati, a picnic at Ostia Antica, and an aperitivo tour in the Prati neighborhood near the Vatican.
For running enthusiasts, the Hidden Rome Tour by ArcheoRunning offers a unique exploration of Rome. Founded by Isabella Calidonna, an art historian, certified tour guide, and coach, the tour combines running with historical discoveries through hidden Roman gems like the Vicolo del Biscione and the Stadium of Domitian, among other sites.
Other exclusive experiences at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese include the Rome for Repeat Visitors Tour, a Floral Experience with Rome’s top florist, Blind Wine Tasting, Roman Cooking Tour, and much more.
While not imperative to partake in these activities to relish the hospitality at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, it’s delightful to discover that this new establishment (opened in 2019) is already deeply integrated with the essence of The Eternal City.
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