DInghilterra Hotel

The Hotel d’Inghilterra in Rome is one of the city’s most famous five-star hotels, a cultural landmark in its own right, with an illustrious guest list of celebrities past and present, from Lord Byron to Wilbur Smith. The Hotel d’Inghilterra benefits from superb advantages due to its magnificent location in the heart of fashionable Rome, from the fascinating atmosphere resulting from its historic and cultural traditions.

It has always been considered a mythical residence and it continues to host celebrities from the world of culture and the arts.

The intimate and warm atmosphere makes guests feel at home, whilst enjoying both efficiency and comfort.

Elegance and attention to detail are both shown by the antique furniture and decorations, cared for by a full-time restorer.

A splendid collection of Neapolitan gouaches displayed in the lounges contributes to the beauty and elegance of the lobbies.

The building dates from the mid-15th century and, initially served as a guesthouse for the visitors to Prince Torlonia’s palace located across the street. The little square in front of the Hotel was used to park their carriages, and the fountain to wash both the carriages as the horses. At those days Rome’s guest accommodations were concentrated in this area, prevalently inhabited by foreigners. In fact, it seems that the adjacent Via Borgognona derives its name from a colony of Burgundians who lived here from early 1400 onwards. Carriages and coaches entered Rome from the ancient Via Flaminia and Via Cassia, crossing the threshold at the Northern gate - Porta del Popolo. Only with time and the development of railways did hotels start to move and to settle around the area of today’s Termini Train Station. In the 19th century, Pope Pius IX, due to his plans for urban development, produced radical alterations in the whole district. In addition, in 1845, the Palazzo was transformed into the Hotel d’Inghilterra. The name is due to the flow of Englishmen, poets and artists, who came to Italy on their Grand Tour of Europe and resided in the Hotel. In addition to this, the romantic poet Keats who lived at Piazza di Spagna, was constantly accommodating his friends like Lord Byron here. One of the first celebrities who stayed at the new hotel - at that time considered avant-garde because each room had its own fireplace - was the Italian patriot Vincenzo Gioberti who addressed the Romans from one of its windows in 1848 to incite them to fight for their independence. A plaque at the entrance recalls the memorable visit of Pope Pius IX on July 2, 1855, the only instance of a Pope ever leaving the Vatican, in order to meet “His Most Faithful Majesty Don Pedro V King of Portugal”. Another plaque records the stay of Sienkiewicz, author of the famous novel “Quo Vadis”. From the very beginning the hotel was considered fashionable and was patronized by the nobility and the international society. Later it became the center of the Rome of D’Annunzio, which gravitated between Via Condotti, Piazza di Spagna and Via Bocca di Leone.

Innumerable illustrious guests have stayed here over the last 150 years, including Franz Listz, Hans Christian Andersen, Henry James, Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway, up to the recent visit of H.R.H. the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who signed the Hotel’s Golden Book celebrating its 150th anniversary.

The logo of the hotel is actually inspired by the British Royal Family’s coat of arms and bears testimony to the centuries-old connections to the Royal House of Windsor.

Hotel D'Inghilterra is situated in the heart of Rome, just a stone’s throw from the Spanish Steps. Distances:

• From Leonardo da Vinci Airport, 30km
• From Termini Train Station, 2km
• From Piazza di Spagna tube Station, 200m

The Cafè Romano, after a thorough and recent refurbishment, has achieved a unique equilibrium between classic and modern. From the terracotta-coloured vaulted ceilings to the subdued lighting and the bold columns that distinguish the restaurant, every detail is designed to be savoured at length throughout the day, from the early hours of the morning to the late hours at night.

The Cafè Romano is open daily from 7.00 am until midnight, serving irresistibly tempting dishes, quenching drinks and matchless aperitifs. It is the place to enjoy, open to both inside as outside guests, one of the most exclusive Champagne breakfasts in Rome. A great way to start the day in a glamorous setting within the restaurant or seated along one of the most exclusive shopping streets in Rome.

The cuisine ranges from traditional Italian dishes, to Mediterranean and exotic delicacies. Each menu is a cosmopolitan experience prepared according to authentic recipes from the world’s different culinary traditions. The kitchen of the Cafè Romano is masterfully directed by Rodolfo Chieroni, the executive chef, whose expertise has delighted many a palate.