During the Jubilee year, Rome is very busy and some visitors are seeking tranquility amongst the buzz of the city this year. Seek no further! Here are two examples of luxurious tranquil hotels - both ex-convents - so quite fitting for Jubilee year!
Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel - Trastevere
Designed by the Baroque architect Borromini, the Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel is a former monastery located in Rome's popular Trastevere area. This charming hotel offers a garden, elegant but low key decorated rooms. Dating back to the 17th century, the hotel features exposed wooden beams on the ceilings and exquisite stucco work. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Eternal City from the Rooftop terrace at Camilla Savelli. The inner garden is complete with a patio where guests can relax. During the summer months, breakfast is enjoyed in the garden.
The surroundings of this 4-star hotel are rich in history, featuring traditional Roman squares and cobblestone streets. The famous square outside the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere is just a 5-minute walk away, and the Vatican can be reached in about 10 minutes by walking along the banks of the River Tiber. The historical center of Rome is easily accessible just across Sisto Bridge. The lobby of the Donna Camilla Savelli Hotel features a long, narrow hallway adorned with arches, vaulted ceilings, checkerboard floors, and intricate cornices. Guests can relax on curved modern sofas or find a table for lunch or an aperitivo.
As the weather warms up, both the casual Garden restaurant and the gourmet restaurant “il Ferro e il Fuoco"
will offer dining in the serene courtyard garden. This lush oasis in the heart of the city features beautiful magnolia trees, hedges, and a variety of flowers.The signature restaurantnserves gourmet Mediterranean cuisine that highlights local ingredients and wines from Lazio. Plans are underway to move it to the convent’s original dining hall, a vast space with wood-beamed ceilings and original paintings. The hotel has 94 rooms and suites that combine modern and period furnishings. Above the beds, panels depicting birds, trees, and leaves in soft, muted colors enhance the romantic atmosphere. Brass hanging lamps and marble-topped bedside tables further accent the spaces. Some rooms boast original wood-beamed ceilings, while others feature terracotta floors and four-poster beds. The Premiere Suite includes a spacious private terrace overlooking the garden and a soaking tub positioned beneath the striking rose window that faces the chapel. Many of the rooms were converted from the original nuns’ cells, which have since been expanded and modernized—the nuns would hardly recognize them now.
Palazzo Ripetta
The newly launched Palazzo Ripetta is a five-star hotel located on Via Ripetta, in one of the trendiest areas of Rome. It is just a short distance from the Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, and Via del Corso.
Originally built in the 17th century, this historic building was once a conservatory run by nuns, providing shelter to thousands of orphaned girls for nearly three centuries. After careful restoration, the hotel now features 78 vibrant rooms and suites, offering a colourful alternative to the muted creams and beiges typical of most hotels—a true hidden gem in the bustling city. Palazzo Ripetta is one of the few family-owned luxury hotels in Rome, having remained with the same family since the 1960s. The Crisci family, descendants of the original owners, collaborated with Italian architect Fausta Gaetani, known for her work at Le Sirenuse in Positano, to renovate the property. This unique hotel blends contemporary design with art and culinary excellence while honouring the rich history of the city. It boasts one of the most impressive art collections, featuring ancient Roman artifacts alongside contemporary sculptures and paintings.
The rooms and suites each have their own unique personality and style, featuring high ceilings and ample natural light. Several of the suites boast a distinctive design that includes steam-sauna showers and private balconies. The decor is characterized by bright colors used in dramatic contrast, such as vibrant purples, turquoise, and reds, creating a striking atmosphere. Public spaces include the popular lunch spot, Piazzetta Ripetta, located in the hotel’s central courtyard. Additionally, there is a beautiful conservatory chapel added in the early 18th century, which is available for private events. This chapel is adorned with original frescoes by Giacomo Triga and features a marble bust of Pope Innocent XI.
San Baylon Restaurant is a haven for food lovers, seamlessly blending contemporary design with the cozy atmosphere of classic Roman trattorias. The dining experience is defined by a thoughtful selection of high-quality ingredients and comfort food. Accessible via a separate entrance on Via di Ripetta 232, the restaurant also features outdoor seating in an elegant cloister, making it ideal for enjoying a meal under the beautiful Roman sky.
Etere Rooftop -Piacere DiVino: Etere is a purposely informal open-air cellar that showcases the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The menu features healthy dishes made from high-quality vegetables, fish, and shellfish. Each offering is balanced, flavorful, and stylish, perfect for sharing or enjoying in quiet moments of pure pleasure.
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