AN ITALIAN JOURNEY WITH ROCCO FORTE HOTELS
The Carlton, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Italy reveals itself differently from city to city. In Rome, it unfolds through sunlit terraces and centuries-old palazzi. In Florence, through artistry, craftsmanship and the rhythm of piazza life. In Milan, through elegant residences, hidden courtyards and contemporary culture shaped by design.
Across each destination, Rocco Forte Hotels offers a deeply local expression of Italian living, combining heritage, intuitive hospitality and a residential sense of comfort that allows guests to feel connected not only to the destination, but to the way it is truly lived.
At the heart of this experience is Suites & Beyond, Rocco Forte Hotels’ signature suite offering, created to make guests feel less like visitors and more like they are returning to a private Italian residence. Thoughtful touches, personalised experiences and quietly intuitive service create stays that feel deeply personal, warm and effortless.
ROMAN ROOFTOPS & GRAND PALAZZI
Our journey begins in Rome at Hotel de la Ville, perched above the Spanish Steps in an 18th-century palazzo that captures the glamour and energy of the Eternal City with a distinctly contemporary spirit. Panoramic terraces, vibrant restaurants and richly layered interiors make it one of Rome’s most compelling addresses.
Inside, the hotel’s rooms and suites blend the romance of the Grand Tour era with fresher, more modern touches. Italian antiques, bold fabrics and collected vintage pieces sit alongside sweeping rooftop views across the city.
For guests seeking a more immersive stay, the Forte Suites and newly unveiled De La Ville Panoramic Penthouse offer an elevated way to experience Rome. Thoughtful in-suite moments, beautifully timed breakfasts and personalised service create the feeling of a refined Roman residence above the city.
Dining remains central to the experience. Under the direction of Fulvio Pierangelini, guests can move from relaxed breakfasts at Mosaico to rooftop evenings at Cielo, where cinematic views stretch towards St Peter’s Basilica. Reopening in Spring 2026 following a redesign by Paolo Moschino, Cielo Bar introduces a refreshed perspective on one of Rome’s most iconic rooftop settings.
Just moments away, Rocco Forte House, Piazza di Spagna offers a quieter and more residential expression of the capital. Set within an 18th-century palazzo overlooking Piazza di Spagna, the property comprises just five exclusive apartments designed by Tommaso Ziffer in collaboration with Olga Polizzi.
Blending classical grandeur with contemporary comfort, each apartment features generous living spaces, fully equipped kitchens and elegant interiors that feel unmistakably Roman. From the rooftop terrace, guests overlook Trinità dei Monti, Villa Medici and the terracotta rooftops stretching across the city beyond.
Guests also enjoy access to Hotel de la Ville’s spa, restaurants and concierge experiences, combining the privacy of a private residence with the service and ease of a luxury hotel.
RENAISSANCE RHYTHM
Travelling north to Florence, the atmosphere shifts from Roman grandeur to Renaissance artistry at Hotel Savoy, located on Piazza della Repubblica at the cultural heart of the city.
Here, Florentine heritage is balanced with contemporary Italian design. Spacious suites feature curated artworks, rich textures and elegant detailing that subtly reference the city’s artistic legacy while maintaining a calm and modern feel.
At Irene Restaurant, Fulvio Pierangelini’s seasonal menus celebrate the simplicity and conviviality of Tuscan cuisine. Recently redesigned in homage to Lady Forte, Sir Rocco Forte’s mother, the restaurant combines walnut panelling, marble floors and warm red accents to create a setting that feels both refined and welcoming.
Elsewhere, Bar Artemisia reimagines the Florentine aperitivo through inventive cocktails inspired by the artistry of Artemisia Gentileschi and the dramatic atmosphere of Caravaggio. Above the city, The Spa Suite offers a quieter perspective on Florence, with panoramic views stretching across Renaissance rooftops towards the Duomo.
CONTEMPORARY MILANESE GLAMOUR
Our journey concludes in Milan, where Rocco Forte Hotels presents two distinct ways to experience Italy’s most dynamic city.
In the Quadrilatero della Moda, Rocco Forte House introduces a more residential approach to Milan. Set within a restored 19th-century palazzo on Via Manzoni, the property comprises 11 individually designed apartments blending historic Milanese architecture with contemporary comfort.
Designed by Paolo Moschino Ltd in collaboration with Olga Polizzi, the interiors balance frescoes, marble floors and traditional detailing with understated modern luxury. Spacious living areas, kitchens and connecting apartment options make the residence particularly suited to longer stays and families, while a dedicated House Concierge arranges everything from private chefs to tailored cultural experiences across the city.
Nearby, The Carlton reveals a softer, more residential side of Milanese luxury. Designed by Olga Polizzi alongside Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen, the interiors combine Milanese elegance with the warmth of a private home.
Located in the heart of the fashion district, the hotel’s rooms and Forte Suites offer understated luxury, terraces and sweeping city views. Through Suites & Beyond, suite guests are invited to experience Milan more personally, with curated cultural experiences and access to some of the city’s hidden stories and institutions.
At Café Floretta, breakfasts, aperitivo and afternoon tea unfold beneath a bright winter garden, while Fulvio Pierangelini’s restaurant and The Carlton Bar bring together refined Italian cuisine and elegant Milanese cocktail culture. Beyond the city’s pace, Irene Forte Spa offers a sanctuary of calm, with serene interiors, personalised treatments and spaces designed for restoration and balance.
ARRIVEDERCI, ITALIA…
From Rome to Florence and onwards to Milan, each destination offers its own interpretation of Italian living, united through Rocco Forte Hotels’ unmistakable sense of style, hospitality and place.
Contributor — Four Hundred by Design
