The location: Set on Via Sistina at the top of the iconic Spanish Steps and at the heart of downtown Rome. It's a ten minute taxi ride from the city's main rail station, Termini, and around 30 to 40 minutes from Rome's Ciampino Airport – taxi transfers are a set fee of 35 Euros. The nearest Metro station, Spagna, is a short walk away.
The background: One of Rome's grandest hotels, the property dates back
to the 17th century and was formerly a convent. It was converted into a hotel in the 1920s and currently has 192 rooms. This number will be reduced to around 170 after some imminent refurbishment plans.
The check-in: Taxi to room in just a few minutes. A warm, queue-free welcome at the reception desk.
The room: Our seventh-floor suite was commodius, to say the least. In keeping with the hotel's public areas – and the city itself – decor was opulent and classic and furnishings were generous: work desk and chair, comfy sofa and lounge chairs, coffee table, two vast wardrobes, TV, hi-fi and mini-bar. The bathroom was well appointed, if on the small side, but was compensated for by the large roof terrace that lay beyond the bedroom's double doors – it came complete with table and chairs, lemon trees and probably some of the finest views of Rome on offer from across the city.
The business: All rooms have wired broadband internet access – wireless internet costs from 12 Euros. Computer, copying, printing and faxing services are also available. There are four meeting rooms, the largest of which, for up to 150 guests, is the Alexandra.
The restaurant: La Piazzetta De La Ville is the location for a comprehensive break-fast buffet spread until 10.30am, as well as à la carte lunch time and evening dining. The menu offers fantastic Italian cuisine – and without a pizza in sight; plenty of seafood and vegetarian options. Main courses around 30 Euros. I Due Murano, a 'classic Italian piano lounge' with 200-year-old chandeliers, is open around the clock. There's also the sixth-floor Emperor Terrace (open during the summer only).
The facilities: There’s a small on-site gym, concierge desk and secure under-ground parking (from 35 Euros).
The verdict: A grande dame on the Roman hotel scene, the Intercontinental de la Ville is guaranteed to earn executives the respect of their Italian business associates whether chosen as a venue for lunch, dinner or a meeting – or, better still, as the preferred choice of accommodation. The staff are charming, the cuisine impressive and the ambience refined and sophisticated.
The details: Prices start from 250 Euros (approx £165) per room per night staying in a Classic Room on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information on the InterContinental De La Ville Rome, call +39 06 67 331 or visit the website at www.intercontinental.com/icrome Andy Hoskins
