Best Ultra-Luxury Hotels in Rome: A Curated Editorial Guide

Rome has long mastered the art of grandeur—layering history, architecture, and ritual into everyday life. In a city where emperors once ruled and palazzi still line cobblestone streets, luxury is not an afterthought; it is woven into the fabric of the destination itself. Today’s most exceptional hotels in Rome honor that legacy while redefining what ultra-luxury looks like for the modern traveler, blending heritage settings with impeccable service, thoughtful design, and an unmistakable sense of place.

The best ultra-luxury hotels in Rome go far beyond five-star credentials. They are housed in historic palaces, refined townhouses, and architectural landmarks, often just steps from icons like the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, or Piazza del Popolo. Inside, you’ll find discreet butler service, Michelin-level dining, serene spa sanctuaries, and suites designed to feel both indulgent and deeply personal. These are hotels where mornings unfold slowly over espresso on private terraces, afternoons slip by in hidden gardens or marble-lined spas, and evenings are defined by candlelit dinners and panoramic city views.

This curated editorial guide highlights Rome’s most elevated hotel experiences—properties that set the benchmark for ultra-luxury in the Eternal City. Each selection has been chosen for its design integrity, service excellence, location, and ability to deliver a stay that feels unmistakably Roman yet effortlessly refined. Whether you’re visiting for a milestone celebration, an indulgent escape, or simply seeking the city at its most polished, these are the addresses that define the pinnacle of luxury in Rome.

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Photo: Courtesy of Hotel de Russie

1. Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte hotel

Hotel de Russie has long been one of Rome’s most coveted addresses—and it’s easy to understand why the moment you arrive. Perfectly placed between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, it offers that rare combination of “walk everywhere” convenience with an atmosphere that feels calm, discreet, and quietly removed from the city’s constant motion. From its understated entrance, Rome seems to soften: the crowds fade, the pace slows, and the hotel’s signature sense of ease takes over.

The property’s roots run deep. Redesigned in the early 19th century by celebrated neoclassical architect Giuseppe Valadier, the hotel has welcomed an impressive list of cultural icons over the years, including Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and Virginia Woolf—guests drawn to its privacy, polish, and almost residential feel. Today, under the stewardship of Rocco Forte Hotels, that heritage is preserved in spirit but updated in all the ways that matter, with interiors that feel elegant without ever veering into formal.

The showstopper is the famed Secret Garden, a terraced oasis climbing toward the Pincian Hill. Layered with citrus trees, manicured hedges, ivy-covered walls, and softly lit pathways, it feels like a private escape hidden in plain sight. It’s the heart of the experience: espresso in the morning sunlight, lingering lunches that turn into late afternoons, and evenings that naturally drift into aperitivo hour.

Rooms and suites are designed as true retreats—serene, polished, and deeply comfortable. Expect plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and a calming palette that feels restorative after a full day in the city. Many rooms overlook the courtyard or garden, offering rare quiet in the historic center. Suites add generous living space and a more residential layout, while terrace options are especially coveted for their private outdoor moments—morning coffee, golden-hour glow, and Rome humming just beyond the walls.

Dining is centered around Le Jardin de Russie and the Stravinskij Bar, both celebrated for their garden setting and effortlessly stylish energy. Service is intuitive and warm, with a concierge team that excels at tailoring the city to you—whether that means hard-to-get reservations, private experiences, or a perfectly timed itinerary.

Velle Ranking: $$$$ — Ultra-Luxury

Best for: Travelers seeking classic Roman elegance with a serene, garden-centered atmosphere—ideal for those who want a discreet, polished base steps from the Spanish Steps without sacrificing privacy or calm.

Check rates and book here.

Photo: Courtesy of Six Senses Rome

2. Six Senses Rome

Six Senses Rome brings a distinctly modern energy to the historic heart of the Eternal City, offering a fresh take on Roman luxury that feels both grounded and quietly indulgent. Set just steps from the Pantheon, the hotel occupies the restored Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, a 16th-century building whose classical bones now house one of Rome’s most design-forward stays. The result is a rare balance: heritage architecture softened by contemporary lines, natural materials, and a sense of calm that feels almost surprising given the location.

The design leans unmistakably Six Senses—organic textures, muted tones, sculptural lighting, and a strong connection to wellness—without feeling out of place in Rome. Original stone walls, arched ceilings, and historical details are preserved and layered with modern craftsmanship, creating spaces that feel serene rather than monumental. Public areas are intentionally relaxed, encouraging guests to slow down, linger, and reset between city explorations.

Rooms and suites are designed as restorative sanctuaries. Expect generous layouts, plush beds dressed in natural linens, sculptural soaking tubs, and thoughtful tech that enhances comfort without demanding attention. Many rooms feature soft, courtyard-facing views that prioritize quiet, while select suites offer terraces or extended living space ideal for longer stays. Everything feels tactile and intentional, from the materials underfoot to the way light filters through the rooms.

Wellness is the defining pillar of the experience. The Six Senses Spa Rome is one of the city’s most impressive, featuring a Roman-inspired bathing circuit, sauna and steam rooms, and a holistic menu of treatments focused on restoration and longevity. It’s a true retreat—one that feels destination-worthy in its own right. The rooftop adds another layer of appeal, offering panoramic views over Rome alongside a relaxed setting for dining and sunset drinks.

Dining focuses on seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine that aligns with the brand’s sustainability ethos, offering a lighter, more modern contrast to Rome’s traditional trattoria scene. Service throughout the hotel is warm, intuitive, and refreshingly unforced—luxury delivered with ease rather than ceremony.

Six Senses Rome is ideal for travelers seeking something elevated but contemporary: a stay that blends history with wellness, design with restraint, and central location with a sense of genuine escape.

Velle Ranking: $$$ — Top-Tier Luxury

Best for: Design-minded travelers who want a deeply calming, wellness-forward stay in the historic center of Rome, with contemporary luxury, restorative spa experiences, and a more modern counterpoint to the city’s classic grand hotels.

Check rates and book here.

Photo: Courtesy of Hassler Roma

3. Hassler Roma

Hassler Roma is one of the city’s most storied hotels, defined by tradition, discretion, and a sense of Roman elegance that feels entirely its own. Sitting directly atop the Spanish Steps, the location is as iconic as it gets—yet the hotel itself feels surprisingly private, offering a calm, old-world counterpoint to the energy below. This is a place where Rome feels polished and personal rather than performative.

Family-owned and operated since 1921, Hassler has long been a favorite among royalty, Hollywood legends, and political figures seeking privacy over spectacle. Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and numerous heads of state have passed through its doors, drawn by the hotel’s reputation for impeccable service and understated luxury. Unlike newer, design-driven properties, Hassler leans confidently into its heritage, embracing tradition with quiet pride rather than attempting reinvention.

Interiors are classic and richly detailed, with silk fabrics, antique furnishings, and warm tones that reflect a distinctly European sensibility. The atmosphere feels residential and intimate, more like a grand private home than a hotel catering to crowds. Public spaces are elegant without being imposing, encouraging guests to settle in rather than circulate.

Rooms and suites vary in style but consistently prioritize comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal. Many accommodations offer breathtaking views over the Spanish Steps, the rooftops of Rome, or the distant dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Suites are particularly special, featuring generous layouts, refined living areas, and balconies or terraces that elevate the sense of place. Bathrooms are classic and well-appointed, favoring marble finishes and deep soaking tubs over trend-led design.

Dining is led by Imàgo, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant perched on the top floor. With panoramic views and a refined, modern approach to Italian cuisine, it’s as much about the setting as the food itself. Service throughout the hotel is formal in the best sense—attentive, discreet, and deeply professional, with many staff members having spent decades on property.

Hassler Roma doesn’t chase trends or headlines. Instead, it offers something increasingly rare: continuity, character, and a deeply personal approach to luxury, all anchored by one of the most coveted locations in the city.

Velle Ranking: $$ — Elevated Luxury

Best for: Traditionalists and repeat Rome visitors who value heritage, privacy, and iconic views, and who appreciate classic luxury delivered with discretion rather than modern flair.

Check rates and book here.

Photo: Courtesy of Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

4. Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Perched high above the historic center, Rome Cavalieri offers a very different perspective on the Eternal City—one defined by space, views, and a sense of grandeur that feels intentionally removed from the bustle below. Set within 15 acres of landscaped Mediterranean gardens on Monte Mario, this iconic hotel feels more like a private estate than a city stay, offering sweeping panoramas that stretch from St. Peter’s Basilica across Rome’s terracotta rooftops.

Opened in the early 1960s, Rome Cavalieri was conceived as a resort-style retreat at a time when most luxury hotels were clustered tightly within the historic core. That vision still defines the experience today. Interiors lean boldly classic, with rich fabrics, marble details, and an extensive private art collection that includes works by Old Masters and contemporary Italian artists alike. The atmosphere is unapologetically grand—elegant, polished, and confident in its scale.

Rooms and suites are notably spacious by Rome standards, many featuring private balconies with postcard-worthy views over the city or gardens.

Accommodations favor comfort and classic luxury over trend-driven design, with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and generous layouts that make longer stays especially appealing. Suites elevate the experience further, offering expansive living areas and a sense of privacy that’s hard to find closer to the city center.

Dining is one of the hotel’s strongest calling cards. La Pergola, Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, is a destination in its own right, helmed by Chef Heinz Beck and celebrated for both its cuisine and its panoramic terrace. More casual dining options and terrace bars allow guests to enjoy the setting throughout the day without formality.

The Cavalieri Grand Spa Club is among the most comprehensive in Rome, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, thermal experiences, and an extensive treatment menu. Combined with manicured grounds and resort-style amenities, it creates a stay that feels restorative rather than rushed.

Rome Cavalieri is ideal for travelers who appreciate classic luxury, expansive space, and iconic views—offering a refined retreat that trades walkability for a resort-like sense of escape above the city.

Velle Ranking: $$$ — Top-Tier Luxury

Best for: Travelers who value resort-style space, panoramic city views, and classic luxury, and who prefer a serene, self-contained retreat just outside Rome’s historic center.

Check rates and book here.

Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari Hotel Roma

5. Bvlgari Hotel Roma

Bvlgari Hotel Roma is unapologetically Rome at its most polished—confident, architectural, and undeniably high jewelry in hotel form. Set on Piazza Augusto Imperatore, just steps from the Ara Pacis and the Tiber, the hotel occupies a rationalist-era landmark originally designed in the 1930s. The location feels intentional rather than obvious, offering a refined vantage point that connects ancient Rome, modern design, and contemporary luxury in one seamless experience.

The design language is unmistakably Bvlgari: bold yet restrained, richly layered, and deeply rooted in Roman heritage. Travertine stone, marble, bronze accents, and sculptural lines reference the city’s classical architecture while maintaining a distinctly modern edge. Public spaces feel museum-worthy without ever tipping into formality—every detail is considered, from custom furnishings to curated art pieces that subtly echo the brand’s legacy as Rome’s most storied jeweler.

Rooms and suites are among the most sophisticated in the city, designed to feel residential, indulgent, and quietly dramatic. Expect expansive layouts, custom Italian furnishings, silk and cashmere textures, and bathrooms clad in rich stone with deep soaking tubs. Many rooms feature views over the Mausoleum of Augustus or the surrounding historic rooftops, while top-tier suites elevate the experience further with generous living spaces and a sense of privacy that feels rare in central Rome.

The rooftop is a defining highlight. With sweeping views across the Eternal City, it offers one of Rome’s most elevated dining and social scenes—day or night. Dining throughout the hotel reflects Bvlgari’s signature approach: refined Italian cuisine with impeccable sourcing, elegant presentation, and an emphasis on experience over excess. The atmosphere feels glamorous yet controlled, attracting a well-heeled international crowd without feeling performative.

The spa is equally impressive, setting a new benchmark for wellness in Rome. Featuring a striking indoor pool, state-of-the-art treatment rooms, and holistic programming, it feels more like a destination than an amenity. Service throughout the hotel is discreet, precise, and highly personalized—luxury delivered with confidence rather than ceremony.

Bvlgari Hotel Roma sits firmly at the top of the city’s luxury market. It is bold, contemporary, and impeccably executed—an address for travelers who want Rome rendered through a modern, ultra-luxury lens, without sacrificing depth, heritage, or gravitas.

Velle Ranking: $$$$ — Ultra-Luxury

Best for: Travelers who want Rome at its most elevated and contemporary—drawn to bold design, top-of-the-market luxury, and a fashion-forward atmosphere anchored by one of the city’s most prestigious new addresses.

Check rates and book here.

Photo: Courtesy of St. Regis Rome

6. St. Regis Rome

The St. Regis Rome is a masterclass in classic grandeur, offering a distinctly Roman interpretation of the brand’s signature elegance. Located just off Via Veneto, the hotel occupies a palatial building originally opened in 1894 as the Grand Hotel—making it one of the city’s earliest true luxury hotels. From the outset, it was designed to impress, and more than a century later, that sense of occasion still defines the experience.

The interiors lean unapologetically grand. Soaring ceilings, ornate moldings, Murano chandeliers, and richly layered fabrics set the tone throughout the public spaces, which feel more like a historic residence than a conventional hotel. There’s a formality here, but it’s softened by warmth and impeccable upkeep, creating an atmosphere that feels polished rather than imposing. The overall effect is timeless, appealing to travelers who appreciate tradition executed at the highest level.

Rooms and suites are generously sized by Rome standards and designed with comfort firmly in mind. Expect plush beds, marble bathrooms, and elegant furnishings that favor classic silhouettes over trends. Many accommodations feature high ceilings and large windows that flood the rooms with natural light, while suites offer expansive layouts ideal for longer stays or special occasions. The aesthetic is refined and consistent, prioritizing ease and serenity over dramatic design statements.

Service is a defining pillar of the St. Regis experience, and Rome is no exception. Signature butler service is seamlessly integrated, offering everything from unpacking assistance to thoughtful in-room touches that elevate the stay without feeling intrusive. Concierge service is equally strong, particularly when it comes to cultural planning and dining reservations.

Dining and social life center around the hotel’s refined restaurant and bar spaces, which feel elegant and relaxed rather than scene-driven. The champagne sabering ritual adds a touch of ceremony to the evening, reinforcing the brand’s heritage without tipping into excess.

The St. Regis Rome is best suited to travelers who value heritage, scale, and a sense of old-world luxury. While it may not command the city’s highest nightly rates, it remains firmly among Rome’s elite—an address defined by history, service, and enduring sophistication rather than trend-led appeal.

Velle Ranking: $$$ — Top-Tier Luxury

Best for: Travelers who appreciate grand, old-world luxury, generous room sizes, and impeccable service, and who value timeless elegance over trend-driven design in the heart of Rome.

Check rates and book here.