By Diane Vadino

The Hotel de Russie's gorgeous collection of terraced gardens provide a welcome respite from the urban rush of the Piazza del Popolo just outside this centrally located hotel. The gardens provide a spectacular location for special occasions or meals at the hotel's Le Jardin de Russie restaurant. You can enjoy dining al fresco there in the summer. The hotel bar, Stravinskij, has been named one of Europe's best and serves a variety of inventive drinks, including a De Russie Martini served with caviar.

The hotel's 89 rooms provide a relaxed, sedate contrast to its public areas with garden-view rooms the most desirable. At the hotel's spa, indulge in a delight inspired by ancient Roman ritual: a warm foot bath of essential oils, volcanic stones and flower petals, followed by exfoliation and reflexology massage.

Rooms from around $640 per night.

Hotel de Russie
Via del Babuino 9
00187 Rome
+39 06 32 88 81
hotelderussie.it

Go to Rome City Guide.