Without fail, every December I refer to my very own "Bucket List". We all have a "Bucket List", various things we would like to accomplish before we "kick the bucket". Call it what you will. Books have been written about places we should visit before we die, experiences we should have and people we should meet. Very near the top of my list is to have the privilege of attending midnight mass at St. Peter's in Rome on Christmas Eve. I cannot frankly imagine anything that would be more moving emotionally and spiritually.
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Hotel de Russie Lobby |
A few years ago, I was in Rome during the month of November visiting all of the top hotels there and was struck by the variety and wide range of hotels to choose from in the Eternal City. I will write about most of them in upcoming posts, but I would like to highlight one very special and unique hotel that stands out - the Hotel de Russie. http://www.hotelderussie.it/ I have toured every inch of this outstanding luxury hotel and have sent an endless amount of very discerning clients there, all of which returned singing the de Russie's praises.
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Hotel de Russie Purple Chair |
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de Russie Wall Sculpture |
To be specific, the de Russie is located between the famous Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo on Via del Babuino. This would be the perfect place to stay especially if your are visiting Vatican City and St. Peter's and the Sistine Chapel. It is just a ten-minute walk from there.
The most outstanding feature of this unique hotel is its terraced gardens. As a guest, you can dine at "Le Jardin de Russie" Restaurant or take a peaceful walk through their "Secret Garden". Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Le Jardin de Russie by acclaimed two Michelin star chef, Fulvio Pierangelini. During the summer months, you may dine outdoors in the "Secret Garden". Hotel de Russie also houses the very popular Stravinskij Bar. You can enjoy a Mediterranean buffet for lunch or simply relax at the end of your day and sip on one of the many cocktails created by Massimo D'Addezio, whom was named the best Italian Barman in 2008.
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Terrace Dining at the de Russie |
Along with being home to some of the most beautiful gardens in Rome, the Hotel de Russie also boasts being home to one of Rome's most sought after spas and health clubs. The de Russie Wellness zone offers a fully equipped gym, a Finnish sauna, steam bath and a saltwater whirlpool bath. The "Beauty Area" offers various treatments for the face and body using only the top lines of beauty products.
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Wellness Zone Pool |
Hotel de Russie offers 122 guest rooms which include 33 suites. A wide range of room types are available depending on your needs. The Studio Rooms offer a city view with a few that have a Piazza del Popolo view. These rooms have either twin beds or a king bed and are 484 sq. ft. Most of the Deluxe Double/Twin Rooms offer a garden view with either twin beds or a king bed as well but are a bit smaller at 430 sq. ft. If you prefer a queen bedded room, you may choose either the Executive Double/Twin Room or even a Classic Double Twin Room. The smallest room category is the Classic Single Room which offers a single French bed and is 247 sq. ft.
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Deluxe Room |
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Marble & Tiled Bathroom |
As mentioned previously, the de Russie also offers 33 suites ranging from their Classic Suite to the very spectacular Popolo, Picasso and Nijinsky Suites. Should you book one of these suites, you will also enjoy many complimentary services such as Continental Buffet Breakfast, unpacking and packing service, pressing of garments, internet access and in-house movies.
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Executive Suite |
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Picasso Suite |
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Popolo Suite |
To be sure, the Hotel de Russie tops the list in Rome of luxury hotels offering only the best service, a much sought after spa, some of the best food in all of Italy and most definitely is in one of the best locations the City has to offer. I spent an entire afternoon visiting hotels surrounding the Spanish Steps and then walked leisurely down Via del Babuino until I reached Hotel de Russie. I know I have driven this point home many times, but I will say it again. The proof of a fabulous hotel is its ability to maintain a high level of service year after year and develop a loyal group of guests which enjoy returning again and again. I can personally attest to the many clients I have booked at this Hotel over the past ten years that are still thanking me for sending them there. The Hotel de Russie should be on your "Bucket List".
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Hotel de Russie Mosaic Tile Detail |