Local: Rome

Not very typical but the San Crispino does not leave the gelato on display for your appreciation, the justification being that gelato must be kept under lids in order to keep cold. There are signs everywhere saying that the gelato is artisanal. We opted for traditional pistachio, which was not just creamy but had small pieces of pistachio in the ice cream. The highlight though… Read more »

A super traditional old school restaurant with a faithful clientele, located in the Jewish ghettos. It is right in a typical Roman patio with fading paint and plant pots hung on walls, traditional tables and chairs as well as waiters who appear to have been serving there for life. Lovely classical china and silver tableware complete the environment. We had the famous artichokes giuidia as… Read more »

A true old school trattoria where tradition and a faithful clientele are the pillars. The ambience is as old style as possible and they offer an extensive menu. Many antipasti, typical meat dishes including trippe a la romana (for the brave), fish and seafood with pasta or by itself. If you are looking for a trendy cool Italian venue, this is not the place, but… Read more »

A typical homely Italian restaurant in lively Trastevere. This restaurant is tiny, maybe 12 tables, with mamma’s plaid tablecloths and nonna’s food. Tables near us had families that probably have been tasting Tony’s food for generations. Tony himself interacts a lot: he comes to the table, checks if everything was satisfactory and shows great appreciation when customers compliment his food. We were in a large… Read more »

An ice cream and chocolate chain to be found in many cities of Italy. It is worth trying, particularly on very hot summer days, in which case we recommend the refreshing mango or lemon. Chocolate lovers do not waste time and order the chocolate nougatine, superb! Spoil yourself and buy some chocolates or their incredible own version of the Nutella spread to take back to… Read more »

If you are looking to stay in the bohemian Monti Rione neighborhood, the Luxus is probably the best hotel option in the region. The neighborhood is getting trendier by the day, probably due to its ability to maintain the local Italian authenticity of a residential area yet still be somewhat close to the city’s attractions: a 15-minute walk will take you to the Coliseum, Fontana… Read more »

You get a sense for the history of this old aristocratic mansion, which was once a Monastery, right at entrance. As you look up from the small reception desk, you will see vaulted ceilings and large marble inscriptions on the walls. Perfectly situated on what we reckon is one of the best areas in Rome, on charming Via Giulia, a street where the aristocracy once… Read more »

A very attentive staff welcomes you to the small chic black and white lobby of this design hotel. The hotel’s name pays homage to the a nobleman and Albanian greatest national hero who bought the palace in the 15th century. There is a modern living room by reception and a quaint breakfast room, providing for a comfortable and stylish stay in town. It is only… Read more »

You simply cannot get any closer to the old part of town, Colosseum included. The impression you have is that if you open your bedroom windows and stretch out your arms you will touch the Forum. The Nerva is quintessentially boutique: everything in this charming 19-room property is small, cozy and welcoming. Yet, the Nerva is not small when it comes to attention to detail… Read more »

The Naiadi is a grand hotel with all the structure you can expect. A sumptuous classical lobby, with high ceilings and chandeliers, large Reception and Concierge desks, often helping the many guests. There is an upscale restaurant (the popular Eataly is next door also) and two others, a swimming pool upstairs (a lovely rare find in Rome) and a delightful bar under the beautiful arcade… Read more »

A magnificent property set in an aristocratic mansion that was home to a prominent family in days past, and has been gloriously converted into a luxurious boutique hotel. We particularly loved the swimming pool, which you can seldom find in historical Rome, and is just perfect for a tranquil respite during the day and in between attractions or an early swim just before your business… Read more »

Located only blocks away from busy shopping streets like Corso or Condotti, busy piazzas Spagna and del Popolo, and we loved the fact that it is just away enough to enjoy some quietness whilst still being close to the sights. Located in elegant Via Margutta, this luxury boutique hotel was recently opened and feels brand new, with its stylish décor of light wood and mosaic… Read more »

On our latest stay we were quite pleased with this property, very well located on a quiet area only blocks away from busy Piazza di Spagna, a convenient proximity yet safe kept from the noise. Vias dei Condotti, del Corso and the upscale shopping district, as well as stunning Villa Borghese, were all within a five-minute walk. Actually, we had the same great experience at the… Read more »

We usually avoid hotel chains (decidedly impersonal), but this one is the crown jewel of the Meliá group, officially called Gran Meliá Rome. Located blocks away from the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Castel Sant’Angelo, Villa Agrippina is an authentic Italian villa, an urban oasis with beautiful landscaping and a great swimming pool, perfect to cool down during peak sun hours and in between strolls around… Read more »

The term hotel does not do this property justice, as it is more of an exclusive townhouse with hotel services. And certainly not a regular townhouse, at that. Luxurious design, impeccable style, authentic vintage furniture and modern sophistication are naturally commonplace in this tiny 8-room boutique property. The location is excellent, on a small quiet street just off via Giulia and walking distance to the… Read more »