The hype
Guests are obsessed with the concierge, the garden breakfast, and the location, but often wince at the price-to-room-size ratio.
Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie
$1,300-2,200+ / night
Book this if You want to sip a Negroni in Rome's most famous 'Secret Garden' while rubbing shoulders with celebrities and politicians.
Why People Love It
- The 'Secret Garden' is a genuine oasis in the chaotic city center
- Stravinskij Bar is one of the best aperitivo spots in Rome
- Location is unbeatable—sandwiched between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps
Quick Take: It’s a legendary scene where the garden is the star and the rooms are the supporting actors—expensive ones.
Reviewed by @blueskyandsuushine: I honestly think this is the most beautiful spot in Rome. The secret garden feels like a total escape from the city noise. Having aperitivo in the courtyard was the highlight of my trip—expensive, but the vibe is absolutely unmatched.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the address and the garden access; don't expect a ballroom-sized suite unless you book the Nijinsky.
- You thrive on a 'see and be seen' atmosphere
- You want a resort-style garden in the middle of a city
- You appreciate historic charm over modern minimalism
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Top-tier daily service with evening turndown. Guests consistently report 'spotless' conditions.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are kept immaculate; no reports of mold or grout issues in recent reviews.
- Maintenance: Fresh off a major renovation (2021-2025), so peeling paint and worn carpets are largely a thing of the past.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-thread-count linens and plush robes; typical 5-star quality.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and citrus; rooms are neutral and fresh.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Chatter and clinking glasses from Stravinskij Bar (garden side)
- Traffic and street noise from Via del Babuino (street side)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel recently completed major renovations (2021-2025), so ask for a 'newly refreshed' room.
- Valet parking is steep at roughly €59 per night.
- City tax is around €10 per person, per night.
What to pack
- Designer sunglasses (essential for the Stravinskij Bar breakfast)
- Earplugs (just in case there's a wedding in the garden)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Garden View Room (worth the upgrade for the view and relative quiet compared to the street)
- Junior Suite with Garden View (for actual breathing room)
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Rooms on lower floors (can be dark and feel cramped)
- Street-facing rooms if you are sensitive to traffic noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a renovated room on a higher floor facing the Secret Garden. Please avoid low-floor rooms near the bar service area to minimize noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the breakfast included?
Usually not in the base rate. Expect to pay ~€42-60 per person if you don't book a 'bed and breakfast' package.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, unlike many Roman hotels, they welcome dogs up to 20kg (check specific room restrictions).
Does it have a pool?
Yes, a saltwater hydrotherapy pool in the spa, but it's for relaxation, not laps.
How far is the Trevi Fountain?
About a 15-20 minute walk through the shopping district.
Is the garden private for guests?
No, the Stravinskij Bar and Le Jardin restaurant are open to the public, so it gets busy with locals and tourists.
What is the 'Secret Garden'?
A historic, terraced garden designed by Giuseppe Valadier, featuring palm trees, orange trees, and fountains.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The concierge can perform miracles for restaurant bookings—use them.
- ✨
You can access the Villa Borghese park directly from the top of the hotel's terraced garden (ask staff for the key/route).
- ✨
If the Stravinskij Bar is too packed, the new Aquazzura Bar offers a slightly different vibe.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Secret' Garden is actually one of the most public 'secrets' in Rome; don't expect solitude.
💡Entry-level rooms are shockingly small for the price point (think NYC size).
💡The spa is excellent but can be hard to book last-minute due to local membership demand.
💡You might spot a politician or movie star at breakfast—act cool.
💡The 'courtyard view' isn't always quiet; it's the acoustic center of the hotel.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie is located and what's nearby.