Rome is witnessing a flurry of new luxury hotel launches, and travelers are lucky to stay in historic properties such as the newly launched Palazzo Ripetta. The five-star property is located on Via Ripetta, in what is becoming one of the trendiest areas, just a short distance from the Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, and Via del Corso.
The hotel property was first built in the 17th-century and was used as a conservatory led by nuns, giving shelter to thousands of orphaned girls for almost three centuries. And, with careful restoration, the building offers up 78 colorful rooms and suites; far from the muted creams and beiges of most hotels, this property shines as a hidden gem in the busy city.
One of the few family-owned luxury hotels in Rome, Palazzo Ripetta has been with the same family since the 1960s. The Crisci family, descendants of the first owners, renovated the property along with Italian architect Fausta Gaetani (Le Sirenuse in Positano.) With a unique blend of contemporary design, mixing art and culinary excellence while honoring the history of the city, the property also incorporates one of the most extensive and impressive art collections, including ancient Roman pieces sitting alongside contemporary sculptures and paintings.
The rooms and suites all have their own personality and style, complimented by high ceilings and bright light. A few of the suites have an unusual design of steam-sauna showers and balconies. The mixture of bright colors is used in dramatic contrast, including splashes of purples, turquoise, and reds, to dramatic effect.
Public spaces include the popular lunch destination Piazza Ripetta, in the hotel center courtyard, and a beautiful Conservatory chapel, added in the early 18th century, for private events, with original frescoes by Giacomo Triga and a marble bust of Pope Innocent XI.
One of my favorite Chefs in Rome is the talented young Marco Ciccotelli, who oversees the hotel’s restaurant, San Baylon. Along with the hotels charming Food and Beverage Director Alessia Meli, Chef Marco leads an old-school-style restaurant with leather banquettes and wood paneling that is as cozy and comfortable as the traditional Italian cuisine he serves. All are prepared in an open kitchen, and the kitchen sources its ingredients from small Italian farms and producers. And don’t get me started with the pastry options; the Zabaglione Bavarian cream is to die for.
One of the prime areas of the property is the intimate outdoor rooftop bar and lounge. The Etere Rooftop is a collaboration with the Jerry Thomas Project, which has previously been named one of the world’s 50 best bars and is led by the delightful Diana Barbieri, who is an expert at introducing you to unique, mouthwatering cocktails.
Daytimes can be spent exploring Rome’s most famous shopping street, Via del Corso, only minutes away by foot, or having the concierge organize a private tour of the nearby Borghese Gallery along with a private car. When you return, you can relax in comfort, knowing that you are in a peaceful retreat away from the maddening crowds of the Eternal City.