Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
This intimate boutique hotel was designed to satisfy the curiosity of wine lovers with a cellar boasting rare labels and a team made up of sommeliers.
What to expect
With just eight rooms, this tiny hotel is a bit of a hidden gem. The small but cozy lobby lounge welcomes you in with velvet armchairs, a glass case displaying books and prized bottles, and art by local artist Andrea Ferolla, whose shop Chez Dédé is nearby. Several members of the hotel’s staff, including the general manager, are sommeliers ready to guide you through the extensive offerings available at the Charade Bar and in the wine cellar, which boasts 1,500 labels.
Background
A member of Small Luxury Hotels, the hotel is owned by Lorenzo Lisi, who also owns Pierluigi (one of Rome’s best seafood restaurants) just down the street. Guests get priority booking at Pierluigi, which is a nice perk because it can be hard to get a table.
Location, location, location
Tucked on a narrow lane in Rome’s charming Rione Regola, the hotel is a five-minute walk from Campo de’ Fiori. It’s located just off Via di Monserrato, which is home to some of the city’s coolest independent boutiques, including the concept shop Chez Dédé.
Where you’ll sleep
Rooms and suites have parquet floors, murals by Andrea Ferolla, velvet curtains, and comfortable beds as well as cleverly hidden TVs that descend from the ceiling. Bathrooms feature black subway tiles, pedestal sinks and walk-in showers. Notably, each room is equipped with a wine fridge, which the team of sommeliers can personalize according to guests’ tastes. Want your wine fridge filled with Champagne or curated to showcase a range of Italian wines? Just tell the team before you check in.
Dining & drinks
The swanky Charade Bar with its illustrated murals and velvet banquettes is the only drinking or dining venue, but hotel guests get priority reservations at Pierluigi, which is known for fantastic seafood dishes ranging from raw platters to oven-roasted whole fish and tagliolini with lobster. A nightly aperitivo at Charade Bar complete with a nice meat and cheese board is included for hotel guests. There’s also a full room service menu available as well as brunch on Sundays.
Service notes
During my stay, the staff were friendly and helpful. Since there’s no restaurant, they delivered breakfast to my room. There are several sommeliers on staff, including the general manager, and they’re eager to educate guests about wine.
You should know...
A cigar room just off the Charade Bar has a private collection of iconic cigars and comfortable Chesterfield sofas on which to smoke them. There’s no spa, but guests can book in-room massages.
Accessibility
- The hotel has an elevator.
Features & amenities
- City setting
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Pets allowed
- Family friendly
Contacts
Hotel de’ Ricci
Via della Barchetta 14, Rome
Tel. +39 066874775
Website
