Lighthearted living

Giorgia Tozzi, the General Manager of Hotel Vilòn, describes this small Roman gem

Could you tell us about Hotel Vilòn’s history?

It is a historic building dating back to the mid-seventeenth century. In 1841, Princess Adelaide Borghese de la Rochefoucauld converted it into a charity institute which was run by the French sisters Daughters of the Holy Cross.

Who was Adelaide?

She was the wife of Scipione Borghese, an elegant and kind lady, but also a generous and modern woman. She fought to fulfil her dream of founding an institute for less fortunate young girls.

Adelaide is also the name of your restaurant, which offers?

A cheerful menu, which fully reflects our country and the sunny nature of our Executive Chef, Gabriele Muro, who comes from Procida. It is a welcoming, sophisticated and happy cuisine…

How do you transform a stay in Rome into a experience?

Surrendering to the energy of this very special place means enjoying the small moments of perfection which turn an ordinary stay in Rome into a new and engaging discovery.

15 rooms and 3 suite rooms, what is your favorite one and why?

One of my favorite rooms is Suite Borghese. But also one of the rooms with private terrace overlooking the garden, which we call “the nest”. From its window- the only hotel window with a French-style rail- it feels like you can fly off!

What is Giorgia’s secret tour of Rome?

I was lucky enough to live in the Trastevere area for some time and my favorite tour is still the one that took me from my house to work every day on foot or by bike. Lovely at any time of the day and, in particular, by night: Ponte Sisto, Via Giulia, Piazza Farnese, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Campo Marzio…not very secret but different every day, absolutely wonderful!