A 19th-century convent that was converted to a hotel, Aldrovandi Villa Borghese has carried a certain panache for years. And though property ownership switched from the Ossani family to the Doğuş Holding Group at the beginning of 2016, the tradition of resplendence continues, even after a recent round of renovations.
Another special aspect of this hotel, which sits on the edge of the Villa Borghese garden, is that all of its antique furniture and wall tapestries are somehow balanced with a sense of playfulness near the pool, at the spa or by the candy table. The duality is dynamic and wholly Aldrovandi.
Another special aspect of this hotel, which sits on the edge of the Villa Borghese garden, is that all of its antique furniture and wall tapestries are somehow balanced with a sense of playfulness near the pool, at the spa or by the candy table. The duality is dynamic and wholly Aldrovandi.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Aldrovandi Villa Borghese’s grand decorative intentions are clear from the moment you set foot in the building. The reception area welcomes you with wooden columns, marbled floors and delicate wall fixtures.
- The intimate La Mer Spa more than makes up for any shortcomings in size with a slate of facial and body services employing exclusive organic Biologique Recherche products and the same Leg School treatment that is offered at the hotel’s Italian sister property, Capri Palace.
- With much of the luxury hotel playing to different moods, it makes sense that you would find alternating feels around meals, too. If you have a craving for a casual bite, stop by The Grill or Garden Bar for a sandwich or salad.
- When you need to make an impression around dinnertime, the hotel’s noted restaurant, Assaje, wins over tables with beef-tail-stuffed tortellini pasta, steamed white sea bream and other Mediterranean plates.
- The aptly named American Bar feels like a vintage New York tavern with backlit shelves filled with Yankee-approved pours.
Things to Know
- Aldrovandi Villa Borghese’s pool area, surrounded by plants and tan chaise loungers, is the ideal space for adults in need of relaxation after a long day on the Roman streets or families longing for somewhere to take the kids that has nothing to do with lions and elephants across the street.
- Just past the reception desk in the main lobby is a candy bar. Though a sign on the snack table reads, “A sweet welcome for our little guests,” nibblers of all ages have been known to dip their hands into the jars.
The Rooms
- From mirrored walls to chevron hardwood flooring, every room in the Rome hotel has a personal distinction. What smaller units such as the Superior and Prestige rooms lack in square footage, they make up for with bathrooms coated in Italian marble and lovely bedside views overlooking the Villa Borghese gardens and hotel frontside.
- Five styles of suites (Junior, Aldrovandi Junior Suite, Classic Suite, Executive and the 1,620-square-foot Penthouse) offer living spaces filled with velvet-covered furniture and fulfilling vistas of greenery and the gorgeous pool.
Nearby Attractions
- Nothing speaks to Aldrovandi’s two-sided brilliance more than its address. Situated near Villa Borghese’s Bioparco di Roma zoo and Galleria Borghese museum, the luxury hotel lets you plan for a day of serious contemplation in front of some of Raphael and Bernini’s most important works or opt for some monkey business with the chimps.
- If you want to stretch your journey even farther, make a day of exploring the vast gardens, or hop on the hotel shuttle — you can faintly hear the critters as you wait outside — and have the driver escort you about seven minutes away to the iconic Spanish Steps.
Amenities
Bar
Gym
Indoor pool
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Via Ulisse Aldrovandi, 15, 00197 Rome, Italy
TEL39-06-322-3993
