Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Italy / Rome / Hotel de Russie
Hotel de Russie
Rome, Italy · Rocco Forte · Apex Luxury
Hotel de Russie occupies a palazzo designed in 1816 by neoclassical architect Giuseppe Valadier, on Via del Babuino between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna. First opened as the Albergo di Russia, the hotel became famous in February 1917 when Picasso and Cocteau occupied adjoining rooms while preparing the first Cubist ballet; Cocteau reportedly called the hotel heaven on earth. Its terraced Secret Garden, also designed by Valadier, remains one of Rome's most sought-after outdoor spaces. Rocco Forte reopened the property in 2000 as the group's Italian flagship.
- 120 rooms
- Opened 1816
- Neighborhood: Campo Marzio
- Rooms from 323 sq ft (30 m²)
- Architect: Giuseppe Valadier; Olga Polizzi
- Interiors: Olga Polizzi
About Hotel de Russie
- Cocteau called the hotel 'paradise on earth' during that stay.
- The 2,800-square-metre terraced Secret Garden, also by Valadier, is named after composer Igor Stravinsky, who stayed here.
- Entry-level rooms start at 323 sq ft (30 m²).
History
Built in 1816 by neoclassical architect Giuseppe Valadier and reopened by Rocco Forte in 2000 as the group's Italian flagship. The terraced Stravinskij Garden — named after the composer who stayed here — is the hotel's signature space. Located between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps.
The setting
Hotel de Russie occupies a palazzo designed in the early 19th century by neoclassical architect Giuseppe Valadier — who simultaneously redesigned the neighbouring Piazza del Popolo — on Via del Babuino, the western prong of Rome's Tridente running from that majestic elliptical piazza to Piazza di Spagna. First opened as the Albergo di Russia, it became famous when Picasso and Cocteau stayed in adjoining rooms in 1917; Cocteau called it 'paradise on earth.' The Spanish Steps are nine minutes on foot, the Trevi Fountain seventeen minutes, and Piazza Navona nineteen, with the hotel's celebrated tiered secret garden providing a singular oasis at the heart of Rome's most elegant quarter.
Restaurants and bars
- Le Jardin de Russie — Restaurant · Italian · Chef Fulvio Pierangelini
- Stravinskij Bar — Bar
Amenities
- Spa
- Pool
- Fitness centre
- Stravinskij Garden
- Sauna
- Hammam
- Hot tub
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (2026)
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
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