What it is

Contemporary glamour—and an unparalleled garden—behind an unassuming façade.

What it isn't

Frescoed and frilly: the look here is definitely contemporary.

What we think

The building may be 200 years old, but interior designer Olga Polizzi and architect Tomasso Ziffer took a decidedly modern turn with the Hotel de Russie. The focus in the 122 rooms is on muted colors, clean-lined furniture and geometric lamps and mirrors, rather than the Baroque flourishes that mark most Roman luxury hotels. (Mosaics in the marble baths are a nod to history.) That keeps the mood sophisticated and fresh—and draws a glamorous crowd of fashion and film folk. There are many features to fall in love with here, starting with the location, between the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps (and within shopping-bag-toting distance of the boutiques on Via Condotti). The spa, the excellent restaurant and the magnificent terraced gardens and lively courtyard are all pluses. But it's the service that reveals the de Russie's heart and soul: the staff are passionate about their jobs and dedicated to making guests feel special.

You're here because

Rome may be the Eternal City, but there's no reason your hotel has to look traditional too. You also enjoy the buzz supplied by the courtyard bar and restaurant.

The Moment

From the Juliet balcony in your room, you sip a glass of Prosecco and gaze out to the courtyard and the hotel's lushly planted "Secret Garden."

Location

On Via del Babuino, a few doors down from the Piazza del Puopolo. The Borghese Gardens are just on the other side of the piazza, and the Spanish Steps a 10-minute stroll south.

Restaraunts & Bars

Le Jardin de Russie - Fine Italian cuisine

Stravinskij Bar

Family activities

Explora - Museo dei Bambini di Roma - Interactive children's museum

Technotown - Children can play with some of the latest technology

Giardino Zoologico di Roma - Educate children on conservation of the animal kingdom

Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain