Cover These design-forward hotels in Rome are must-see destinations in their own right. (Photo: Instagram / @hotelvilon)
These design-forward hotels in Rome are must-see destinations in their own right. (Photo: Instagram / @hotelvilon)
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These standout hotels in Rome offer immersive, design-forward ways to experience the city’s timeless allure
In the grand theatre of Rome, where millennia of history are etched into every cobblestone, the city’s stylish hotels have become curated worlds through which the Eternal City is experienced and remembered. Each offers a portal into a different version of Rome, from palatial glamour near the Spanish Steps to sleek minimalism hidden within Renaissance walls. These memorable hotels in Rome are more than places to rest—they’re must-see destinations in their own right, each with a distinct narrative that transforms a simple stay into an unforgettable story.
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Palazzo Talia
Palazzo Talia brings a touch of the cinematic to Rome’s hotel scene. Housed in a restored 16th-century palazzo near the Trevi Fountain, the hotel has been reimagined by filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Challengers) who has created a cultural experience akin to stepping inside one of his visually sumptuous films. With maximalist, avant-garde interiors and only 26 intimate rooms, this boutique newcomer near the Trevi Fountain offers travellers a living, cinematic world that embodies the evolution of luxury hospitality.
Don’t miss: Inside Palazzo Talia, a boutique hotel in Rome designed by ‘Challengers’ director Luca Guadagnino
Hassler Roma
One of Rome’s most recognisable addresses, the Hassler Roma sits atop the Spanish Steps with postcard-worthy views of the city. At its Michelin-starred restaurant Imàgo, chef Andrea Antonini serves up inventive takes on Italian cuisine, all framed by a sweeping panoramic view of the Roman skyline. The hotel’s long-standing reputation and star-studded guestbook—from Audrey Hepburn to Princess Diana—give it an air of timeless sophistication.
Don’t miss: Historic elegance at the Hassler Roma
Hotel de Russie
Tucked behind Piazza del Popolo, Hotel de Russie offers a rare patch of greenery in central Rome. Its garden, designed by Giuseppe Valadier, is a lush, tiered retreat that poet Jean Cocteau once described as “paradise on earth”. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail at the Stravinskij Bar or just enjoying the calm among palms and roses, this is a spot where Rome feels both vibrant and unexpectedly serene.
Hotel de la Ville
Perched just above the Spanish Steps, Hotel de la Ville is known for its lively rooftop scene. Cielo, the rooftop bar, is a popular perch for sunset drinks and offers sweeping views across the city, including a straight shot toward St Peter’s Basilica. With its striped umbrellas, laid-back DJ sets and cosmopolitan energy, it’s a social spot that balances elegance with a bit of fun.
The Rome Edition
The Rome Edition takes a minimalist approach to luxury. A travertine plunge pool on the rooftop adds a rare splash of leisure to the city centre, while the Punch Room below—a low-lit cocktail bar inspired by speakeasies—explores Roman history through its drinks menu. Whether lounging poolside or settling into a velvet armchair with a Negroni, the hotel offers a calm, curated escape from the bustle outside.
JK Place Roma
More private townhouse than hotel, JK Place Roma favours discretion over grandeur. Guests gain access to refined shared spaces, like a book-lined library and an elegant lobby, all designed by Michele Bönan. Mid-century furnishings mingle with classical touches in this former architecture school, creating a relaxed yet refined home-away-from-home in the heart of the city.
Hotel Vilòn
Once an annexe of the Palazzo Borghese, Hotel Vilòn feels like a well-kept secret. Some rooms have terraces that overlook the palace’s private gardens—normally closed to the public—offering a rare view into a quieter, more aristocratic Rome. Designed by set designer Paolo Bonfini, the interiors strike a mood that’s both cinematic and cosy, blending Art Deco touches with Old World charm.
After more than a decade in lifestyle media, Clifford has mastered the art of writing seriously about things that are fun—and writing fun things about people who take themselves very seriously. At Tatler Asia, he helped steer its flagship lists, Tatler’s Most Influential and Asia’s Most Stylish. And today, he leads T-Labs, Tatler Asia’s content innovation hub, where he continues the noble pursuit of lifestyle storytelling, spinning stories on wealth, entertainment, necessary style, Hallyu, Hollywood, beauty and more for audiences across Asia.
