Luxury at Rome’s “doorstep”: relax and refresh at Ludovisi

Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Ludovisi neighborhood is a hidden gem, often overlooked by tourists rushing between the city’s famous landmarks. It’s close enough to the main attractions that locals consider it part of the city center, but to tourists it seems… boring and skippable. They tend to know of its existence only because it is home to several embassies (most notably that of the United States). While this is what appears on the surface, the district has more cards up its metaphorical sleeve!

From Home to Rome manages a number of accommodations in the area, so this post aims to reveal its secrets, starting with the fact that there are many luxury hotels here, and most of them have spas and pools that are open to non-guests – for a fee, of course.

Stylish and exclusive: a different Rome at your fingertips

This unassuming quarter holds a treasure trove of experiences. While it may not scream for attention, Ludovisi quietly boasts a concentration of luxury that rivals any district in the Eternal City. From world-class spas and rooftop pools to stylish terrace bars with panoramic views, this neighborhood offers a slice of Roman indulgence just waiting to be discovered.

Ludovisi’s reputation is well deserved: after all, it was on Via Veneto that la dolce vita was born in the 1960s! The W, The Grand Hotel, The Rome Ambasciatori, The Westin Excelsior and many other establishments are located in the very places where the stars of the movie world used to roam. Some of them even called their hotel rooms home!

Times have changed, and many of these lavish buildings have transformed their premises to titillate lovers of relaxation and fitness alike. The good news is, as mentioned, that everyone can access these, whether they are guests there or not: we chose some of the best!

The ultimate souvenir: a spa treament in the Eternal City

These establishments not only provide relaxation and rejuvenation but also offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle that has become synonymous with this charming Roman neighborhood. The spas here promise an experience that goes beyond mere pampering. Here are some of those that we have selected for you:

• Baglioni SPA c/o Baglioni Hotels on Via Veneto
• Fusion Spa – Luxury Spa Rome c/o Grand Hotel Palace Rome (again, on Via Veneto)
• Le Caveau By Narducci Hair & Spa c/o The Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton on Via di San Basilio
• Irene Forte Spa c/o Hotel de la Ville on Via Sistina
• Aqva City Spa c/ Grand Hotel on Via Veneto

Refresh on a rooftop pool!

Finding respite from the heat is of the essence during a Roman summer: which is why the Ludovisi area and its neighboring districts are perfect for escaping… while staying firmly put in the city. Again, here are some of the establishments that we can recommend:

• The outdoor pool at the W Hotel on Via Liguria
• The outdoor pool at The Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton on Via di San Basilio
• The outdoor pool at the Sina Bernini Bristol on Piazza Barberini

Last but not least… the gyms

It doesn’t end here! In addition to a variety of establishments that cater to those seeking the finer things in life, from cafes to nightclubs to restaurants, the neighborhood is also home to several gyms equipped with state-of-the-art facilities where visitors can maintain their fitness routines. While most of the gyms are located in hotels and are only open to guests, others are located on nearby streets and are open to anyone with a doctor’s note.

That’s right: to enter any gym in Italy, you’ll need a Certificato Sportivo Non-Agonistico (non-competitive sports certificate), issued by a doctor after a brief visit. Private practices that cater to foreign visitors or expats should be able to help you obtain one, but always check with the specific gym to see if you need such a document.

Here are some gym centers we recommend!

• Virgin Active on Via Mantova (right outside the neighborhood)
• Pilates PPM Roma on Via Collina
• Heaven on Viale del Galoppatoio (Villa Borghese park)
• Luxury Gym on Via Margutta (walking distance from Via Veneto)
• Urban Fitness on Via Barberini

And let’s not forget – all the hotels we have listed above will also be happy to accommodate you for drinks or food if a spa or a splash in the pool are not your style: often in the same area (a rooftop or panoramic terrace) of these facilities, but with a wildly different idea of relaxation. Are these not exclusive enough for you? Would you like a rooftop all to yourself? In that case, why not take a look at some of our “Via Toscana” apartments?