Portrait Suites

Owned by the Ferragamo fashion family, a divinely gorgeous Italian townhouse overlooking designer-shopping heaven

The Ferragamos are famous for their shoes: exquisite, frivolous works of art. This extension of the Ferragamo empire applies the same immaculate design ethic to a place to stay. Perfectly set just down from the Spanish Steps, it’s a very special, discreet boutique residence. We hesitate to call it a hotel, because it has none of the impersonality that the word implies. Designed by Michele Bonan, there are 14 exquisitely styled suites and studios across six floors in a townhouse overlooking via Condotti, Rome’s most exclusive shopping street, a silk scarf flutter from the Ferragamo store.

The rooms and communal areas, from the lift to the stairwells, have beautiful displays of Ferragamo designs, photographs and memorabilia from his 1950s heyday (with clients including Liz Taylor and Audrey Hepburn) that make it a gallery-museum too. On the 7th floor is a roof terrace with a constantly burning fireplace behind glass; sofas gaze across Tridente district to the historic centre.

Highs

• Immaculate attention to detail combined with great comfort
• Intimate, personal and exclusive feel, with truly charming staff
• Beautiful but unobtrusive design, including amazing displays of Ferragamo memorabilia
• Wonderful roof terrace and views
• Superb central location on via Condotti
• A sophisticated kitchenette in every studio and suite

Lows

• High prices could put it out of your reach
• The lack of a restaurant and 24-hour room service might put some off – room service currently runs from 7am-11pm
• Superior rooms are supremely comfortable, but quite small
• Not immediately easy to find