After our work-related meeting at the rather forgettable Sheraton Roma, we had one day on our own in Rome and decided to stay at Hotel Donna Camilla Savelli to be in Trastevere. We were so glad we did; in fact, we are still congratulating ourselves for this decision.
The hotel used to be a convent whose original architect was no less than Borromini! The renovation has managed to preserve the beautiful original details while allowing for a harmonious blend of modern conveniences and stylish comforts. Our room was spacious, sparkingly clean, and filled with light; it overlooked the beautiful interior courtyard and even had a view of St. Peter's in the distance! The AC worked beautifully and hummed quietly. The breakfast buffet was abundant in both quantity and variety and was very elegantly and brightly presented.
Even more impressive are the public spaces: exquisite tiled corridors with arcaded spaces running in parallel where fauteuils are discreetly placed with magazines and daily newspapers for guests' use; ancient wide staircases with marble steps --but there are also lifts if one is so inclined! Gorgeous ancient water fountains and wall sculptures turning up in unexpected corners. As previous TA posts have noted, there is such a sense of tranquility at Hotel Donna Camillla Savelli, due in no small part to the 2 courtyards, one right after one leaves Via Garibaldi behind but before the reception office, and the other is interior and landscaped where breakfast is served. After a day of sightseeing, the Hotel really is an oasis to which one returns. We were lucky enough to be there at the time of mass and were able to see the magnificent chapel. We weren't just staying at a hotel; we were staying amidst the architectural splendor of baroque Rome!
Service was absolutely top notch: quietly solicitous and helpful; straightforward restaurant recommendations and directions; reliable taxi reservations at very good and honest/uninflated rates (45 Euros to Fiumicino for 2 passengers).
The location was perfect for us who wanted something on the quiet side. We ourselves like to walk everywhere, but for first-time visitors to Rome who may want to see the major sites at Piazza Navonna, the Coliseum, etc., it may be worth looking into bus or metro routes. Close to the Hotel are some fabulous restaurants: Antica Pesa is literally 20 steps away; Da I 2 Ciccioni is right behind the hotel, if one is after the trattoria experience; Antico Arco is a slightly longer walk up the hill. We opted for the newly opened Ristorante Minnetti which is just across the street and which is actually run by the daughter of Roberto Minnetti, himself behind the famous Ristorante Di Poggio Antico in Montalcino. In fact, the chef at Minnetti himself had come from Poggio Antico. All that we can say about our absolutely fabulous dinners at Minnetti is that we are now planning a trip to Poggio Antico in the near future! (And the service at Minnetti is very, very personal and warm, with very thoughtful recommendations and explanations.)
In all, Hotel Donna Camilla Savelli is a very special place with an exquisite sense of space and history and with outstanding services. One will not be hounded by intrusive invitations for must-see tours of Rome or pre-arranged airport transfers for 70 Euros, etc.; instead, one will be looked after very warmly and with a refreshing touch of class. This will be our hotel in Rome!
