Mile-long Via del Corso is the narrow street that slices through the heart of Rome, from the magnificent Piazza Venezia to the elegant Piazza del Popolo squares. Anyone who comes to Rome finds their way to it, frequently more than once, because Il Corso—as Romans call it—is the bustling core of the city. Packed with stores and dining options, luxury brands are tucked around the corner on Via Condotti, and the side streets lead to bucket-list sights like the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain.
Palazzo Roma (+39-06-8780-8200), which is part of The Leading Hotels of the World and one of the Shedir Collection’s five hotels in the “Eternal City,” is closer to the Piazza Venezia end of the Corso and just down the street from the Palazzo Doria Pamphili, one of the city’s largest private art collections (and a must-do for art lovers).
(Palazzo Roma)
Palazzo Roma’s stone-paved lobby is where horse-drawn carriages once dropped the aristocratic family whose residence it was in the 1800s. Today, despite Rome’s strict traffic regulations, cars and taxis can drop guests right at the door, making it an ideal choice for metropolitan thrill-seekers. The reception is just off the lobby, and the vibrant peacock couches, smart black-and-white striped tables and gilt-framed art all hint at what lies in store.
The original white marble staircase and a compact lift lead to the next level, once the noble floor, which has an eye-catching array of paintings of popes covering every inch of the landing. Throughout the hotel, stripes are a recurring theme on walls and fabrics, as are strong jewel colors—and they perfectly showcase the coffered ceilings, marble busts, parquet floors and original frescoes.
The noble floor has two bright lounge areas for cocktails and light bites. The Sala della Musica, once the ballroom, has busts of famous composers (and even a portrait of Freddy Mercury) and the Sala degli Orologi has a collection of 150 clocks—a nod and a wink to Rome being the “Eternal City”—and a huge world map. The snug bar has another eye-catching portrait collection, this time of men of African or other non-European descent in aristocratic poses. Art and nobility are the two themes that snake effortlessly, blending past and present, in this luxurious five-star hotel.
(Palazzo Roma)
General Manager Oliver Hutten ([email protected]) and Hotel Manager Laura Anastasio ([email protected]) can be contacted for VIPs, and Laura recommends booking three to four months ahead to secure the best accommodations, especially for May to mid-July and from September to October, adding that weekends are always particularly in demand.
Of the 39 rooms on the four floors, 17 are suites, and we liked how the doors open with real keys. On the noble floor, the corridor has prints of Fellini movies and Rome’s Dolce Vita years, while the next floor is Clint Eastwood-themed. The seven Premium Rooms have the highest ceilings and measure from 430 to 560 square feet. Some have modern four-poster beds and all have large marble bathrooms. No. 104, which has a shower with a built-in seat, also has two extra-large shower heads, as well as a large walk-in closet. No. 102, the only Executive Suite, is the largest, measuring 1,150 square feet.
(Palazzo Roma)
Every room is different, with elegant fabric wallpaper in a range of striking colors and with a lot of black profiles and stripes. No 203 is a Premium Room with dual washbasins and an unusual walk-through closet. No. 214 is a Junior Suite with a couch and two armchairs that can take an extra bed, but there is no seat in the shower, and it has just one washbasin. Room No. 302, like all those on the third level, has a lower ceiling, but we were impressed by the large square marble bathtub, and it has an extra-spacious shower. Next year, the three Terrace Suites on the top floor are due to open.
To keep in mind: Some of the Corso-facing rooms are not yet sound-proofed. If this is an issue, ask for an interior room like the Premium No. 104 or the Executive Suite No. 102, that is already insulated.
(Palazzo Roma)
Pets up to five kilos (about 11 pounds) are catered for, and children are welcomed with a Smart Tour Box containing a personalized “passport” and ideas on how to enjoy the “Eternal City.” At the front desk, Jorge Gonzalez ([email protected]) and his team told us they can arrange guided city tours in a choice of vehicles, from a Rolls Royce or a Fiat 500, to an electric golf cart or a Vespa with a side car. He says many guests like to take picnic baskets, which can include champagne and Roman-inspired finger food. We also learned that his cheerful and friendly front desk team can set up exclusive entrance to the Vatican or other museums, as well as bespoke shopping.
(Palazzo Roma)
The Core Restaurant has 18th-century wall and ceiling frescoes, dazzling chandeliers and comfortable banquette seating. Breakfast is served à la carte with classics like English muffins, eggs benedict and freshly baked breads and pastries. Executive Chef Federico Sartucci ([email protected]) does an all-day menu inspired by Roman classics, and to start we had his gnocchi with zucchini cream, which were crispy and light. We followed with a rosetta with mortadella, burrata and tartufo. The rossetta is a traditional Roman rose-shaped, hollow white bread roll, and it was a perfect foil for the tasty Bologna sausage, creamy burrata and luscious truffle oil. With a nod to international tastes, Chef Sartucci’s menu also inclues Tuscan Chianina filet steaks, burgers, pizzas and artisanal ice creams.
(Palazzo Roma)
There is no gym, but guests can use the fitness facilities just across the road in the Hotel Maalot, which is a sister Shedir Collection property. While they are there, lunch or dinner in the Don Pasquale Restaurant is a great choice for its lively art-filled vibe, and for the chef’s artful spins on traditional Roman dining. When we’re downtown we like to drop in for an aperitivo in the candle-lit bar, for its mellow mood and great repertoire of cocktails.
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