Hotel de Russie

Hotel de Russie sits on Via del Babuino, moments from Piazza del Popolo, in the elegant triangle of streets between the piazza and the Spanish Steps. Part of the Rocco Forte collection, it is one of the most famous five-star hotels in Rome and has long been a favourite of artists, writers, stars and politicians. In 1917 the French poet Jean Cocteau described it as paradise on earth, a phrase the hotel still quotes.

Its best-known feature is the Secret Garden, a tiered Mediterranean garden of rose bushes, orange trees and mature pines that climbs the slope towards the Pincio, with a small waterfall running between three nymphaeums. It is an unexpected oasis in the centre of the city and the setting for meals and drinks in warm weather. Rooms range from classic rooms to Junior Suites, Suites and Forte Suites, as well as dedicated family rooms and suites. The Nijinsky Suite, with its own terrace, is named after the Russian dancer who stayed here.

Le Jardin restaurant serves stylish Italian cooking in a classically inspired dining room and on an outdoor terrace at the foot of the Pincio. The award-winning Stravinskij Bar, opening onto the garden, is one of the city's classic meeting points for aperitivo and cocktails, popular with Romans as well as guests, and the Aquazzura Bar serves tequila cocktails and small bites. The Irene Forte Spa offers treatments and a calm space to recover after a day's sightseeing.

The hotel suits couples, families and travellers who want a luxurious base with outdoor space, and it is particularly good for families thanks to the Rocco Forte Kids programme and family rooms. Prices are at the top end of the Roman market. Even if you are not staying, a drink at the Stravinskij Bar is a way to see the garden. Book directly through the Rocco Forte website or by email to the reservations team.

The hotel is at Via del Babuino 9. Flaminio station on Metro Line A is a few minutes' walk away across Piazza del Popolo, and Spagna station is at the other end of Via del Babuino. The Pincio terrace and Villa Borghese are directly above the hotel, and the shops of Via del Corso and Via Condotti are within a short walk.