Tucked away down a small yet exclusive street not far from the Spanish Steps, the Mario de' Fiori 37 is a couple's paradise. Charming, comfortable and beautifully private, there is nowhere better to secret yourselves away for a weekend or longer in the heart of Rome. Similar in style to its two sister hotels (Babuino 181 and Margutta 54), Mario de' Fiori marries medieval with contemporary Rome. Original wooden beams protrude from the ceilings and the suites are full of quirky little niches and corridors. It may be old, but guests are treated to real roman luxury for the duration of their stay. Staff are wonderfully welcoming and accommodating, making this old style townhouse one of the most romantic get-aways in Rome.
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7.01/10
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9.20/10
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8.70/10
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7.70/10
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In keeping with its two sister hotels, Mario de' Fiori 37 is again named after its address - an extremely helpful guide when it comes to navigating your way through Rome's criss-crossing back streets and chaotic main roads. As well as its useful name, the hotel is also located in one of the most exclusive and well-placed neighbourhoods that the city has to offer. Only two minutes from the Spanish Steps in the North Centre district, you are within walking distance of all Rome's main attractions, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vittoriano Palace and plenty of stylish shops, restaurants and bars. Staff are happy to make recommendations depending on what you want to taste or the atmosphere you're looking for - and there are plenty of options! If you don't fancy walking, Spagna metro station is just around the corner and will take you to the heart of the ancient centre (Colosseum and Forum), as well as the Termini train station.
Mario de' Fiori is comprised of seven suites, making it the middle in size between its two sister hotels. Four types of suite await you, Double Deluxe, Studio, Junior Suite or the exclusive Rooftop Suite. A combination of wooden and tiled floors, exposed beams and stylish rugs give the rooms such a charming feel that you'd be forgiven for not actually leaving. The luxurious king-size beds don't help either and can be split into twins on request. Complimentary tea and coffee is provided via a Nespresso machine, as well as a mini bar. Sky TV and iPod docking stations are present in all rooms, giving the hotel a subtle modern flare. The bathrooms are beautifully decorated with large, marble showers and/or baths. They come fully equipped with all the products, bathrobes and towels you could possibly desire, as well as the usual hairdryer. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge throughout the rooms, for guests to use as much or as little as they want. The larger suites come equipped with a small living area complete with beautifully comfy sofas and armchairs, orchids and huge candles to create a soft, homely charm.
The warmest of welcomes awaits you at Mario de' Fiori 37, from the moment you set foot in the sparklingly clean, comfortable lobby. Nestle yourself into the sofa with a magazine and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere, before being whisked up the narrow little staircase to your suite waiting just above. The stairs and the corridors can be a little hard to navigate, especially if you're unfortunate enough to cross someone coming the other way. Though there is a small lift, it is not ideal for a wheelchair and the narrow corridors would most likely cause access problems.
Though the hotel will provide guests with a continental breakfast in their room each morning, it doesn't actually have its own restaurant or breakfast room. If you don't fancy room service and a short stroll before breakfast, all guests are welcome over at Babuino 181 to start the day on their rooftop terrace, and bright and airy affair with plenty of choice. Fresh fruit, pastries, cheeses, meats, bread and cereals, along with tea, coffee and juices are all served until 10.30am. Guests Mario de' Fiori 37 can head to the Babuino terrace at any time, including to the bar which is open until 9pm.
Via Mario de' Fiori, though a tiny cobbled street, is a constant bustle of people, taxis and scooters. So you can imagine how easy it is to pass by the tiny little entrance and be swept on by the rush of those around you. Approach from Via Condotti and keep an eye out on the right hand side for the beautiful old style townhouse that dates back to 1658. Its exterior charm and interior design gives the hotel the impression of being caught between past and present. Spread out over three floors, the hotel used to have 14 rooms in a slightly more 'spartan' style than the luxury it provides now. It was renovated in 2009 and all suites are now spacious, comfortable and unique. Parking is not available, given its extremely central location, but the metro is on your doorstep, as well as taxis and a wide range of buses, trams or even Segways!
Here is a hotel that is thought of as an art gallery, or even a contemporary museum: living place, the type of design where the rooms blend in with one another, evoking the minimalist, neo-baroque and post-modernist styles here and there. As there aren't many rooms, you will have to book in advance. If the hotel is fully booked, you can always come here to have a drink and enjoy the decor. Especially as the Spain Square area (nearby) is packed with shopping temptations.
With only four suites, Margutta 54 really is an out-of-the-ordinary hotel experience. Nestled into a corner of a quiet courtyard, surrounded by private residences, artists' workshops and drooping willow trees, it provides one of Rome's ultimate exclusive locations. For the independently minded traveller, this hotel is paradise, with guests left to come and go as they please and minimal staff to disturb the tranquillity. Each suite is unique in size and furniture but the beautiful contemporary Italian decoration features throughout, extending even into the softly lit corridors and entrance hall. Comfort, style and superb location are the corner stones of this hotel, making for a truly welcoming experience, however long you decide to stay.
A small hotel located in the Piazza di Spagna district, the Daniels is a good compromise between mid-range accommodation, which is less chic, and an upmarket hotel, which are a lot more expensive. This is a good place to spend a weekend in Rome, as a couple or a family, for shopping, antiques and gardens (Villa Borghese Park begins at the top of the steps from Piazza di Spagna). Winter is the best time of year to visit in order to appreciate the luxury (which is quite rare) of the covered terrace on the top floor.
For those travellers wanting a slightly more personal feel from their stay in Rome, look no further than Babuino 181. This charming little boutique hotel offers one of the warmest welcomes in the city and guarantees both comfort and style for as long a stay as you wish. Handily named after its address, Babuino 181 aims to provide its guests with a high level of independence and privacy. The spacious rooms and comfortable common areas make for a hotel that you could quite happily not leave for a week. Though the hotel itself is only two years old, the building dates back to the 18th century, adding a true Italian authenticity. Its location on one of the city's oldest and most lively streets means that you're staying in, as well as alongside, all the Roman history your heart could desire.
A pretty, well located hotel with a limited number of rooms: for those who want to experience the chic side of Rome, take a stroll through Villa Borghese park or do some shopping on the Via Veneto or in the Piazza di Spagna area. This rococo-inspired hotel is beyond reproach, if you can afford to stay in a suite and take lunch and dinner in the gourmet restaurant with no budget restrictions.
A rather grand affair that plays host to Rome's hottest celebrities and most exclusive clientele, the Residenza di Ripetta is the place to stay if you're after VIP treatment and a place to brush shoulders with the stars. Central location, spacious rooms and a delightful private garden are all features of this prestigious hotel. Come prepared for grand hallways, contemporary art lining the walls and corridors and cosy corners to relax in.
If you want to try a slice of Hollywood class right in Rome's buzzing centre, the Intercontinental de la Ville is the only place to head. Huge revolving entrance doors and porters in top hats and tails will make you feel like you've stepped onto the set of an Audrey Hepburn movie. This classical hotel is all glittering chandeliers, grandeur and glamour, with a great restaurant to boot. Its size and style make it a hot choice for weddings and dinners, with a delightful central courtyard and rooftop terrace, offering views over the sprawling city. Perfect for business clientele, as well as those wanting to enjoy the city for leisure, this hotel will provide you with a stylish base from which to explore it.
The well-located (adjacent to the Via Veneto, in close proximity to Villa Borghese park), historical, luxury Sofitel Roma is one of the best choices for an upmarket weekend and is also reasonably-priced. It is welcoming, comfortable and serves a princely breakfast. You can be a little lenient, then, on the bedrooms which overlook a narrow backyard; there is also no point asking where the hammam and whirlpool bath are. The hotel doesn't actually have a spa.
The Hotel de Russie is one of the grand hotels in Rome with a garden. A privilege that is all the more remarkable because this garden, which backs on to the Monte Pincio (the hill leading to the Villa Borghese Park from the Piazza del Popolo), gives the impression of being in the very heart of the countryside. Perfect for getting away from the commotion and noise of Rome (which begins at the hotel door) whilst remaining just a few minutes by foot from Piazza di Spagna and the elegant shops in the area.
Take the winding roads through the gardens of the Villa Borghese (one of Rome's most historic villas and gardens) and you will emerge into the peaceful neighbourhood of Parioli, distinctly different from Rome's usual bustling centre. Here, flanked by large private residences, the Aldrovandi Palace hotel offers its guests an exclusive place to rest their heads. As a Leading Hotel of the World, the hotel is used to welcoming guests who expect only the very best - attentive staff, gourmet food and comfort. And this is exactly what it delivers, with elegance, style and a two-Michelin-star restaurant to boot.
It may be on the list of Rome's hotels but the Villa Spalletti Trivelli is quite different from your ordinary hotel experience. It cannot be confined to any kind of category, nor can it be given any stars. It is simply in a class above the rest - an aristocratic home away from home if you will. Still owned by Count Trivelli and his wife, the Villa was converted from the Count's private residence and still retains its original furniture. You must be looking for the very best in luxury accommodation (with a budget to match) to appreciate the magnificence of this 20th century property, its beautiful rooms and gardens. Rest assured though, that you will receive only the best in exclusive service and ultimate privacy. If official photos tend to exaggerate the elegance of the hotels they picture, then those of Spalletti Trivelli don't do it justice. You must be sat in the grand drawing room with a hot drink or snuggled up in the library with a book in order to really see the restored beauty of one of Rome's most exclusive addresses.
The Regina Baglioni is one of the historical landmarks of the Via Veneto. Wander down as if to have a drink at Harry's bar (located on the same avenue): for a chic yet traditional atmosphere. Take in the luxury of early 20th Century palaces, the traditional service and the refinement of the decor. It is best suited to couples celebrating a special occasion (birthday or other celebration) to fully appreciate the hotel.
To make sure of a pleasant stay, impress your other half with a setting that lacks neither gilding nor history, and to discover ancient (or Renaissance) Rome within walking distance of your hotel, reserve a room at the Exedra. This is a luxury hotel but it is not flashy, with attentive and discreet service. It is like living in a palace and, from June to September, you really can get a feel of the "dolce vita", with the open-air swimming-pool on the roof.
For true boutique style, class and impeccable service, the Lord Byron is our top choice of places to stay in Rome. There is a reason that this hotel has such a loyal returning clientele and it is simply because the service is outstanding. From the moment you walk up the steps to the reception, a relaxed atmosphere washes over you. It may be out of the immediate vicinity of Rome's biggest attractions, but it is all the better for it. After a long day of absorbing the endless roman culture, it is true heaven to come back to a hotel that really feels like home.
A pretty, well located hotel with a limited number of rooms: for those who want to experience the chic side of Rome, take a stroll through Villa Borghese park or do some shopping on the Via Veneto or in the Piazza di Spagna area. This rococo-inspired hotel is beyond reproach, if you can afford to stay in a suite and take lunch and dinner in the gourmet restaurant with no budget restrictions.
An upmarket hotel, well located for exploring the Piazza Navona and the Trastevere district on foot, the St George is recommended for a week-end away from it all... This will give you the opportunity to try the spa (maybe a treatment or two and a dip in the hydrotherapy bath), sample the restaurant menu and hang out in the wine bar. Ideally you would stay here when the panoramic terrace is open (between April and October). In practice, though, if the rates offer a better deal in January, don't hesitate to stay at the St George: the decor in the hotel (all beige, grey-green and glossy brown) makes it feel more like winter than summer anyway.
Amy Adejokun
Section editor
