Residenza Ruspoli Bonaparte

Italy , Rome
ROME, Via Fontanelle Borghese 56
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50 reviews shown

4/10

Poor

12 Oct 2025

Shuzhao

Beautiful history, but beware of luggage handling

The building itself has wonderful history, and Madam Maria’s free tour about the property and her family’s story was genuinely interesting and memorable. That part deserves credit.

Unfortunately, our overall experience was overshadowed by a serious issue with luggage handling. We informed Madam Maria and Rodel that we would pick up our luggage at 5:30 PM, but when we arrived, no one was there. We knocked on the door for 15 minutes, tried calling several times, and even the guard couldn’t reach Rodel. We almost missed our train by just four minutes because of this.

We reached out to the hotel afterward to ask for an explanation, but received no response. It was an extremely stressful experience and very disappointing given how promising everything else seemed.

If you stay here, I recommend not leaving your luggage behind after check-out, as the handling and communication can be unreliable.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

11 Aug 2025

Diane

Beautiful historic small hotel in a wonderful area but service terrible. Only 1 staff member that I saw and he was very unpleasant and terrible communication. Zero luxuries and comfort.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

09 Jul 2025

Jenry

Disappointing Experience Despite Nice Photos

I recently stayed at this property and, unfortunately, my experience was far from what I expected based on the photos. The property looks about 50% less impressive in reality, and it seems to be in need of some serious maintenance. Additionally, the house has a strong fragrance, which might be an issue for anyone with allergies.

More concerning, however, was an incident where someone attempted to open our room while my family and I were inside, which made us feel unsafe and led us to leave early and book another hotel. Despite contacting the property manager, the response was not reassuring. I hope the management takes steps to improve safety and overall conditions so future guests can have a better experience.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2025

Nigel

Incredible value

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2024

Whitney

A once in a lifetime stay!

This hotel is a dream. You are literally staying in a palace. There were paintings on the wall, in arms length, that were from the 1600’s. Everything was breathtakingly beautiful, and the beds were super comfortable. The bath tubs were also massive, and you really never find that in Europe.

*Note that this is not a “hotel” like most are. It’s more like an air b&b with no kitchen. It’s an incredible place to stay, but if you’re looking for a place with room service, you’ll want to choose a different spot.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2024

Charles

Wanting to experience the historical side of Rome, this hotel didn’t disappoint. Built in the 16th century, the room was decorated to that era, with remodeled bathrooms. The manager was very professional and worried on all aspects of our stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2024

Joseph

Wonderful chance to experience living in a fantastic, unique historic palazzo, in a superb location.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jan 2024

STEVEN

Italian Holiday

Like staying in a museum! Bear in mind the palace building is close to 300 years old and not perfect in fit and finish but that does not take away from the grandness and opulence of the palace. Impressive to say the least. My suggestion is however - buy some better quality toilet paper. Other amenities were high quality though - nice linens, pillows, etc.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Jul 2023

Craig

The hotel/apartment was very beautiful, very large spacious rooms. The bathroom shower was on the small side for a normal size adult. There is no air conditioning in the bathroom and in the hallway preceding the apartment which was a bummer since we were in a heatwave during July. But the room's AC worked fabulously, so we slept very well.
On the service front, it was a little lacking. Not a full service hotel by any means, run by a couple folks and we didn't get asked if we wanted breakfast (extra charge) or anything. There were really no amenities on top of the room itself.
The location is great, right in the heart of Rome's shopping district and a short walk to Trevi Fountain and many other sites. You walk outside and Fendi is right in front of you. If you are looking for large rooms, without the extra frills of a hotel experience this is the place.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Jul 2023

Oleg

Great location

This is an incredible location, a short walk to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Borghese Gardens, great food and shopping, beautiful area. The staff is responsive when messaged, but they really stay out of the way otherwise.
If you’re looking for a traditional hotel with amenities, this is not it. But very comfortable and beautiful

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Jun 2023

Verified traveler

Wonderful, but warm

Stayed in Queen Hortense suite. Was clean, grand and old as others have detailed well, with updated bathroom. Staff helpful with very kind demeanor. I can't give 10/10 due to inadequate A/C. There is a wall unit in the back room that works great for in there but does little for the large, main room. Laying there in bed on top of the covers sweating thinking how much was spent per night rapidly diminishes this suite's charm. Inexcusable really for the cost. I understand it's old (part of why it was selected) and maybe only so much can be done, but a floor unit, or even a fan to circulate the dead air would be helpful. Otherwise, a lovely property.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2023

Michelle

Historic Adventure Awaits...stay here!

We just returned from a European family trip with our two teenagers. Our last stop/stay was Residenza Ruspoli Bonaparte and it was simply a historic pleasure! We arrived outside of the check-in window and attempted to alert the property via email/messages prior to our arrival but somehow those didn't work. After a quick phone call, we were connected with the property's reception and able to get checked in. We stayed in the Princess Pia Suite. Our teens slept in a daybed with a pull out trundle while we slept in a king. Air conditioning worked very well, property was very quiet, plenty of towels, mini fridge, Nespresso coffee, bathroom supplies, storage for bags and beautiful views of a courtyard below. Nearby church bells rang on Sunday every hour and the location is right near Spanish Steps, Metro stops, wonderful dining and upscale shopping. Walking along the timeless halls, courtyard and stairs made us feel like we were somehow transported. We enjoyed our unique ride in the petite and reliable elevator lift and our hidden suite door was like a secret passageway! It was surreal and special. So was our meeting of Princess Maria Pia who showed us some of the additional palace rooms and shared the history of the building and it's former inhabitants. We'd definitely stay here again and highly recommend it. Our family was game for an adventurous lodging and it was unique and special.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2023

Alfredo

Nice stay in the eternal city

Room as expected is huge, clean and comfortable. Grandiose as a Roman palazzo should be. There was a glitch during check in but the Princess came personally to apologize and offered us her chauffeur to go to the opera. It would be nice if they have room service or restaurant for that matter. Otherwise we had a nice stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Dec 2022

Kaniyah

Rodel was so accommodating and he had the best spirit. You can tell he enjoys his jobs and that made my stay that much better. The room was beautiful it was exactly what I needed for my birthday. Walking distance to the Spanish steps and all the shopping. The WiFi was great being from the states that was important and the cleanliness was up to par. I would visit again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Oct 2022

Ann

Dissatisfied with hotel.com

We had an issue with hotel.com and no satisfactory way to resolve the issue with hotel.com

Originally I had reserved 7 nights for 3000E That was satisfactory 10/20-10/27. Then I wished to reserve the room for the night before 10/19 so when I arrive the following day on 10/20- I would be able go to sleep. I shortened the trip the two nights - cancelled 10/25 and 10/26 so total nights was 6 instead of 7 nights.!

Because of availability - hotel.com - changed the suites and offered us another suite for the more money 3000E for one less day. We gave up the room for 7 days- and took the other for 6 nights. I was ok with that.

But at the end of the trip- the owner showed me a confirmation for 1000E more - over 4000E for 6 nights- instead of 3000E. I expect hotel.com to straighten this out. I felt equally sorry for the owner who said that hotel.com will bill her as though I paid the 4000E which I refused to do.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Oct 2022

Robert

Quirky, Strange, Offbeat - and WONDERFUL.

Oh wow, this place. It is strange. Really strange. WONDERFULLY strange. If you don't see a sign for the hotel - you're in the right place. It took some time of wandering around this palace to find the entrance to the hotel section. But the folks who run it could not have been more pleasant and accommodating. Our suite was huge - a drawing room (who has a drawing room anymore?), a bedroom, a library, a beautiful bathroom and a \"garden\" - a patio. 15-20 foot painted ceilings, still had the feel of the history of the place. The statuary in the hallways was weird, but it was just part of what made this stay special. And then the butler came and cleaned our room - good lord, is there any way we can get him to come to the States and clean our house? All we can say is - stay here. If you have a sense of adventure and a sense of humor - stay here. And BTW - the location was terrific - you can see the Spanish steps at the end of the street, it was a 25 min walk to the Colosseum, the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain are nearby ( we didn't go to either of those - but we could have easily done so). Just stay here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2022

Terri

Your search is over! This is the place to be!

This is an amazing place! We had zero complaints. The rooms are amazing and very comfortable. The owners/staff are wonderfully friendly and helpful. The rooms were always extremely clean. The amenities were all working and the bathroom well cleaned and stocked. Plenty of room to make yourself at home and lots of closet space. The chairs/sofa/bed are very comfortable for relaxing. The large windows supply great light but shutters can be closed for darkness. Very quite from street or other room noise. Walk to all of the sites. Wonderful nightly street performers in the plaza outside. Very safe area. Near upscale shopping and many restaurants. Not your normal hotel trying to be something it's not. This is a real palace. From the time you enter the gate off the street, walk the large marble staircase (or take the elevator), walk the museum quality halls, or enter your magnificent room, you feel like royalty. Well worth the money and the highlight of our Rome getaway! Why would you stay anywhere else?

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Jun 2022

Andrew Martin

Great location. We stayed in the Queen Hortense suite which has an amazing palatial bedroom and is quiet (no noise from the Rome streets). In need of some refurb though (eg modern bathroom electric shaver / hair dryer point was hanging off the wall by its wires). The concierge promised much but delivered little - our promised breakfast vouchers for a nearby cafe never materialised after the first day. But overall, this is a wonderful room to stay in in a great location.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2022

James

Here is your chance to feel like royalty. How often do you get to stay in a real palace. The room was amazing. Staff was there when you needed them but mostly left you to feel like you owned the place. Step back in time. Central to everything, we walked to all the major sites.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2022

Roberta

Unique, beautiful room in the heart of the city center! Great customer service!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Mar 2022

Riyadh

Was in Rome a couple of days ago on a one week vacation and stayed at Residenza Ruspoli
At first glance I was not too thrilled with the place I felt it needed refurbishment and I didn’t like the fact that you had to pass through the second bedroom to get to the bathroom, but as the days went by I started to fall in love with place . So much history so much character and the hosts were amazing . The location of the place is the best smack in the middle of everything . Enjoyed my stay and hope to revisit soon

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jan 2022

Peter

Charming and Well Located

Residenza Ruspoli is charming and very well located for a Rome city getaway. The standard of the rooms is not high so the Residenza can't be recommended if guests want to spend a lot of time indoor as the rooms are dark and the furniture is not very comfortable. The people involved are wonderful and that made it up for the room not be super and that the cleaner forgot to clean our room one of the days,

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Dec 2021

Mai

What a wonderful stay we had in this palatial residence that the beautiful Princess Pia Ruspoli and her family still reside in a separate section of this ginormous mansion. The decor and spaciousness of our room was truly befitting for royalty. Location, location, location, a mere stone’s throw from Fendi and all the high end stores. You are within minutes of the finest dining, cafes and restaurants. Last, but not least, Ricardo the Property Manager was so gracious, helpful, friendly and even offered us a quick tour of the palace. Thank you for such a memorable Christmas, 2021🎄❣️🎄❣️

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2020

Geza

Very nice stay at the Residenz Ruspoli Bonaparte. Don't expect a 5* hotel with all kinds of amenities , its more a b&b style but in a incredible setting. The location is perfect and you are staying in a place with a lot of history and authenticity. A very nice way to stay n Roma.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

The room was huge. Location was very strategic. Only downside was that the wifi was down during my stay.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

It is a unique place with real character which cannot be replicated in a hotel. The staff were extremely friendly and efficient and the location was perfect. Highly recommended and we will go again!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Uniqueness and location. Staff and facilities and food excellent

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Exellent

This is truly an amazing place with a lot of history.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

29 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

An overall disappointment.

Location is great and the historic element of the building is definitely interesting. However, this place is not as advertised. Zero to little service available (saw staff once in two days)...room was much more dated than appears in photos. Window was broken in the bathroom and left vulnerable for a break-in. For the amount of money you spend to stay here, you're better off booking a real hotel. This place was an overall disappointment.

Partner

2/10

Poor

04 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

We stayed there several years ago and enjoyed a big suite. This year they reduced the size of the suite. We stayed 4 days on the third day they gave us a bigger suite and that eveening they informed us they would need to charge us 250 euro because I said one guess on Orbitz not two. Secondly they billed me twice and have been sitting on my refund for 6 months. Ridiculous!! We will niver go back. Still fighing for my full refund.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Loved the privacy and personal atmosphere at the property. Being apartments rather than a hotel makes it much more personal and homely, despite being a palace!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2018

Debashis

Excellent, luxurious hotel in the heart of Rome. It is full of history and you can really feel it around you. Breakfast can be requested. We stayed in the Ortenza suite which is stunning as the pictures, huge and spacious felt like a king and queen!! Also has an additional two single beds in an adjacent room. The Princess was lovely to meet and Riccardo and Alfonso were a great help!! Would definitely stay again.

8/10

Excellent

20 Nov 2018

Kray

Not the typical place to stay but is unique and fits the historic nature of the city.

8/10

Excellent

01 Oct 2018

This hotel is NOT for the person who wants a mainstream and predictable experience. It is a REAL palace run by a scant staff who are wonderful, including the Princess and her lovely daughter. Riccardo was the \"catch all\" guy who couldnt have been more professional and sweet. Our room the Queen Hortense (sp??) was larger than your average US home and was much nicer than most all US homes. The palace common areas are the real thing with family members busts up and down the solid marble corridors. And the Ruspoli family, we were told, were Papal Guards for many years. Having said this, the \"hotel\" has quite a rich history. And its located a few blocks from the Spanish Steps which is, what seemed to me, to be THE high end retail district. Fendi was across the street from the hotel entrance chased by every other high end retailer. There isnt a lounge or common area and the bfast is continental, which is fine because it allows for more of an appetite for spontaneous goodies you will come across in Rome, including Venchi - the BEST gelataria. Furthermore - bfast can be served in your room. And in terms of lacking a lounge, the Palace hotel is a few steps down the street in which my husband and I ended off our day twice there, sipping drinks in their magnificent lounge (the rooms at the palace hotel arent near the same level as the Residenza). So I totally encourage you to stay in the Residenza Ruspoli Bonaparte for a very unique experience.

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Good location in Rome, spacious room, nice breakfast, friendly.
Sometimes difficult to find anyone to speak to. Shower not good. Air con noisy

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2018

Verified traveler

Hotel was historic and gorgeous. Air conditioning did not work good.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2018

Alex

Very nice hotel-residence in the city center.

Hotel is a residence style property. It’s an old palazzo with owners living on the premises. Very good conditions. Room is big size and comfortable. Greta and Ricardo made out stay excellent. It is no phone in the hotel room, but most of us have cell phones these days anyway. Overall wonderful location and hotel by itself.

8/10

Excellent

11 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Central residence, exceptional period rooms.

This isn't a hotel as such but a private residence, therefore the amenities associated with a hotel, i.e. reception, concierge, resturant/bar and leisure facilities are not present. However this is a very central and beautiful residence.

10/10

Exceptional

22 Feb 2018

chris

Excellent place to stay in heart of city

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in this beautiful building. It was easy to get around Rome from here. Lots of excellent restaurants close by. As a single traveller I felt very secure. The rooms were spacious and very well appointed and the bed very comfortable. Everything was kept spotlessly clean and the staff were friendly and very helpful. It was a real experience and part of my trip to stay in the beautiful historic building and to see and hear some of its history.
If I come back to Rome I would certainly want to stay here again.

4/10

Poor

17 Oct 2017

Patricia

Think twice before booking a non-refundable rate.

This is a very difficult place to stay. It takes many keys to enter. There is no one around on weekends to give assistance if there is an issue. The Princess Pia suite is entered from a hidden door in the staircase, then up narrow servant stairs to another locked door through a small room into the room all rather dark and complicated. Hot water was in short supply when we showered. They no longer deliver breakfast to the room instead you have to unlock another large door and enter another dark room. We were unable to get in the first day. While the location is very central a more comfortable room could be obtained in this price range. The room we were in was very shabby rather than antique. I could not recommend this location.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2017

Candi

Wow! Regal Historical Accomodations

This hotel was so regal, it made us feel like royalty. We stayed in Queen Hortense's room, and it was enormous! The bathroom was nice and modern, very clean, with a nice shower and tub. There was a smaller adjoining room with 2 blue daybeds, which we used for our luggage, and dressing room area. The size and layout was perfect. The main bedroom area was very large, with a high ceiling and the old chandelier was gorgeous! One downside was that the room smelled old and musty, including the bedding. But I suppose one should expect this, knowing this place is an ancient palace. That is, of course, why we booked this room. Also the wifi was honestly terrible. It definitely needs to be updated. We couldn't get connected in the suite at all and had to go to the lobby area to use it. We also had to ask for help with the safe, as there were no clear instructions on how to use it, and it worked differently than safes we've used in other hotels. The breakfast was ok, but very minimal- coffee, juice, yogurt, toast, and crouissants. It felt really cool to stay in a place with such a history, and it made us feel \"special.\" The staff was also very nice and accommodating, and more than willing to assist with anything we needed. Overall, this is a nice hotel and will give you a very historical experience in Rome.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2017

Verified traveler

Italian Palace

This place is wonderfully situated in the middle of Rome Centrale. We walked everywhere--from the Vatican to the Forum-- and loved coming back to a beautiful, historic palace. We even met the prince and princess! My daughters and I felt special while we were there as if we'd gone back to 1500. Thank you to the Respoli Family for opening it up and sharing this with us.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2017

carol

great location, clean and comfortable

it was amazing to stay in a royal palace where Napoleon 111 and Handel once lived
The decor especially the painted ceilings were remarkable.
Food -other than a small breakfast- is not served here. That was fine for us as there were lots of excellent restaurants well within walking distance

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Feb 2017

bubba

Great location, wonderful atmosphere Roman palazzo

Classic and elegant, if somewhat tired Roman palazzo of the Ruspoli family, takes you back in time to smother age

6/10

Pleasant

31 Oct 2016

Malcolm

Interesting accomodation, third rate service.

You ask me to rate this \"hotel\". In their own words, \"it is not a hotel, it is a B&B\". The accomodation was nicely unusual and interesting. The location is excellent. The service is, well, amateur. The fittings in the room are shoddy. They rely on antique furniture and the building's reputation, in claiming their accomodation to be \"5 Star\" - their words, not mine. In my view, 3 star would be more appropriate. The staff were very pleasant, but somewhat without a clue. They didn't know where the nearest car park was, for instance. The breakfast is drab. In all, it is a disastrous triumph of outward appearance over substance and real quality. It is shame, as the place has great potential. If I hadn't received a prior discount of 50% I would have felt cheated. It is difficult to find. A sign outside the building would go a long way to solving this. What a surprise! If arriving by car, arrive/leave on a Sunday as this is the only day that you can drive into the area without a fine - but ok after 6pm on other days - something else that I had to find out for myself. Good luck to the management.

8/10

Excellent

16 Oct 2016

Josh

Fantastic overall just lacking a couple of basic requirements

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2016

Kyle

Great room, location and historic building.

Love the location and historic nature of the building. Very large suite with plenty of room.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2016

Santa

Beautiful hotel with amazing historical value

This place is amazing! Down the road from the Spanish Steps. The history is amazing. The staff is wonderful. I can't wait to stay again.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

05 Sep 2016

Verified traveler

A splendid suite in a Palazzo? Not quite!

The Residenza Ruspoli Bonaparte was billed as luxury accommodation and priced as such.
However neither the facilities nor the service would justify that remotely.
We occupied the Emperor Bonaparte Suite for 3 nights in late August 2016. The suite contained 2 salons, a terrace, one bedroom with a comfortable bed, a library with 2 divans and one bathroom. Only bedroom and library and one salon had a/c and could be used. The facilities, although as some time grand, were a little run down, utmost unpractical and showed a lack of care. Blown-out light bulbs, few towels, non-closing doors, non working safe, tv and only partial wi-fi. Not befitting the high aspirations in the description.
The complimentary breakfast(continental) was simple but sufficient, although one would have hoped for fresh juice rather than Tang.
The service was limited, but friendly and the place was pleasantly quiet.
The location was excellent and extremely convenient with shopping and many of the sights just a walk away.
We had ordered and paid for pick-up service from and to the airport. When arriving, this was provided in a modern luxury vehicle with pleasant service. On departure, an ancient lorry with a grumpy driver, who mistook the roads for a Formula 1 course made us fear for our lives and gave a befitting good buy.
Overall a disappointing, while expensive experience. We came from Milan and had stayed in the Principe which made the stay even more disappointing.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2016

Verified traveler

When in Rome a MUST DO!

This was the high light of our trip. A most beautiful hotel in the centre of Rome.Walking distance to all historic sites.
So romantic whether a family trip or for a couple. You will feel transported back in time. This residence and the staff were amazing. Elegant breakfast served in the suite. We had the Princess suite which consisted of three rooms and 2 luxurious bathrooms. A living room and 2 bedrooms-(this was the smallest of the suites!!) Such a wonderful experience!