99. Rome

The hotel was built around 1800 and hosted visiting Europeans on the Grand Tour for almost two centuries before closing in the second world war. The building later became the headquarters of the Italian TV network, but was converted to its original purpose by Rocco Forte. Forte made his fortune building boring budget corporate hotel chains but after selling these businesses decided to develop a series of unique hotel properties in Europe rather than a chain.



The courtyard and lush gardens at back lead to the sprawling Villa Borghese park, Rome's version of Central Park. Out the front door lies Via del Babuino, Via Condotti and Rome's best antique and fashion shops.