A visit to Rome is always a good idea. And if you’re looking for somewhere special to lay your head, then we have the place for you. Located next to the famed Borghese Gardens in a restored Palazzo, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese adds a touch of French je ne sais quoi to a historic Italian delight.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own
Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese review
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese
Address: Via Lombardia 47, 00187 Rome, Italy
Neighbourhood: Ludovisi / Villa Borghese
Rooms: 78 rooms and suites
Brand: Sofitel
Style: Elegant, contemporary five-star boutique hotel in a 19th-century palazzo
Family-friendly: Yes, with connecting rooms and family suites
Wellness: Fitness room
Pool: No swimming pool
Best for: Couples, luxury city breaks, foodies, first-time visitors and travellers wanting a quieter location close to Rome’s major sights
Prices from: €300 per night, depending on season and room category.
Setting the scene
There is nothing I enjoy more than a thoughtfully restored heritage building that has been given new life as a hotel. If you feel the same, then Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese won’t disappoint. Once a 19th-century Roman Palazzo, the property is home to 72 elegant rooms and suites, and its exquisite location makes the perfect landing pad for those looking to immerse themselves in all the Italian capital has to offer.
The elegant restored Palazzo facade
The neighbouring Villa Borghese has been an icon of the city since it was created in the 17th century. Originally a vineyard, the family chose to create an English landscape garden, which was practically unheard of at the time. The result is a space filled with colourful flowers and a selection of perfectly pruned trees that can be enjoyed from a number of spaces in the hotel.
Of course, as a French brand, the property carries a number of nods to its roots, including interiors by Parisian studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, pops of contemporary French art de vivre, and French delights across the F&B touchpoints.
The room
Our luxury corner room looked right out onto the beautiful gardens below
We stayed in a Corner Luxury Room which gave us stunning views of both the verdant Villa Borghese and the stylish surrounding streets. Decked out in crisp white, the space lets the views do the talking but has subtle pulls of focus, including a fresco on the ceiling in homage to the incredible works you’ll see everywhere in the city from churches to museums.
The double shower was a treat and included amenities from Diptyque, as is typical of the French hotel brand. A mix of USB and power outlets meant that we could keep everything charged easily, while Illy coffee was on hand for personal batteries. The TV streaming was a breeze, so we could keep up with our shows from bed.
And what a bed! After walking 15,000+ steps per day exploring everything that Rome has to offer, a good night’s sleep is a must. Thankfully, the Sofitel MyBed was like sleeping on a pillowy cloud of cotton candy.
Food and drink
The feather in the cap of this property is Settimo, a restaurant beloved by both locals and guests alike, so be sure to book in advance. Helmed by Executive Chef Giuseppe D’Alessio, expect seasonal menus that span classic Roman dishes to innovative flavour pairings. When we visited, we sampled sumptuous Spaghetti Carbonara with a touch of truffle, pan-fried octopus, and scallops with cabbage and liquorice gel, which was one of the best dishes I sampled during our weeks across Italy.
The space is transformed in the mornings when it becomes the place for a breakfast spread of epic proportions. You’ll want for nothing here, so expect fantastic cheeses (both French and Italian), lashings of fresh fruit, and eggs cooked to order however you like. Get there early to nab a table on the terrace, where you can enjoy the views across the city, including St. Peter’s Basilica.
Top tip: if, like us, you want to learn more about the national dish, why not try this Rome Pasta Making Class with Devour Tours.
Getting there & getting around
Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese is approximately 30km from Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). By taxi, the journey generally takes around 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Rome has a fixed airport taxi fare for journeys between Fiumicino and destinations within the city’s central area, although it is worth confirming the current fare before travelling. A private hotel transfer is another convenient option.
From Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA), the hotel is around 16km away, and the journey by taxi typically takes around 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. Ciampino is used by a number of low-cost and European airlines.
Once at the hotel, walking is one of the best ways to explore central Rome. The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese are all nearby, while many other historic sights can be reached on foot. For longer journeys, Rome’s buses and Metro are useful. The nearest Metro stations are Barberini and Spagna, both on Line A, providing connections towards Termini and the Vatican area.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are also useful, particularly when travelling at night or with luggage. If you’re planning to visit the Vatican, Colosseum or areas further across the city, public transport can save time and energy. A car isn’t recommended for a Rome city break, as central streets can be restricted to traffic and parking is limited. The hotel does have access to indoor parking, but parking is not included in the stay.
For arriving by train, Roma Termini is the city’s main station. From Termini, you can take Metro Line A towards Battistini and get off at Barberini or Spagna, followed by a short walk or taxi to the hotel.
Frequently asked questions: Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese
The hotel is on Via Lombardia, beside Villa Borghese and in the Ludovisi area of Rome. The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon are all within walking distance.
Yes. Rooms with views and the rooftop restaurant provide some of the property’s best perspectives across Rome. Settimo’s terrace looks over the treetops of Villa Borghese towards the city’s domes and rooftops, including St Peter’s Basilica.
Yes. Many of Rome’s most famous sights can be reached on foot from the hotel. The location works particularly well for travellers who enjoy exploring by walking, although Rome’s cobbled streets and occasional steep sections mean comfortable shoes are essential.
Three nights is a good starting point for a first visit, giving you time to see the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Vatican. Four or five nights allows for a slower itinerary and time to explore neighbourhoods such as Trastevere and Monti.
Yes. Rome is particularly well suited to a long weekend because many major attractions are concentrated around the historic centre. Staying centrally allows you to make the most of a two- or three-night trip.
Yes. The rooftop is one of the hotel’s key attractions, particularly around sunset, and the restaurant is open for both dining and drinks. Reservations are advisable, particularly since the restaurant featured in an episode of Emily in Paris.
The verdict
I do also need to shout out the service. For the team at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, nothing is too much. They anticipated things that we didn’t even know we needed and were the very epitome of excellent hospitality. A stay here is as divine as the city it calls home. The location of the property can’t be beat as it’s positioned within walking distance of highlights including the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Surrounded by some of the city’s chicest restaurants and shops (be sure to visit Helèn Profumerie, a beautifully curated space filled with unique perfumes, including some Roman brands that are exclusive to the shop), Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is a wonderful choice for anyone staying in the Eternal City.
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