The Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma – Starhotels Collezione has been a favoured destination for the international elite and Roman nobility since the 19th century, thanks to its location just steps from the iconic Spanish Steps and the glamorous high-fashion stores of Via Condotti. Its history includes hosting literary figures and international celebrities such as Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn.
A year since its reopening, the legendary property crowned its extensive restoration with the debut of Terrazza Romana, a new rooftop cocktail bar, promising travel professionals a stunning new selling point. The terrace also serves as an extension of the hotel’s recently unveiled Penthouse Suite. On a recent trip to Rome, TTN discovers that the property affords the best of Roman history, culture as well as retail, all within walking distance. From Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma – Starhotels Collezione, guests have immediate access to Rome’s core archaeological treasures, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the mesmerising Roman Forum, all within walking distance. For relaxation, the lush environs of Villa Borghese and the Pincio terrace are easily reachable for a leisurely stroll. The hotel’s prime setting makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the city's boutiques, cafés and restaurants. A dedicated concierge team is available to provide tailored itinerary suggestions and, upon request, can arrange exclusive tours of the Vatican Museums, Underground Rome, St. Peter’s tomb, and private visits to local artisan workshops as part of Starhotels’ Craft Experiences, on whose recommendation we spend some exhilarating hours exploring the living legacy of Villa Medici, a veritable temple of art and design. The itinerary kicks off with simple, yet elevated pleasures such as homemade gelato on a summery street-side terrace, followed by a serpentine journey to Campo di Fiori, the most famous outdoor market in the centre of Rome. You’ll find everything from the freshest locally grown and sourced fruit, vegetables and cheeses here, and the air is thick with Italian spices, herbs and freshly baked goods. The market also has stalls for seasonal clothing for locals as well as tourists and other small gifts, memorabilia, paraphernalia. Loud Instagram-famous hawkers work hard to compete with witty Italian grandmothers engrossed in an animated discussion about freshly harvested figs with Executive Chef Andrea Sangiuliano, who accompanies us on this journey. Lunch is at Michelin-recognised Roscioli, a multi-functional deli, unconventional restaurant, with a rich and varied wine bar, that is so popular, it has sprouted at least three addresses each within walking distance of the other in the heart of Rome, not to mention, exported to New York City. This is a great place to dine when exploring the heart of Rome and offers everything from a take-away style selection of fresh-off-the-oven variety of pizzas, deli items, sweet treats to a multiple-course dining out experience with excellent grape pairing. Lunch is followed by a sobering trip to Keats-Shelley House that frames a section of the 300-year-old Spanish Steps. This house, now converted into a museum, is where English poet John Keats, succumbed to tuberculosis in February 1821, after moving to Rome hoping the warmer climate would improve his health. After a few rounds of hand-crafted aperitifs on the newly opened terrace, we enjoy dinner, which is cooked live by Executive Chef Sangiuliano: our haul from this morning’s trip to the farmer’s market finds pride of place on the penthouse terrace. Offering panoramic views and the quintessential Roman aperitivo experience, the recent restyling of the terrace enhances the historical property, ensuring its legacy endures for the modern traveller. The space boasts panoramic views of the historic centre of Rome, including historical landmarks such as the stunning 16-century Villa Medici, the main official residence of the Italian President, Quirinal Palace, and the impressive, marble-white Vittoriano. The design seamlessly blends Roman heritage with contemporary Italian craftsmanship, featuring wrought iron furnishings, teak sofas and a warm palette of terracotta, mustard, burgundy and cream, evocative of Roman sunsets. The space also includes a secluded lovers’ seat for a romantic retreat with breathtaking city views. Beyond the new rooftop, the hotel is also home to Café Romano, where Chef Sangiuliano presents a contemporary take on traditional Roman and Italian dishes. With summer’s arrival, the restaurant’s patio on Via Borgognona - a quiet, pedestrian street - offers an inviting space for al fresco dining. The adjacent Cafè Romano Lounge Bar, known for its expertly crafted martinis, continues to attract guests from Rome’s cultured circles. Just before the evening winds down - followed by digestifs at the Lounge Bar – we amble along alleyways to behold the Trevi Fountain, devoid of human presence owing to the lateness of the hour, and uncharacteristically peaceful under the old streetlights. History reinvented Hotel d’Inghilterra reopened in September 2024 after an extensive refurbishment. The new look included a new facade, completely refreshed rooms and suites, together with the redesign of common areas such as the bar and the famous restaurant, Cafè Romano. Today, a refined new design style is evident, blending antique furnishings with original pieces and seamlessly combining classical and modern artworks. This meticulous approach features a refreshed palette of colours, fabrics and elegant lighting. The renovation focused not only on restoring precious antique furniture and decorative elements but also on preserving historical architectural features. Extensive historical and iconographic research uncovered the original designs by architect Sarti and additional documents from the past, ensuring the precise conservation of the hotel's heritage. The recently renovated Penthouse Suite consists of a spacious and bright living room with a fireplace, original from the 19th century, opens its doors to the dining room, the study and the master bedroom. Luxurious furnishings, bas-reliefs by renowned Roman artisan Felice Calchi, the handmade lamps by Vetrerie Empoli adorn the elegant apartment. Italian velvets and fabrics designed by Dedar are used throughout the suite. This unique suite, located on the top floor of the hotel, boasts a magnificent 70-square-metre furnished terrace with a breathtaking view. The hotel is one of 31 properties operated by Starhotels, Italy’s first private hotel company, which also operates in London, Paris and New York.