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Rooms
Let’s be perfectly clear here: this is the best room we’ve
encountered during the past five years. These are more than
rooms—and more than suites, even. Rather these accommodations are
private apartments—to further the impression that you are indeed
living la dolce vita in one of the more chic and stylish townhouses
in the center of Rome. And another thing: one night is nowhere near
enough at Portrait Suites. In fact, one week might not be enough—and
there are some who might be inclined to think about purchasing—or at
the very least, reproducing in their own homes every element of
Michele Bonan’s exquisitely-appointed and perfectly-designed
“portrait suites.” Bonan has successfully managed to create a series
of spaces that not only perpetuate the legendary Salvatore
Ferragamo’s sublime taste but also envision Ferragamo living in
today’s world—with all its bells and whistles. These are apartments
that immediately soothe one into a state of bliss—with the
realization that everything has been taken care of—and nothing
remains but to relax in hushed and understated splendor.
Public Spaces
While there’s no restaurant, and instead a sitting room/reading
lounge which also serves as reception, Portrait Suites has a
breathtaking rooftop lounge with views of the Piazza di Spagna and
Trinita de’ Monti—and to find yourself there of a summer evening,
with a cocktail from the honor bar (tucked into a sleek rooftop
kitchenette), as the bells of Roma ring the city at sunset is to
realize that heaven exists on earth and from here on, quotidian life
pales, and you have now earned the envy of all your earthly friends.
Obviously, temperate weather matters for the enjoyment of this
private perch—and if you are blessed with a beautiful morning, take
breakfast here—and ascend again closer to heaven.
Breakfast
Or you can take breakfast in your room—er, private apartment—where
an impeccably tailored man delivers a trolley crafted as only
Italians can design, with such attention to detail, and laid with
such linens and silver as to make you sigh, and a basket of breads
and pastries which might make a French baker weep—and coffee only to
be found in Italy… And all this bounty served on the low-sitting
dining table with two matching gray upholstered slipper chairs,
while Ella sings from the Tivoli stereo (with iPod connection)… It’s
clear then; no doubt about it: this is your life as a Italian
Cinecitta screen star of the Sixties—and you’re never going back to
the life you left behind.
Staff
More like a private staff, complete with majordomo, houseman and
butler—and all of them perfectly willing, and able, to please,
nearly regardless of your request.
Location
For an inveterate shopper, this is hog heaven. And for people
watching, particularly the passeggiata, it’s delectable. And for
feeling a part of a rarefied Rome, it doesn’t get better.
Overview
Portrait Suites is perfectly suited for those individuals with
elevated taste and a heightened appreciation for design—as well as
for those who cherish their privacy and independence. For to reside
at Portrait Suites, even for only one night, enables a glimpse of
the life one was meant to live—every single night of life.
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