Sofitel Rome: Perched Above The Eternal City

I arrived just before sunset. Following a mad dash across the city, I bolted up to my hotel room and flung open its door. I was running late for a dinner and planned on giving myself five minutes to get ready. But as soon as I stepped inside my room at Sofitel Rome, it felt like time stopped. The large, propped-open window let in just enough of a breeze to make the curtains dance in the glistening light. Drawn to it like a moth to a flame, I found myself mesmerized by the view. There she was: Villa Borghese and all her glory as far as my eyes could see. The park is quite a sight, especially during the mystical golden hour. A familiar tune playing in the background (Sofitel’s signature song by Haute), birds chirping, the sound of vespas zooming by… Only a special kind of place can foster this sense of acuity. It was one of those travel moments where nothing actually happened, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I blissfully just stood there and took it all in…

I looked down and saw a book placed on the table with a bookmark wedged between its crisp pages. Curious – as always – I picked it up and began reading the section. Little did I know that Sofitel had invited leading French writers to produce literary works during their stays at the hotels (um, brilliant!). The work I read was entitled A Terrace on the Sky by Catherine Enjolet — it’s a beautifully written short that really captures the essence of the neighbourhood (you can read it here). I lost track of time…

I’m a firm believer that you need to consciously take advantage of these simple yet fleeting travel moments so I postponed my dinner and ascended to the rooftop to watch the sun set. It was calling me…

Inspired. Awestruck. Moved. There are no words to describe the feeling of being perched above the Eternal City as the sun dips below the horizon. With views of the Vatican, Villa Borghese and Trinità dei Monti (the church at the top of the Spanish Steps), I’m convinced there is no better place in the city to admire its beauty…

Originally a guesthouse belonging to the aristocratic Ludovisi Boncompagni family, the historic Sofitel Rome is now an award-winning, boutique hotel that strikes the right balance between modernity and old world charm. The seven-storey building is truly a serene oasis in the heart of the city. The hotel embraces the quintessential French art de vivre (Sofitel is a French hospitality brand) while honouring Italian elements (both architecturally and culturally). Think: French-style living and personalized service à l’italienne…