Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese
Rome, Italy
Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese
Via Lombardia 47, Rome, Italy, 00187 Original Property Opened in 1890 Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2018The luxurious Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese takes its name from the neighboring Villa Borghese Pinciana, a beautiful, Renaissance-era palace where the prominent Borghese family once resided for centuries. The hotel itself has existed since the early-19th century, when fellow aristocrats from the Boncompagni Ludovisi family constructed a guesthouse adjacent to the Borghese estate. The building did not become a hotel until 1890, when it underwent a significant renovation. Operating as the Boston Hotel, the former aristocratic residence entertained some of the most well-known movie stars, including Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton. Even the renowned director Federico Fellini frequented the hotel after he completed his critically acclaimed film, La Dolce Vita (1960). Just beyond the hotel are several historic villas once occupied by the eminent noble houses of the Italian Peninsula. Villa Medici and Villa Borghese Pinciana are a short distance away, with Villa Borghese functioning as a respected art gallery, the Galleria Borghese. Guests can also stroll through the beautiful Borghese Gardens, which run adjacent to the gallery. The Historic Center of Rome, a section of the city jointly supervised by the Italian government and the Vatican, is close to the hotel too. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, the Historic Center of Rome has a wealth of historical attractions for guests to visit. The Basilica of Saint Paul and the Sistine Chapel both occupy the Historic Center of Rome, as do many other historical structures like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum.
Discover
- Discover the marvelous 19th-century architecture that defines the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. This terrific historic hotel was once the resplendent guesthouse of the prominent Boncompagni Ludovisi family.
- Gaze out onto the majestic Tiber River that winds through the city several blocks away. The river is the third longest in Italy, and has been crucial to Rome’s commercial height since the 5th century BC.
- Admire the beautiful accommodations of the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese. These spectacular historic accommodations have housed the likes of Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton.
Explore
- Visit the historic Piazza di Spagna only a few block away. This historic plaza is home to a number of ionic Italian landmarks, such as the Spanish Steps and the Trinità dei Monti.
- Explore the ancient history of Rome with a trip to the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. These relics were once at the center of the Roman Empire, and are now part of the city’s remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Travel to the magnificent Trevi Fountain just moments away. Finished in 1762, this spectacular Baroque statue by Nicola Salvi depicts the God Oceanus surrounded by a number of tritons.
Experience
- Experience the inherent beauty of the Villa Borghese just beyond the front door. A marvelous public park that was once the home to the powerful Borghese family, this terrific destination is replete with many cultural attractions to visit, like the Pincio Promenade, the Bioparco di Roma, and the Museo e Galleria Borghese.
- Gaze upon the magnificent art on display at the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea. This spectacular cultural institution features a wealth of artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries from the likes of Antonio Canova, Amedeo Modigliani & Vincent Van Gogh.
- Enjoy an emotionally moving Italian opera at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. In operation since 1880, the Teatro dell’Opera is a fantastic place to attend this theatrical pastime of Italy.
Taste
- Taste some Italian gelato at the world-famous Giolitti. Located just steps from the Pantheon, Giolitti has satisfied countless customers with its flavorful creations of this classic frozen dessert since 1900.
- Dine on some delicious Cacio e Pepe. Cacio e Pepe is a classic Italian pasta dish that is served with a savory cheese known as Pecorino Romano. This delicious meal is served throughout Rome at such places like Trattoria Da Danilo, Pigneto Quarantuno, and Osteria Zi Umberto.
- Try “pizza al taglio,” which essentially means “pizza by the slice.” Roman pizza is more akin to a flatbread, and is served with simple, yet delicious ingredients. Delight in some pizza al taglio at Pizzarium, Antico Forno Roscioli, and La Boccaccia.