Aldrovandi Villa Borghese

From the moment the formally-dressed doorman opens the front door to this 19th century, former convent, this luxury property exudes opulence and sophistication. The expansive lobby is graced with crystal chandeliers, massive floral arrangements, carved wood columns and ceiling molding and gray and white marble floors. A large green and gold tapestry and gold-framed, traditional artwork hang on white walls, and fine upholstered chairs and sofas in rich colors are clustered around marble-top tables. All this embellished period decor could feel stuffy to some, but the breezy garden courtyard is far more relaxed, filled with large palm trees and other lush greenery surrounding a lovely pool. Outdoor seating areas abound for dining, drinks or simply relaxing, including a small poolside bar. The inside bar area is secluded, dark, and decadent with black leather chairs and black upholstered sofas. And the indoor dining spaces are equally elegant. But perhaps the most striking aspect of this quiet, luxurious property, is how removed it feels from the crowds that characterize Rome’s historic center.

Pinciano is an upscale residential neighborhood slightly outside the city center. It offers a quiet alternative to the noisy, crowded streets in the historic center, with the lovely Villa Borghese gardens adjacent to the hotel and the city’s zoo only an 11-minute walk. But the area isn’t a good walking neighborhood for restaurants, coffee shops and grocery stores. The hotel offers free shuttle service every 30 minutes to and from the Spanish Steps, about 10 minutes away. Taxi service to the Vatican and Trevi Fountain also is about 10 minutes, while the Colosseum is about 15 minutes. Public transportation to these landmarks takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is approximately a 35-minute drive away, while train service takes about 90 minutes. 

Rooms come in various combinations of Premiere or Deluxe Double (one king or two double beds), Junior or Deluxe Suites, and a Penthouse Suite. Even the suites have only one bedroom, but they offer a separate living room. Some suites have one bathroom, while larger suites have two. Square footage of rooms ranges from 324 for the Premiere Double, 494 for a Deluxe Suite, and 1,620 for the Penthouse Suite, which includes a dressing room and office. Even standard rooms have enough space to include two richly upholstered chairs, a marble-top table and a wood desk. All rooms share a common decor that is simple yet tasteful and decidedly upscale. Light gray marble floors are accented by off-white painted walls and marble-top wood furniture. Some rooms have a closet while others have wood armoires with mirrored doors. Simple white-striped linens and upholstered headboards adorn the beds, which are topped with antique mirrors. Walls are hung with traditional botanical prints, and flat-screen TVs are mounted across from the beds. Heavy drapes cover the windows, which offer either a view of the street or the garden area. The living rooms in suites have upholstered wood couches with matching wood chairs and coffee tables. Bathrooms have white marble floors, walls, and sinks as well as a shower/tub combo with clear glass doors. Some suites have dark green marble floors and sinks to complement the white marble walls as well as a separate tub and shower. Double sinks are included in some suite bathrooms. Each bathroom comes equipped with a magnifying mirror and phone. Slippers, free bottled water, safe, minibars, nightly turn-down service, and twice-daily housekeeping are standard. Travelers should note that rooms do not include a coffeemaker, and smoking rooms are available.

Opened in 2014, the La Mer spa offers facials, body and massage treatments, sauna and steam rooms, a hair salon, and a thalasso mini-pool in an environment that matches the elegance of the rest of the hotel. La Mer products, a favorite of the fashion set, are also for sale. Another star feature is the fine-dining restaurant, bistro, and bar, which has outdoor dining in warm months, but some guests believe the food and beverage options are too expensive. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered, and a breakfast buffet is included in some packages. Room service is available 24 hours. The heated outdoor pool is open from April through October and includes an adjacent whirlpool. The fitness center has a full range of cardio and weight machines as well as free weights in a lovely room with parquet floors. For the business traveler, meeting space is available for up to 300 people, and a business center with Internet access and a printer is available as well. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property. Dry cleaning and same-day laundry service are available, as are full concierge services. Free parking is offered on-site, and the hotel operates a free shuttle service to and from the Spanish Steps every 30 minutes throughout the day. Car service to the airport is provided for a fee. The hotel also offers free loaner bicycles for guest use.