Rocco Forte Hotels breathes new life into an 18th century Roman palazzo

The romance of Rome is nowhere more potent than at the highest point of Aventine Hill on Via Sistina, where the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti stretch out one way, and the Villa Borghese gardens sprawl the other. If you think this location is reserved for Rome's most venerable hotel, the Hassler, well, then you haven't met its new next-door-neighbour, the De la Ville.

Rocco Forte Hotels, the British brand of Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, interior designer Olga Polizzi, has breathed new life into an 18th century palazzo that was, before its current incarnation, the Intercontinental de la Ville. Much loved for its enchanting courtyard and breath-taking panoramic views, the Rocco Forte approach sees modern glamour injected into the property's comely assets, a typical approach of the 14-hotel group which focuses on revitalising one-of-a-kind luxury properties and whose portfolio includes The Balmoral in Edinburgh and Brown's in London.

De La Ville has 104 rooms and suites designed by Tommaso Ziffer in collaboration with Polizzi. The Italian Ziffer also took the design reigns on Rocco Forte's other Rome property, Hotel de Russie, and his further credits include the Valentino HQ in the Eternal City.

The crowning glory of De La Ville are the 15 suites, including two presidential suites, which have terraces best affording those stunning views of Centro Storico.

But within its three F&B offerings, the hotel now has a rooftop bar which gives views equal to those of the suites – without the hefty tariff.

The De La Ville is officially open for stays mid-May and has a grand opening offer on the go, which starts at $883 (€560) a night for three nights or more with breakfast included. See roccofortehotels.com