The revamped grand Rome hotel that inspired an Oscar Wilde sonnet
Ideally positioned near the Spanish Steps and the luxury boutiques along Via Condotti, the hotel was originally built in the mid-16th century as private accommodation for invited guests of Palazzo Torlonia across the street. In 1845, the guesthouse became a hotel known as the Angleterre, a welcoming home away from home for travellers, many of them British.
Starhotels acquired the property eight years ago, inheriting a landmark address and a storied history. Pope Pius IX is said to have met there with Dom Pedro V, the former King of Portugal. After staying at the hotel on his first visit to Rome and visiting John Keats's grave, Oscar Wilde was inspired to write a sonnet.
Fabri says loyal repeat guests – there are many – implored her not to change too much during the renovation, a request she has honoured. Elegant modernisation of the rooms and suites (reduced from 84 to 80), building facade, bar and restaurant has been done with a tasteful eye to the property's historic, boutique charm.
Starhotels supports an initiative, 'La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory', to protect and promote the methods and expertise of Italian master craftspeople. As part of the project, restoration of the hotel's luxe chandeliers, furniture, frames and doors was undertaken by hand using traditional techniques. Bed linens by Frette and custom Rubelli fabrics on the walls are further evidence of a preference for Italian design from companies with roots in the 19th century.
The hotel's signature restaurant, Cafe Romano, is now under the direction of executive chef Andrea Sangiuliano, formerly of Mama Shelter Roma. His handmade tagliatelle and zucchini flowers stuffed with Cacio e Pepe are already being talked about as must-try dishes in the capital.
If the weather's nice, ask for one of Cafe Romano's outdoor tables along Via Borgognona. The pedestrian-zone cobblestone street in the heart of the city is a prime spot for people-watching.
Still to come, a spa and subterranean gym, plus a chic rooftop terrace bar that will provide one of the best views of the Eternal City.
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Sydney Morning Herald
11 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
It used to be farmland. Now this suburb is its own village
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The Age
11 hours ago
- The Age
It used to be farmland. Now this suburb is its own village
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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
It would be tragic not to tour Australia: Farrell
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The Wallabies answered their critics at Melbourne Cricket Ground by taking the second Test to the wire in an all-time classic before falling 2-0 behind in the series when Hugo Keenan struck with 51 seconds left. When asked if Australia had earned the right to host another tour, Farrell replied: "It was never off the agenda, in my opinion. "Every single team, country and province have their ups and downs but Australia - the sporting nation that they are - are always going to come back. "Have a look at the year they've got coming up. Come the 2027 World Cup they're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100 per cent. "It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast. To me its insulting to talk about it in that kind of way." Farrell's success as Lions head coach - as well as his obvious passion for the concept - makes him overwhelming favourite to lead the next tour to New Zealand, but he is refusing to look beyond attending an Oasis concert at Croke Park upon his return home. "Would I do this again? Give me a break would you! Let me get through Saturday. I have absolutely loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about," he said. "Thinking about the future is not something that is on my mind until I get home and have a bit of reflection on the whole thing. "I'm definitely going to Oasis and that's why I'm going home! I'll be taking a few friends. There are a few coaches here that are trying to get on the bandwagon." Coach Andy Farrell has insisted that the debate over Australia's future as a British and Irish Lions tour destination is "insulting". The Lions are seeking to complete a series whitewash when the rivals clash for the final time in Sydney on Saturday. Australian rugby is facing significant challenges on and off the field and is the weakest of the three nations visited by the elite of British and Irish rugby, with South Africa and New Zealand completing the 12-year rotation. Furthermore, there is growing support for the Lions to visit France because of the strength of their national side and club game, as well as the commercial possibilities. The Wallabies answered their critics at Melbourne Cricket Ground by taking the second Test to the wire in an all-time classic before falling 2-0 behind in the series when Hugo Keenan struck with 51 seconds left. When asked if Australia had earned the right to host another tour, Farrell replied: "It was never off the agenda, in my opinion. "Every single team, country and province have their ups and downs but Australia - the sporting nation that they are - are always going to come back. "Have a look at the year they've got coming up. Come the 2027 World Cup they're going to be a force to be reckoned with, 100 per cent. "It would be tragic not to tour here. We've had a blast. To me its insulting to talk about it in that kind of way." Farrell's success as Lions head coach - as well as his obvious passion for the concept - makes him overwhelming favourite to lead the next tour to New Zealand, but he is refusing to look beyond attending an Oasis concert at Croke Park upon his return home. "Would I do this again? Give me a break would you! Let me get through Saturday. I have absolutely loved every single minute and I knew I would because I just love everything that the Lions is about," he said. "Thinking about the future is not something that is on my mind until I get home and have a bit of reflection on the whole thing. "I'm definitely going to Oasis and that's why I'm going home! I'll be taking a few friends. There are a few coaches here that are trying to get on the bandwagon."
