Residenza Napoleone III, Palazzo Ruspoli

Most famous former guests: Emperor Napoleon III.

Of all Manor Castle’s historic hotel suites the Napoleone Suite at the 16th century Residenza Napoleone III in central Rome, Italy, is possibly the most lavishly beautiful.

The interior design is an incredible feast for the eyes and, apart from the obligatory electric lights, as you scan the rooms almost nothing from the 21st or late 20th century seems to intrude, allowing a nicely disorientating sense of immersion in history.

THE ACCOMMODATION:

They have two self catering apartments for guests, the aforementioned Napoleone Suite, which is a 150 m² apartment consisting of a very romantic double bedroom with four-poster bed, a marble bathroom with bathtub, a large lounge and dining room, a kitchenette and up the wooden stairs a second bedroom with private bathroom with bathtub and a small balcony.

The apartment is reached via an old staircase which is lined with marble statues of the Roman emperors Hadrian and Claudius, and Greco-Roman gods; Bacchus and Silenus, Apollo, Mercury and Aesculapius. This sets the scene for this incredibly beautiful historical suite, where the inside is an opulent display of grand chandeliers, frescoes, tapestries, and exquisite art and antique pieces, particularly the many classic oil paintings.

The second, upstairs bedroom is more modern though, not blindingly so but enough for one to re-climatize somewhat before leaving the building and re-entering the modern world.

The apartment does have modern conveniences too though like air-con, WiFi, satellite TV, HiFi music system, Bose iPod dock, Dolby Surround System video projector & DVD library for example. These features remain subtle enough not to dilute the historic atmosphere of the place though, with the TV in the bedroom for example hidden behind an old oil-painting that can be spun around when required.

The second suite on offer is the, far more modern, penthouse ‘Rooftop Garden Suite’. Its internal space is smaller but it does have a beautiful, and spacious, garden terrace with panoramic views over the rooftops of Rome. It has two double bedrooms and a sofa bed in the living room plus a well equipped modern kitchen. Check out all the details on the booking page here.

Complimentary organic continental breakfasts are available as are private butler and maid services. You’ll fine the staff friendly and professional, and on arrival guests are greeted with complimentary Chianti Classico wines from the owner’s Tuscan Estate as well as a basket of fresh fruit.

Concierge services are available too including recommendations and reservations for local restaurants and theatres, chauffeur driven luxury cars, private city guides, personal shopper services, beauty treatments etc. etc.

THE LOCATION:

Palazzo Ruspoli sits right on the fashionable Via del Corso in central Rome, by the intersection with Largo Carlo Goldoni and the Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina, and just a few minutes on foot to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.

A LITTLE HISTORY:

During the 16th century the site of today’s Palazzo Ruspoli was a residence for the Roman Jacobbili family, before in the latter end of the century, being sold to the Rucellais, a family of rich Florentine merchants. It was they who built the palace we see today, commissioning the famed architect, sculptor and fellow Florentine, Bartolomeo Ammannati for the job.

In 1629, the palace was bought by the Gaetani family who remained in place until 1776 when the start of the long association with the current owners of Residenza Napoleone III, the Ruspoli family, began.

In the late 18th century the Ruspolis, like much of the Roman aristocracy, suffered somewhat under Napoleonic imperial rule and also had extra indignity of being forced to billet visiting French generals in the palace. They regained their stature during the 19th century though and the international connections of Prince Alessandro Ruspoli lead to some very important guests; Ortensia Beauhamais, the ex-wife of Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland, lived here from 1827 to 1828, and from 1830 to 1831, along with her son Louis Napoléon, later to become Napoleon III, emperor of the Second French Empire.

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Castle Stays in Italy