Head-to-head · Rome
Two Rome hotels I loved, and both are calm in the middle of the city. One finds it on a quiet street above the Spanish Steps; the other finds it in a big courtyard off a busy one. Here is how I would choose.
Stayed at the Eden · Visited the de Russie · October 2026
My top overall pick in Rome, usually priced a little below the de Russie, with anticipatory service and a quiet street outside the door.
My Hotel Eden review →
A beautiful, large courtyard that feels like an escape from the city, renovated rooms with lemon and orange ceilings, and a spa with an indoor pool.
My Hotel de Russie review →
| Hotel Eden | Hotel de Russie | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | A quiet residential street just above the Spanish Steps | Between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps |
| The feel | Romantic classic (Dorchester Collection) | Garden retreat (Rocco Forte) |
| Outside the door | Calm | Busy: the crowds between Popolo and the Steps |
| Where the calm is | The street, the rooms and the restaurant upstairs | The large courtyard, where everyone gathers |
| Rooms | Bright, modern and traditional at once, with rooftop views | Renovated, with lemon or orange themed ceilings |
| Room to ask for | The top suites, which can be connected | The stunning suite with fantastic views; ask me which one |
| Price | Usually slightly below the de Russie | Usually slightly above the Eden |
| Best for | Couples, anniversaries, quiet in the middle of Rome | Couples, Rome first-timers, a spa and a courtyard |
Work with me and you get Fora perks, plus someone who knows these hotels personally and personalizes your stay: I request the right suite at either one, the de Russie suite with the views included, and arrange your transfers from Fiumicino or Termini. Same rate as booking direct.
Hotel Eden sits on a quiet residential street just above the Spanish Steps. You are close to everything, and you still come home to calm. It is my top overall pick in Rome, and usually a little cheaper than the de Russie.
The Hotel de Russie is on a busy street between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. Walk in, though, and the large courtyard feels like an escape from the city. It also has a spa with an indoor pool, which is rare in the centro storico.
If you want quiet from the moment you step outside, pick the Eden. If a courtyard and a pool matter more to you than a quiet street, pick the de Russie. I loved them both.
The courtyard is really the star of the Hotel de Russie. It is beautiful and large, it is where everyone gathers, and there is a bar in it with arched blue shelves of bottles. Step back out the front, though, and you are in the crowds.
At Hotel Eden, the calm starts at the front door. The street itself is calm, residential and just above the Steps, while its big-name competitors open onto the crowds.
The rooms at Hotel Eden are modern and traditional at once, bright and beautifully decorated, with incredible views over the rooftops and marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and double vanities.
The Hotel de Russie rooms have been renovated, and they have the cutest ceilings, each one either lemon or orange themed. Bathrooms are in veined marble, some with a mosaic of birds set into the shower.
At the Hotel de Russie, I saw a stunning suite with fantastic views, with a terrace looking over the obelisk in Piazza del Popolo to the hills. Ask me and I will tell you which one.
At Hotel Eden, the top suites are spacious on their own and can be combined into larger configurations for families or two couples traveling together. I will map out what is possible.
The restaurant upstairs at Hotel Eden was fantastic, and the view across the domes is the one I send couples to on their first evening. The Eden is usually priced slightly below the de Russie, for a stay I would rank above it.
The Hotel de Russie spa has an indoor pool, a real draw after a day on foot. The dining rooms have hand-painted walls of palms and lemon trees, and the courtyard is the place for a drink.
For me, Hotel Eden: it is my top overall pick in Rome, with a quiet street and usually a slightly lower rate. I loved the Hotel de Russie too, and it is the one to pick if the courtyard and an indoor pool appeal.
Hotel Eden, on a calm residential street. The street out front of the Hotel de Russie is busy, but the courtyard inside feels like an escape from the city.
The Hotel de Russie has a nice spa with an indoor pool, which is rare in the centro storico.
Usually Hotel Eden, slightly below the de Russie. I can quote them side by side for your dates.
At Hotel Eden, ask about the top suites, which can be connected. At the Hotel de Russie, the suite with the fantastic views I saw; I will tell you which one.
For me, yes. Both are Rocco Forte hotels a few minutes apart, and the de Russie’s courtyard, renovated rooms and indoor pool made it the stronger stay over the Hotel de la Ville.
Tell me your dates and who is coming, and I will tell you which one fits and which room to ask for.
Hotel Eden review → Hotel de Russie review → Hotel Eden or Hotel de la Ville → Hotel de Russie or the Hassler → My Rome guide →