Reviewed by
Abigail Blasi
The Ferragamos are famous for their shoes: exquisite, frivolous works of art. This extension of the Ferragamo empire applies the same immaculate design ethic to a place to stay. Perfectly set just down from the Spanish Steps, it’s a very special, discreet boutique residence. We hesitate to call it a hotel, because it has none of the impersonality that the word implies. Designed by Michele Bonan, there are 14 exquisitely styled suites and studios in this townhouse. Overlooking Via Condotti, Rome’s most exclusive shopping street, it's just a silk-scarf flutter from the Ferragamo store.
The rooms and communal areas, from the lift to the stairwells, have beautiful displays of Ferragamo designs, photographs and memorabilia from the family's 1950s heyday (with clients including Liz Taylor and Audrey Hepburn) that make it a gallery-museum, too. On the seventh floor is a roof terrace with a constantly burning fireplace behind glass; sofas gaze across Tridente district to the historic centre.
The rooms and communal areas, from the lift to the stairwells, have beautiful displays of Ferragamo designs, photographs and memorabilia from the family's 1950s heyday (with clients including Liz Taylor and Audrey Hepburn) that make it a gallery-museum, too. On the seventh floor is a roof terrace with a constantly burning fireplace behind glass; sofas gaze across Tridente district to the historic centre.
Highs
- The huge rooftop terrace with views of the Spanish Steps and tonnes of space to chill out after a hard day's shopping
- Immaculate attention to detail is combined with a great level of comfort, plus an intimate, personal and exclusive feel, with truly charming staff
- Beautiful but unobtrusive design, including amazing displays of Ferragamo memorabilia; we found it hard to stop marvelling during our latest revisit (for more of the same stay at their sister property Portrait Firenze)
- A superb central location on Via Condotti
- Every studio and suite has a modern, private kitchenette
Lows
- Some might be put off by the lack of restaurant, but breakfast is included in the rates, there's a rooftop lounge-bar, and meals can be delivered from a local restaurant
- Though the Portrait Studios are supremely comfortable, they are also quite small
- It is pricey, which will put it out of some people's reach
- Not immediately easy to find; be sure to get clear directions (provided automatically when you book through i-escape)
Best time to go
Rome is a world-class city with something happening all year round. Perhaps the time to avoid is mid-summer (July-August), when it gets very hot. Late March, April, September and October are the busiest times. Winter (mid-November to mid-March) is quiet, with fewer tourists.
Our top tips
We recommend staying from 3 nights to a week, although Roma, non basta una vita (Rome, a lifetime is not enough).