Who's Going
J. Paul Getty, Anya Hindmarch, Sting
Reason to Stay
Waterfront Loction, Summer Hotspot, Historic Property
Hotel Type
Small Luxury Hotel
It's one of Rome's chicest hotels, even though technically not even in the city but located 40-minutes away on the Tyrrhenian Sea. A summertime glitterati staple for Rome elite, the hotel was originally an aristocratic summer palace for Prince Orsini in 1640 built atop of the remains of an ancient Roman city called Alsium. In 1960 the house was bought by ever-cheerful J. Paul Getty who restored it as a personal residence adding a layer of museum-quality furniture and artwork before becoming a hotel in 1992.
A grand arrival comes via a stone gate and impeccably maintained garden with crimson-colored palazzo rising in front of a blue sea horizon. Inside, the hotel still feel much the private home aside from the buzz of innumerous staff amongst sitting rooms lined in towering book shelves with ornate décor albeit furnishings that could use a little nip and tuck. Old architecture with interior marvels like beam and cornice ceilings make up for the small windows that open to a long terrace that strides the building and sea directly below.
The hotel is home to The Cesar, a gourmet eatery with 1-star Michelin rating with outdoor terrace that's one of the prettiest you'll find anywhere. Old world décor reigns here as well but with larger windows, attractive herringbone wood floors and dramatic doors that open to the sea. With no outdoor pool albeit plenty of room to build one, a small indoor one must suffice when the sea is too cold to enjoy.
The Room
With just 19 rooms to speak, the hotel feels far smaller than it appears and can often feel downright spooky when walking the hallways during slower shoulder season. Each bedroom is uniquely decorated and furnished with museum-class art and antiques but with furnishings that should find their way into a renovation sometime soon. Room views vary between sea views or overlooking the gardens with additional tower rooms offering larger apartment-style accommodations for families and VIPs. Those arriving looking for a Four Season luxury aesthetic are often quite disappointed with the state of many rooms, albeit select upper categories have been refreshed with new canopy beds and bold striped curtains that bring a groovy seaside aesthetic. Bathrooms are humble and show that Getty didn’t much care about large soaking tubs or sea views whilst on the loo, albeit clad in marble with ornate fixtures and lighting.
Preferred Room
Tower Room
Special Features
Historic Hotel, Celebrity Clientele, 1-Star Michelin Eatery
Amenities
Restaurant, Lounge, Pool, Museum, Garden
