Unforgettable Night at Rome's Historic Mansion: Palazzo Villon
Welcome to Rome's Palazzo Villon, a 17th-century mansion now opening its doors for exclusive overnight stays. This living piece of history is filled with artistic masterpieces in each suite, offering a luxurious experience with a private gym, spa, cinema, 24-hour butler, and chef.
For a lavish 25,000 Euros (26,665 USD) per night, you can own this Baroque palace through the "Buyout" deal. This isn't your average luxury hotel. The Palazzo Villon offers a unique opportunity to step back in time to an era when noble families ruled the Eternal City. You're paying not just for accommodation but century-old history and art, subtly reflected in the architecture and decor.
Located close to the Tiber, near the Spanish Steps in the Campo Marzio district and minutes away from Rome's main attractions, this palace was the long-standing residence of the Borghese family, one of the most famous础 in Europe's 17th century power structure.
Today, Palazzo Villon is known as Italy's most expensive historic resort. Services are tailor-made, and additional costs can significantly increase the final price.
The base fee includes breakfast only. For a private candlelit dinner with an exquisite degustation menu in the palace's grand, gleaming kitchen, you'll need to pay an additional 1,000 Euros per person.
Residents of the original Borghese family – descendants of a thousand-year clan that includes popes and princes – still live in the adjacent palace. Although individual rooms can be booked, employees told CNN that most guests prefer to rent the entire suite for themselves.
"This summer, our main customers have been foreigners, including young couples and families with children, who chose the Buyout option and booked the place for a few exclusive days, although it has space for 12 people," said Samuele Florio, deputy director of the Villon Palace.
For privacy reasons, he couldn't disclose customer data, but emphasized that few people had yet had the chance to experience the "secret heaven" of the Palazzo Vilòn.
Prices can vary depending on demand and timing. Extra services like a car wash and a tour of the nearby fresh produce market, where guests can pick their own vegetables, meat, and bread for a home-cooked meal, are also available.[3] You can prepare your own meals or take part in a cooking class.
"Luxury doesn't always mean something special in terms of food," said Florio. "Many guests are more interested in exploring the local shops where Romans buy their daily items and then experiencing cooking in the modern kitchen of the palace, which is equipped with similar ultra-high-tech stainless steel appliances as Michelin-starred restaurants in the city."
The "Mirrors Hall" serves candlelit dinners with long tables suitable for Renaissance-style banquets. The hall is decorated with bas-reliefs, golden stucco, and original Flemish mirrors from the Renaissance. Florio's team compiles the menu, preparing traditional Italian dishes by an engaged team of waiters, sommeliers, and chefs.
Florio's team also provides guided tours in Rome and Italy, but he said these are more "standard" services found in any high-end hotel.
"It's always lively"
The palace has been meticulously restored to offer a private garden with an awe-inspiring view of Rome and a blend of modern and antique decor.
Since it is a historical building, no architectural changes were made to the original structure to comply with restrictions set by state art authorities.[2]
The Palazzo Vilòn is managed by the adjacent Hotel Vilòn, offering only four breathtaking suites. A highlight is the Chapel Suite, located in an authentic Baroque chapel with a frescoed dome ceiling and a King-sized bed.[2]
Rich frescoes adorn the walls and ceilings, Trompe-l'oeil paintings depict rustic and mythological scenes, oriental carpets, fine stucco, and rare and valuable polished marble adorn the entire palace. Gold leaf shines everywhere.[2]
Guests can enjoy an evening drink on the Loggia overlooking the Tiber, while mornings can be spent enjoying an espresso in the private garden, where aristocrats once spent their leisure time chatting and flirting.[2]
Guests can indulge in the 120-square-meter wellness area, open 24/7 and equipped with a luxury swimming pool, sauna, Turkish/Steam Bath, and whirlpool. In the hotel's own spa, guests can enjoy massages and beauty treatments.[2]
The Palazzo Villon offers the ultimate luxury in the historic center of Rome – a private parking space. Guests traveling elsewhere in Italy don't have to spend hours searching for one of the rare free ones, although the hotel provides private drivers for an additional fee.[2] Although large, Florio emphasizes that the Palazzo Villon is not a resurrected museum; it has always been a private residence and now opens its doors to guests.[2]
"The last person who lived here a few years ago was a famous Italian film producer," said Florio.
"The palace is in perfect condition because it was never forgotten or neglected. It was always alive."[2]
Additional Amenities:
The Palazzo Talìa in Rome, not Palazzo Villon, offers a variety of additional services and amenities beyond its luxurious suites and high-end facilities. Here are some of the services and amenities mentioned:
- Pool and Garden: The hotel features a pool and garden, providing a serene environment for guests to relax.[4]
- Spa and Wellness Services: The hotel offers spa facilities, including a fitness center, sauna, massage, Turkish/Steam Bath, and spa lounge/relaxation area.[4]
- Evening Entertainment: The hotel provides evening entertainment options, such as live music and performance.[4]
- Walking Tours: Guests can enjoy walking tours, which are part of the hotel's activities and services.[4]
- Temporary Art Galleries: The hotel features temporary art galleries, adding a cultural touch to the guest experience.[4]
- Cooking Class: A cooking class is available for guests, allowing them to explore local cuisine.[4]
- Breakfast Options: The hotel offers a highly-rated breakfast, with options including American and à la carte.[4]
- Restaurant: The hotel has one restaurant, Tramae, which provides dining options for guests.[4]
- Airport Shuttle: The hotel offers an airport shuttle service, making it convenient for guests to travel to and from the airport.[4]
These amenities and services enhance the luxurious experience offered by the Palazzo Talìa in Rome.