Villa Laetitia is one of the most captivating hotels I have had the pleasure of staying in. A step back from the centre of Rome in Della Vittoria, a short walk from the delightful Borghese Gardens, the striking white facade waits enticingly from behind the gates.
The enamouring building was originally designed by architect Armando Brasini, responsible for the Ponte Flaminio bridge. Brasini was an important figure of the Roman Baroque cityscape, one whose “work displays an extraordinary dynamic and attractive classicism, both traditional and modern”1.
Once taken over by the Fendi Venturini family a century later, the property was painstakingly renovated to its original glory, and it shows.
Supposedly the hotel reflects the ‘highly demanding’ taste of Anna Fendi Venturini. This, combined with its deliberately relaxed casualness, encourages guests to feel as if they are at a home away from home (albeit a particularly alluring one).
Upon entry, you are greeted with a wildly chic foyer. Blooming bouquets stand proudly framing an incredibly tall doorway and you are instantly immersed in a world focused on beauty and charm. The grandeur of the building is exquisite.
So much so, in fact, that once sat in the spectacular Piccolo Bar area, enjoying an aperitivo, I had to check our booking because I thought there must have been a mistake with the price.
Beyond its radiant design, however, the hotel is spacious and calm. Staff are attentive and present but guests are free to discover the hotel at their leisure. There are several rooms within the upper floors of the main building, while others are through the grounds in the Garden House.
The rooms have been specifically designed for each to have its own unique identity. Each one is therefore a different size, shape and character. Some have terraces, or hidden nooks of the gardens, while others have a view of the city, but there does not seem to be a bad option.
Despite the enchanting old-world feel throughout the property, the facilities were pleasantly modern. There was everything you could need: wifi, air conditioning, coffee machine, soft sheets, clean towels. As well as considered additional touches, such as Aesop toiletries and delicious treats on arrival, that meant you instantly felt well looked after. This must be where the warm hospitality of Anna Fendi Venturini comes in.
Speaking of beauty and charm, there is also an orchid room, potentially simply for orchid room’s sake. The striking monochrome space, reminiscent of an enchanting greenhouse, leads onto a grand balcony overlooking the grounds.
Deserving of its own mention: the breakfast. While the freshness, choice and quality of the food alone made breakfast worth getting up for, it was served in the divinely decadent restaurant room (read, hall).
This guarantees that even if you are not able to make a dinner reservation, you can experience the (Michelin star) Enoteca La Torre Restaurant, at some point in your stay.
The Restaurant/Breakfast Room at Villa Laetitia
What I Wore (in the picture)
At this point in summer, Rome was experiencing a heatwave. Rome was experiencing a heatwave. So it was unbearably hot. I wore nothing but linen and we went straight to the nearest hotel with a pool that would let us in for the day.
Deiji Studios linen dress - my favourite summer dress - loose and breezy - that you can even wear over a bikini and it still looks considered.
Marni Fussbett Leather Sandals - such a good shape and very comfortable once worn in.
A.P.C. Demi Lune Bag - the perfect city cross-body bag.
Stayed 2022
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