I hadn`t been to Rome for many years, and I had nearly forgotten its incredible beauty and the unique sensation of being surrounded by ancient monuments all day, as if living inside a museum.
So, when Panos suggested that we visit to celebrate my birthday, I enthusiastically accepted. Our choice of hotel played a significant role in making our three days in the Eternal City truly wonderful.
The Palazzo Roma, a member of the Leading Hotels and opened almost a year ago, is housed in a historic 1800s palazzo that has been thoughtfully renovated into a 39-room hotel with a truly unique aesthetic.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by marbles, frescoes, luxurious fabrics in bold combinations, crystal chandeliers, themed lounges, wainscot, elaborate wooden floors, and fresh flowers adorning every corner—transporting you to a parallel, beautiful universe.
Upon our arrival, after checking in at the reception with the assistance of the kind hostess, we requested a coffee before heading to our room, having woken up early to catch the first flight.
We were guided to the first floor, home to all the public areas of the hotel, where we explored the bar, the breakfast restaurant, and two delightful clock and music rooms, where we could leisurely enjoy our coffee.
We opted for the clock room, featuring couches and cozy armchairs in orange and blue. The walls were adorned with a world map displaying the continents and their respective time zones, complemented by a library filled with clocks of all kinds, shapes, and ages.
The adjoining room, the music room, is decorated in shades of yellow, black and brown, with a large sofa dominating the center. A piano sits prominently, surrounded by dozens of luxurious publications on music arranged on the tables, along with various musical instruments and busts of famous conductors and singers, with that of Maria Callas prominently displayed.
Both halls have large windows that overlook the bustling Via del Corso; however, the building is perfectly soundproofed, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere free from external noise.
Shortly afterwards, we went up to our room on the second floor—a beautiful 50 sqm Junior Suite that would serve as our home for the next three days. Elegantly decorated with striped black and white wallpaper and fabrics in shades of orange, lilac, and blue. It featured mirrors and captivating artwork, a sitting area, a very comfortable king-size bed, a spacious marble bathroom and a walk-in closet. What impressed me most were the little details that made all the difference. From the gold slippers and fantastic amenitiess—such as the hand wash that smelled so delightful that I requested to take some with me on my way out—to the delicious little treats left on our bedside tables each night during turn-down service, everything was sekected with great care and exceptional taste.
The breakfast served in the restaurant room, with its painted ceilings and impressive chandelier, was delightful. In addition to the à la carte menu offering eggs and various vegetarian options, we were presented with a plate of small pastries that changed daily, along with jams, honey, and a basket of bread placed on the crisp white linen tablecloth. This was followed by an assortment of croissants and Danish pastries, offering a selection for everyone to enjoy. All were of excellent quality, including the eggs and the croque madame that we tried.
Reflecting the high standard of the F&B service, we were treated to a delightful experience one evening in the Music Room before heading out for dinner. In the spirit of the Italian aperitivo tradition, Pan`s negroni arrived accompanied by a three-tiered tray filled with small savoury delicacies, all of which we eagerly devoured.
As you can imagine, we were thoroughly impressed with the hotel and our stay; after all, small, unique hotels suit our preferences more than large, bustling establishments, and we don`t mind missing some amenities that others might consider essential, such as a spa or a gym. At Palazzo Roma, I enjoyed everything. The only thing I would have preferred is an outdoor patio or terrace, but that`s a minor detail since just a two-minute walk behind the hotel leads to Piazza di Pietra, home to Hadrian`s Temple and a couple of small cafes that welcomed us for our coffee or drinks al fresco, along with Panos` daily cigar.
In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Palazzo Roma`s general manager, Mr. Oliver Hutten, and his entire team, whose kindness and attentiveness made our stay truly unforgettable.
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