Villa Laetitia

"For a dip into the world of contemporary Roman royalty, a weekend at Villa Laetitia is the only address. The secluded art nouveau villa is a one-of-kind oasis restored by Anna Fendi Venturini of the famed Fendi family, whose innate design sensibility includes contemporary art from her personal collection, Fendi home pieces, and Venturini’s own custom lamp designs."

Villa Laetitia

"Anna Fendi (of the fashion empire) acquired a fabulous Art Nouveau mansion along the Tiber River with a foresteria, or guest villa, behind it, and has transformed the latter into Villa Laetitia, a 15-room hotel. (There are plans to open seven suites in the main mansion.) Set far back from the street in the meandering gardens and eclectically decorated by Anna and two of her daughters, the compact rooms mix modernism with design pieces from the ’30s and ’40s, ranging from Hoffman-style woodwork to bold black-and-white checkerboard fabrics and antique tiles. Each has a kitchenette, and most have direct access to the garden. Ground-floor public rooms are beautifully restored, with faux marble pillars, ceiling flourishes of stucco angels, and intricate wrought iron balustrades on the grand marble staircase. There are flamboyant chandeliers on every level and glass archways in the Victorian conservatory at the back of the main mansion facing the garden. In keeping with the residential atmosphere, staff are friendly but few. Still, fashion mavens will love the style and the tranquil location, just a 15-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo."

Villa Laetitia

"How did it strike you on arrival?Villa Laetitia exemplifies the epitome of modern Italian style: unashamedly glamorous, a little eclectic with just the right amount of glitz. Owner Anna Fendi Venturini (of the Fendi fashion dynasty) has furnished Villa Laetitia as if it were her own: think potted palms, fur covered stools, and marble busts dotted around the place, because, you know, why not? Nice. What’s the crowd like?Fashion industry heavyweights, beautiful people, and anyone looking for a unique boutique hotel in Rome. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Each room has its own style. The Anna Deluxe Room is elegant and refreshing, with cool marble tiled floors, big mirrors and airy windows designed to let the light stream in. The room’s white with silver accents, the bed base made from white leather (trust us, it works), the mattress dressed in Frette linen, no less. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is free, the connection strong. Room service: Worth it?Forget room service; instead, make your way to Villa Laetitia’s Enoteca La Torre, or nip over to the property’s Piccolo Bar for cocktails. Or book in for a cooking course, then host your own private dinner in the ever so glamorous Sala Ozio. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The staff here can arrange pretty much anything for you: they’ll set you up on a bike tour, bring a cot to your room for your baby, pack or unpack your bags, even arrange a private picnic in Rome’s most beautiful gardens. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Villa Laetitia’s one of the most unique spots to stay in Rome: grand, beautiful, and discreet. Staying here is like a trip into another world, and well worth the journey." - Maresa Manara