Hotel De' Ricci

Hotel De' Ricci, Rome: A Comprehensive Review of this Michelin Key Selected Gem

Hotel De' Ricci, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property in Rome, consistently earns stellar reviews for its unique blend of luxury, exceptional service, and unparalleled wine experience. Tucked away in a charming, quiet street, this boutique hotel offers an intimate and sophisticated escape in the heart of the Eternal City.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with Hotel De' Ricci frequently described as "exceptional," "a hidden gem," and providing a "5-star experience". It boasts impressive ratings, including a 9.7 on Booking.com and a 9.6 overall rating on Agoda, with a perfect 10.0 for value. Guests often express a strong desire to return, highlighting their unforgettable stays.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Hotel De' Ricci for its distinctive wine-centric approach, which includes a staff of professional sommeliers and an astonishing cellar housing over 1,500 labels. The hotel's sophisticated mid-century design, featuring vintage touches and original frescos, is a frequent highlight, as is its prime yet discreet location. The outstanding personalized service and the unique Charade Bar, with its speakeasy-style ambiance and extensive cocktail menu, also receive high praise. Many appreciate the presence of a cigar lounge, the only one of its kind in Rome.

3. Room Quality

The hotel offers only eight individually styled suites, each meticulously designed to ensure comfort and luxury. Rooms feature unique design wallpaper, spacious layouts, plush bedding, and luxurious marble bathrooms, often with glass-door showers. Many suites provide a retro feel and high-end amenities such as an in-room wine cooler (stocked to guest preferences), Apple TV, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, and Diptyque bath products. Selected rooms also boast terraces, perfect for dining al fresco overlooking a typical Roman courtyard.

4. Dining Experience

While Hotel De' Ricci does not have a full-service restaurant, it excels in its dining offerings. A "fantastic" and "outstanding" continental breakfast is included with the stay and can be enjoyed in the hotel lounge or conveniently served in the guest's room. Guests note that cooked or additional items for a traditional English/American breakfast are available for an extra charge. The hotel provides excellent room service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring gourmet bar food and exquisite Italian cuisine. The Charade Bar, open exclusively to hotel guests and select private members, is a particular highlight, offering a vast selection of wines and cocktails along with complimentary gourmet finger food in the evenings.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Hotel De' Ricci are consistently described as exceptional, friendly, professional, gracious, and attentive. Guests frequently highlight how staff members go "above and beyond" to assist with requests, making them feel like "family". The high staff-to-guest ratio ensures personalized attention, with many team members being professional sommeliers who can offer expert wine recommendations and organize private tastings.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "excellent" and "perfect" location on a quiet cobbled street in Rome's bohemian Regola neighborhood. It offers the advantage of being tucked away from major tourist crowds while remaining within easy walking distance of key attractions such as Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Tiber River. The Vatican City and Castel Sant'Angelo are also within easy reach for most. While hiring a car for navigating Rome's traffic is not recommended, the hotel provides transfer services to and from Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, and Termini Station is accessible via a short bus ride.

7. Value & Pricing

Despite an average room price around $688, higher than Rome's city average of $270, guests consistently rate Hotel De' Ricci as offering "outstanding value". Many reviews suggest that the luxury, personalized experience, and exceptional service make it "worth every penny". The hotel's unique offerings, such as the extensive wine program and exclusive bar, contribute significantly to its perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of feedback have been noted. One guest mentioned a specific room's green/yellow wallpaper with trees, which they did not find relaxing. Additionally, while the continental breakfast is highly praised and included, guests should be aware that cooked breakfast items or additional options beyond the continental spread incur an extra charge. The "facilities" rating, at 8.0 on Agoda, might imply that while the quality of existing facilities is high, the hotel might not offer the extensive range of amenities (e.g., a large spa or multiple restaurants) found in larger establishments.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
4. slh.com
5. michelin.com
6. hoteldericci.com
7. booking.com
8. mrandmrssmith.com
9. expedia.com
10. hotels.com