Head-to-head · Rome
Two of the few central Rome hotels with a real spa. One is a Rocco Forte I loved, with a courtyard at its heart; the other is a brand-new showstopper on a quiet square across from parliament. Here is how I would choose.
Visited both · October 2026
I loved it. The courtyard is the star, the renovated rooms are playful, and the spa has an indoor pool. You are between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps.
My Hotel de Russie review →
Wow. A showstopper renovation, large rooms and a beautiful spa, on a safe, quiet square that is still in the middle of everything. Truly a game changer for Rome.
My Corinthia review →
| Hotel de Russie | Corinthia | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Piazza del Popolo, between Popolo and the Spanish Steps | Piazza del Parlamento, across the street from parliament |
| Outside the door | A busy street and the crowds | Incredibly safe, and quiet while still central |
| The feel | Garden retreat (Rocco Forte) | Grand new opening with a showstopper renovation |
| Rooms | Renovated, with lemon or orange themed ceilings | Large and tastefully appointed, rare in the centro storico |
| Room to ask for | The suite with fantastic views; I’ll tell you which one | It is new and categories vary; I’ll steer you to the right one |
| Bathrooms | Marble, with a bird mosaic in the shower | Onyx and marble |
| Spa | A nice spa with an indoor pool | A beautiful spa |
| Public spaces | The courtyard, where everyone gathers | Beautiful, and big enough that it never feels crowded |
| Best for | Couples, Rome first-timers, a courtyard and a pool | Space, a real spa and a central, quiet base |
Work with me and you get Fora perks, plus someone who knows these hotels personally and personalizes your stay: I point you to the de Russie suite with the views, steer you through the Corinthia’s new room categories, and arrange your transfers and drivers. Same rate as booking direct.
At Hotel de Russie, the calm is inside. The beautiful, large courtyard feels like an escape from the city around it, but step out the front door and you are in the crowds between Popolo and the Steps.
The Corinthia is across the street from parliament, so the area is incredibly safe and quiet while still being in the middle of everything. Add large rooms and a beautiful spa and it is in the conversation with the city’s classics.
If you want a classic with a garden at its heart and a pool downstairs, pick the de Russie. If you want quiet outside as well as in, and more room, pick the Corinthia.
The Corinthia is on Piazza del Parlamento. It is central, walkable to everything, and quiet, which is rare in Rome.
Hotel de Russie is between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps, the golden triangle of Rome on foot. That also means a busy street out front. The courtyard is where you escape it.
Space is the story at the Corinthia. The rooms are large and tastefully appointed, with onyx and marble bathrooms. It is new, so categories and views vary. Book with someone who knows it, and I’ll steer you to the right one.
Hotel de Russie’s renovated rooms have the cutest ceilings, each one lemon or orange themed. I also saw a stunning suite with a terrace and fantastic views; ask me which one.
Spas and pools are few in central Rome, and these are two of them. Hotel de Russie has a nice spa with an indoor pool, a real draw after a day on foot.
The Corinthia’s spa and public spaces are beautiful. If a spa is high on your list, both belong on it.
Hotel de Russie is a garden retreat. Everyone gathers in the courtyard, and the rooms are playful and light.
The Corinthia is a grand new opening, and the renovation is a showstopper from the moment you walk in. I was blown away.
It depends on how much quiet you want. Hotel de Russie for the courtyard, the playful rooms and a spa with an indoor pool. The Corinthia for large rooms, a beautiful spa and a quiet, safe street in the middle of everything.
The Corinthia, across the street from parliament. At Hotel de Russie, you step out into the crowds between Popolo and the Steps.
The Corinthia. Its rooms are large, which is rare in central Rome. At Hotel de Russie, ask me about the suite with the views.
Hotel de Russie: its spa has an indoor pool, rare in the centro storico. The Corinthia has a beautiful spa.
At Hotel de Russie, ask me about the stunning suite with fantastic views. At the Corinthia, room categories and views vary because it is new, so tell me what matters and I’ll steer you to the right one.
Tell me your dates and who is coming, and I will tell you which one fits and which room to ask for.
Hotel de Russie review → Corinthia Rome review → Hotel de Russie or Bulgari → Hotel Eden or Corinthia → My Rome guide →