Few cities are as magical as the Eternal City come Christmastime. The pastel colours of Rome’s frescoed villas shimmer in frost-sparkled winter light, while ancient cobblestones, lit up by artful Christmas decorations, reflect the age-old serenity of the many central city ruins. At Piazza del Popolo, the towering Christmas tree dwarves its millennia-old obelisk; while at the Colosseum, the megalithic spruce stands where Nero’s colossal bronze once towered over spectators, a modern-age marvel.
In the heart of Rome, the elegant Hotel de la Ville presides over the festive city in all its glory. Peerlessly positioned just below the Borghese Gardens atop the Spanish Steps, its exquisite roof terrace, transformed into a winter wonderland for Christmas, overlooks the constellation of sparkling lights twinkling throughout Rome.
Yet the real show is on the inside. This year, Hotel de la Ville has partnered with the debonair Italian fashion maison Missoni. A family-run brand with a prestigious reputation in the world of design, their values reflect those of Hotel de la Ville, designed by Olga Polizzi and Tomasso Ziffer, and indeed of Rocco Forte Hotels.
Usually famous for their cloud-like knitwear and composed designs, this year Missoni have lit up our 3-metre-tall Christmas tree with elegantly decorated Missoni boxes and specially made baubles, originally designed by Luca Missoni for their family tree in 1996. Until January 12th 2020, this lavish tree will grace our historic palazzo’s 18th century Print Room where the peacock greens, Fabergé yellows and Piranesi-esque prints of the historic salle will be delightfully echoed by the Missoni display.
Across the wider Hotel de la Ville interiors, flamboyant floral arrangements by Sebastian Flowers Italy will be on display. The floral architects are behind the most mesmerising Christmas menageries in Italy, and the delicate blooms chosen to adorn our hotel perfectly complement its design.
Throughout Hotel de la Ville, Missoni’s impeccable style, Sebatian Flowers’ flourishes and Rocco Forte Hotels’ immortal elegance combine for sensational displays, not found anywhere else in the Eternal City. Soak up this unique festive atmosphere with a 3-night suite stay as part of our Forte Escapes offer and enjoy a complimentary night, the benefits of the Rocco Forte Suite Experience and exclusive in-suite VIP amenities by Missoni.
Book your stay at Hotel de la Ville and experience the confluence of Italian heritage design by emailing reservations.delaville@roccofortehotels.com or calling +39 06 977931.
The Italian Renaissance didn’t just transform Italy, it cast a spell over London too. Even Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled over England and Ireland during this great period of growth, embraced the fascination, calling herself demi Italienne, or “half Italian”. Today, in certain pockets of the capital, the artistic, intellectual, and architectural influence of Renaissance Italy can still be felt.
Inspired by the Royal Academy of Arts exhibition Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence, c.1504, dive deeper into the lives of these masters and explore their most iconic works in Florence, Rome and Milan.
With Rocco Forte Hotels in the heart of each city, we’ll guide you on a truly immersive journey through the Renaissance.
There’s something wholly restorative about a Sicilian winter, two words not often paired together. A slower pace of life takes hold, as cool mornings lead into soft, golden afternoons, summer’s haze giving way to fresh breezes and crystal-clear skies. Once a winter secret, now shared as Villa Igiea remains open throughout the season.
