Our first stay at a Rocco Forte hotel and having seen the brochure and the website we were really excited at the prospect. We booked the third most expensive suite (Popolo) which overlooks the Piazza del Popolo and after all the hype, we were distinctly underwhelmed! So much so that when we were shown to our suite we had to ask if it was indeed the Popolo Suite! The modern decor was pleasant but all much smaller than we expected. The bathroom - far from being superior - was small with a shower within the bath, no separate shower!! Very poor. We suggest they take a look at the Spirit Suites at Gleneagles in Scotland if they want to know about superior bathrooms!!

The roof terrace overlooking the Piazza was large and furnished with a table and chairs plus two recliners. However this lovely area could not be used during the heat of the day because there was no umbrella or awning to shelter one from the sun. We wanted to relax and read on this terrace and indeed have our breakfast there as shown on the website but it was not practical. (When breakfast did arrive it was on a trolley and there is no way that could have been lifted over a large step onto the terrace). When we asked for an umbrella we were told it would be done while we had lunch in the courtyard. However upon returning to our room after lunch nothing had been done. We contacted the desk only to be told that they could not put umbrellas on this terrace because it was on the city side of the hotel. This was the main reason for booking this suite so we could relax in private - a complete waste from every point of view! When we complained we were told nothing could be done but that the manager would arrange for an awning to be put up for guests in the future!! Great!!

"The striking landscaped garden" - as quoted in the brochure is certainly an attractive area to dine and a calm oasis from the noise of the city outside but the umbrellas were filthy and birds landing on the tables were a big problem. The Secret Garden is very small with very few places to sit and read/relax and we didn't see a single butterfly!!??

Not value for money. A big disappointment. We will not go there again.

Fintys

Sometimes I'm confused by the "high end" hotels getting such bad reviews on this website, but my wife and I spent 2 nights at the Hotel de Russie in June 2008 and it was excellent. I guess if people are paying a ton of money, they expect zero problems and issues, but that's another topic.

We were upgraded to a 1BR suite, which had views of the garden and a private outdoor terrace. The room was huge, with a small office as well as couches, etc. We didn't spend much time enjoying the hotel, but did hit the spa and breakfast, which were both excellent.

The location is fantastic for shopping and near Spanish Steps, etc. We had dinner at La Rosetta and Cafe Riccoli, which were both excellent but pricey (Rosetta was recommended an Italian chef friend from here in NY, but I recognized others from our hotel, so I think it's on their list).

Overall, the hotel was excellent, if expensive. I recommend it to anyone who's looking to splurge.

First the positives points: Very nice garden where taking the breakfast is a real pleasure and .... That's it.

Everything starts when the concierge forgot to sent us the private car at the airport, when we arrived at the desk (by taxis) we found that the swimming pool is out of order for renovating works . To apologize they proposed to give us the first room which will be ready and the will call me on my mobile. (I am still waiting the call)

The rooms are very noisy (we were wake up during the night by our neighbour who goes to the bathroom) and the housekeeping was light.

To finish, they offers us the transfers for the airport, but the concierge made (again!) a mistake and sent us in the wrong one....

Finally I will never go back again in this hotel and it is not worth the price paid and its 5 stars Luxe !!!!!

This summer was the 4th time we returned to Rome and the De Russie.We stayed 5 nights in a junior suite with the kids in a classic double next door. Were the carpets a little dated and worn? Yes, but have you ever stayed at the Eden? Not very different there. Overall,the De Russie is still an excellent choice for the spoiled Rome traveler and it is,like everything else in the eternal city,truly expensive. We simply love the location! The service is truly italian - hit with a couple misses but oh,so charming. This time we brought our 18 year old as well as 8 year old and everybody was just so lovely with the kids. The breakfast buffet is truly outstanding and seems to get better every year. Drinks at the courtyard bar were a wonderful experience even with the kids. Dinner outside is just so lovely and the food is very good. Then again,the adults had dinner at the best seafood restaurant in Rome - La Rosetta!! Same (terribly) high prices but the most wonderful and creative seafood we ever had anywhere. And the service - oh so GREAT! Overall,we still think the De Russie is the best bet for a traveler used to great service.