Stay at a Count's Villa in Rome

THE COUNT’S VILLA: Villa Spalletti Travelli

How Roman is it?

There’s only a subtle gold plaque for a sign on this property, which is a residence, not a hotel. From beginning to end you feel as if you are fortunate enough to count a count as a friend and be invited to his Roman bolt hole. Only opened to guests in 2006, the property is an authentic insight into the Roman way of life – albeit one that comes from noble lineage.

This is a true family home. We’re talking photos of relatives, a library collection, and the bar where members of the count’s family are often found enjoying a drink. The art and antique collection all belong to the count Spalletti too. The three drawing rooms have that family comfort that reels you in and inevitably leads to lethargy, like the soporific effect of arriving home for Christmas and finding treats scattered throughout the house. Every coffee table in the lounge area has wide bowls full of exquisite chocolate ganache, each wrapped in foil. Adding to the overwhelming comfort is a help-yourself bar, with everything from champagne to Baileys and Italian bitter herbal digestives.

Beyond the homeliness of the villa its point of difference is in just how subtle the service is, affording the guests attention with discretion. A Small Luxury Hotel of the World property, it aims to create a secluded world around the guest and offer a true alternative to a five-star hotel proposition. To explain just how unobtrusive it is, take the example of bells in every room. Staff will leave you in peace in the library, the drawing rooms or the breakfast room unless you call for them with the bell. It is there should they need anything but respects personal privacy in a style the general manager compares to Downton Abbey.

Roman local factor:

You are spoilt for choice with location. A few blocks away is the trendy district of Monti, close to everything but mostly devoid of tourists. The street Via Del Boschetto has restaurants clustered either side with dishes so delectable that you will be tempted to order the same thing each night and impressed when you don’t. Choose the restaurants that are bustling with local patrons and it will be impossible to have a bad meal. When you leave the villa to explore Rome, you surrender your room key to the front desk and knock on the front door to gain access. This ensures a personal experience at the villa, for whoever answers the door asks about your day and recommends a restaurant for dinner.

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