Imagine enjoying a relaxing afternoon by a large pool in your half-acre walled garden in the centre of Rome, minutes from the city’s famous sites but a world away on a quiet island of quiet sophistication. Such is the pleasure of a stay at one of the world’s finest luxury hotels, the Aldrovandi Villa Borghese. This intimate, family-run hotel is housed in a bright, ivory coloured 19th Century villa, directly opposite the Villa Borghese gardens in a sophisticated residential neighbourhood in the heart of the Eternal City.
Everything about the Aldrovandi Villa Borghese, from the sophisticated spa, well-equipped fitness room, fine restaurants, intimate cocktail bars and magnificent but comfortable lobby area to the bright and spacious guest rooms lives up to the highest standards of modern luxury without disrupting the period charm of the building itself and the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
Entering the ivory-coloured hotel after a day of sightseeing, you are immediately greeted with polished marble floors, rich looking carved woodwork, sconces on the wall and chandeliers dripping from the ceiling. With large windows, comfortable furniture and soft draperies, the atmosphere is at once impressive and charming. To complete the feeling of being at home, borrow a bicycle from the hotel’s fleet right outside the front door free of charge and use it to explore the leafy streets and nearby garden like a local.
The large garden and pool area, full of trees and flowers, offers a uniquely quiet and sophisticated oasis in such a busy city.
Make the most of the grounds by enjoying a meal at Asaje, one of the hotel’s restaurants, where you can dine on fine Mediterranean cuisine on the restaurant’s shaded patio on the garden’s edge. On colder days, the hotel’s club-like indoor restaurant, The Grill, will warm you up with delicious Italian specialities served by a crackling fire. After dinner, you’ll enjoy a visit to the American Bar, a chic and newly renovated cocktail lounge where I was happy to discover not only enjoyable libations but also a generous supply of candy temptingly displayed in large glass jars for guests to take and enjoy.
Even for a five-star hotel, the Aldrovandi Villa Borghese’s guest rooms and suites are surprisingly large by European standards, with tall ceilings, white floors and walls, large windows and comfortable furnishings. In addition, each room offers free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen television. The blend of traditional elegance with modern comfort, seen in details throughout the property, is also noticeable in the bathrooms, which offer guests the convenience of a stand-up shower, the luxury of a deep soaking tub and double sinks.
If you would like to add some additional relaxation to your stay, visit the hotel’s spa, La Mer for one of their relaxing treatments or to enjoy the Jacuzzi in its own beautiful and modern room with stone tile and floor.
