PHOTO: AccorHotels - Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese

Fodor's Expert Review Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese

Name: Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese
Address: Via Lombardia 47, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
Telephone: 06-478021
Price range: $$$

Via Lombardia 47, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy See on Map

Ariston Anderson

Set in a refurbished 1890s Victorian palace, the Hotel Sofitel—which has a long-standing good reputation with business travelers—exudes old-world elegance with modern-design sensibility. The hotel is cleverly situated on a quiet street between the hot spots of Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps. Guest rooms are decorated in rich tones and whimsical patterns of stripes and floral prints and feature amenities such as Hermès toiletries, Bose stereo systems, and iPhone docks. Their rooftop restaurant, La Terasse Cuisine and Lounge, is the perfect place to watch the sun set over the city.

Nearby Villa Borghese has a wonderful jogging track in lieu of a gym.

room

Rooms are decorated in neutral colors with accents of purple, red and gold. They're spacious with new carpeting, classic desks and chaise lounges, as well as the brand's MyBed linens for a guaranteed good night's rest. There are Bose iPod docking stations, WiFi, minibar, safe and satellite TV. All have very well lit with large windows.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Prestigious suites have panoramic terraces with views over the park.

Photo: AccorHotels - Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese

bathroom

Bathrooms are also large with a bathtub or huge mosaic walk-in showers. Many also have double sinks for extra counter space. Hermes body lotion, soap, body gel, shampoo and conditioner are included in their invigorating d'orange verte scent. And towels are new and plush.

lobby

A grand lobby with a checkered marble floor awaits you through a golden revolving door. There's a large staff available to help upon your arrival and throughout your stay 24/7. There's also a large seating area with huge comfy sofas and a reading library filled with artwork.

Photo: AccorHotels - Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese

dining

La Terrasse Cuisine and Lounge is well worth booking for lunch, dinner or drinks for sweeping views across Rome and the Villa Borghese park. The menu mixes French and Italian Mediterranean cuisine. The creamy risotto is a particular standout, made with tomatoes, buffalo stracciatella and lobster sauce.

Photo: AccorHotels - Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese

LOCATION

Getting Around

The hotel is right next to Villa Borghese where you can take morning walks around the gorgeous park, or simply enjoy views of the city. Rome's most exclusive hotels are located here and for good reason. With easy access to food, sightseeing and shopping, everything you need is within walking distance. Taxis are everywhere and both the Spagna Metro and Barberini Metro stops are only an 8-minute walk away if you're looking to venture further.

Restaurants

Kilo (22-minute walk) has gorgeous Tuscan steaks and other grilled specialties. For dessert, head to Come il Latte (12-minute walk) for light and fluffy homemade gelato in rich flavors.

Bars

Piper Club (24-minute walk) is a trendy underground club for drinks and dancing. At Flann O’Brien (15-minute walk) Italy meets Ireland with a beautiful long bar with a huge lineup of beers on tap and an always-friendly staff.

WHY WE LIKE IT

This luxury hotel is perfectly situated between Rome's most exclusive neighborhood and its most lush park, perfect for early morning strolls. Or you can get your fill of the greenery with a relaxing meal on the rooftop terrace. We love this hotel for the extra-comfortable beds and chairs in the rooms, perfect to lounge on after a day of shopping. Service caters toward foreign guests and is a step above the usual Italian lodging.