The Luxury Picturesque Hotel In The Heart Of Rome That A-List Celebrities Flock To

Nestled between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo — and just steps from some of Rome's most popular tourist destinations — Hotel de Russie boasts a five-star reputation that's unlike any other luxury accommodation in the city. One of three Rocco Forte hotels in Rome, the iconic property officially became part of the Rocco Forte family in 2000 — however, its legacy far precedes it. Housed inside an early 19th-century historic hotel that once hosted the likes of Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau — as well as Russian aristocrats and diplomats, hence the name — the property even served as a hub for wealthy travelers during the "Grand Tour" era, which was a traditional trip through Europe.

Combining the best of classic Roman architecture with a touch of contemporary sophistication and design, Hotel de Russie's attention to detail shines through in every corner — from the rooms' color palettes to the fully-tiled luxury spa and marble-clad bathrooms. Nonetheless, the real star of the show is the hotel's so-called "Secret Garden." Designed in the 19th century and recently restored to its original grandeur, the plant-lined terrace and courtyard provides a much-welcomed escape from the noise — as well as the perfect spot for an afternoon aperitivo.

With multiple awards and accolades to its name — including a coveted spot on HOTELS Magazine's "25x25 Top Hotels of the World" (via LinkedIn) — it's no surprise that Hotel de Russie stands tall and proud as one of Rome's most sought-after accommodations — even attracting an impressive roster of A-list guests that include Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt.

What makes Hotel de Russie so special

Boasting 120 rooms and suites, Hotel de Russie delivers luxury at every level. For travelers looking to splurge on a high-end Roman getaway, the hotel currently offers various types of accommodation options. This includes everything from their Classic Room — a 322-square foot apartment starting from $1,500 a night — to the ultra-opulent Nijinsky Suite — boasting a private dining area for 10, a steam bath, and a sprawling terrace — which starts from $17,400 a night. Plus, with views overlooking either the hotel's courtyard or the bustling streets of Rome, Hotel de Russie's serves as the ideal home base for the perfect international couple's getaway.

In terms of amenities, guests at the Hotel de Russie can expect nothing but the best. For starters, there's the De Russie Spa. Featuring a salt water hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, and a steam room — all set within shimmering blue-tiled walls — it offers a sense of total tranquility. Along with that, the on-site wellness center also offers a variety of solo treatments and therapies, including a $600 three-day detox package to shake off that post-travel stress. Plus, with a wide selection of kid and family-friendly activities to choose from — including a 24-hour babysitting service, pizza-making class, and gelato tour — there's a little something for every member of the family to look forward to.

Soaking up luxury in Rome

Let's face it: No trip to Rome would be complete without trying some delicious food, right? Luckily, for guests staying at the Hotel de Russie, there's no need to go too far in order to sample some of the best cuisine in the city. Spearheaded by Chef Fulvio Pierangelini, the hotel's on-site restaurant — Le Jardin de Russie — boasts a seasonal menu that's packed with Italian classics and Mediterranean flavors. Considered one of the prettiest restaurants in the world, the spot is a perfect reflection of the award-winning chef's talent for transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes — from fresh pastas to grilled seafood and other local specialties. With traditional Italian starters from $28 and pasta dishes averaging around $32, a meal at Le Jardin de Russie might not be the most wallet-friendly — but you can rest assured it'll be worth it.

In the mood for an afternoon pick-me-up? Look no further than the award-winning Stravinskij Bar. With 11 signature cocktails on offer — as well as a lush, green setting that feels like stepping foot inside a storybook — it's no wonder the bar has become one of Rome's favorite meet-up places. Price-wise, the bar's specialty drinks start from $27, while a classic cocktail will set you back around $26. Cin cin!