TRAVEL

In the ancient Italian capital, revered crumbling relics stubbornly hold position on every corner. Its grand theatrical architecture seduces and its slow decay over millennia has established Rome’s uniquely elegant style that has earned the city the accolade of the most visited location in Italy.

Rome’s recent hotel additions respect its past but embrace the tastes and needs of the modern, remote working traveller. A number of contemporary hotels have opened in the last year from some of the trendiest hotel brands. The W, Soho House, Six Senses and the Hoxton have all launched in neighbourhoods previously overlooked by tourists. We round up four of the best new hotels.

The Hoxton

Just like its London big sister, the Hoxton Rome is in the trendy part of town. The Hoxton Rome is the 10th to open from the brand and for such a stylish stay, is great value for money. The hotel’s location in the northern suburb of the Salario district has some of the city’s most beautiful parks, coolest cultural spots and arguably best gelato on its door step. Leafy Villa Borghese, the MARCO (Museum of Contemporary Art) and the MAXXI (National Museum of 21 st Century Art) are all within walking distance. Whats more, being in a largely residential area enables greater community immersion, and I’d thoroughly recommend exploring the local area on one of the hotel’s bicycles. The Hoxtonmakes sure none of the mundane elements of hotels can be felt by guests: the reception desk is tucked into a corner surrounded by cosy velvet sofas and almost too many plants, making check in a pleasant experience, and the relaxed and reasonably priced Italian-Californian ‘Beverly’ restaurant is a delight. Meander through the working space, coffee bar and takeaway counter, which blend into one light flooded space, expanding out to a shady outdoor terrace. It’s a community space too, enabling guests to hang out with locals over coffee or aperitivo.

The rooms celebrate the hotel building’s former 1970’s features with recovered Murano glass chandeliers, parquet floors, statement headboards and brass lighting features throughout. Its an excellent choice for solo or slow travellers wanting somewhere stylish but reasonably priced.

Soho House Rome

Just beyond Rome’s ancient walls in the gritty neighbourhood of San Lorenzo, the Soho House network has opened another exquisite hotel and hangout exclusively for its members. San Lorenzo is a gritty, artistic, student neighbourhood located just north of Termini station, where creatives mingle among coffee shops, indie boutiques, record stores, and pop-up cinemas.

Exemplifying the area and not to be missed, is lunch at Pastificio, a contemporary osteria with a retro atmosphere in a former pasta factory. You couldn’t find somewhere more Italian. Part of the art foundation Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, grab lunch, see an exhibi-