Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

The relatively humdrum exteriors of this historic bank building give way to a lobby of deep reds and rich browns covering the floors, the ceilings, and the furniture. The concierge sits on zebra-fabric chairs guarded by two giant-size, Japanese warrior statues, and guests can only catch a glimpse of the significant areas (front desk, public lounge, gift shop) though openings in the mahogany walls. Despite an undercurrent of grandeur, there's no bustle of activity in the compact lobby.The provocative design themes were created by architect Adam D. Tihany who planned to show the contrast between Paradise (the lower-floor spa) and Hell (the main public area). Tihany used inspiration from Dante’s Inferno. The Aleph is not the place to go if you don't like the color red -- but the decor creates a sense of decadent and slightly naughty fun.The Red Library is unique, offering shiny Chesterfield couches (in red leather of course), and providing a quiet spot for an informal business meeting or quiet glass of wine.

The hotel is located across from a bank and a barber shop, and down the road from the popular Locanda Barberini restaurant. Many more restaurants, bars, and shops are nearby on Via del Tritone_, _and the hotel is also just off the fashionable Via Veneto.The hotel is right near the Piazza Barberini and 220 yards from Barberini Metro Station. It's a good location for sightseeing in Rome with many points of interest within walking distance, including the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. There's frequent taxi service and solid bus service.For outdoor fun, the Villa Borghese (a 13-minute walk) offers extensive park areas and gardens and its popular for strolling, jogging, and cycling.- 4-minute walk to the Capuchin Crypt on Via Vittoria Veneto

• 5-minute walk to the National Gallery of Ancient Art in the Barberini Palace
• 10-minute walk to the Spanish Steps
• 11-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain

The 96 rooms at the Aleph showcase Italian styles of the 1930s and 1940s in details such as the geometric print rugs. Large black and white prints of New York street photographer Bram Tihany are on the walls, portraying daily life in Rome. Murano Liberty glasswares are used as accents to the Art Deco furnishings. True to theme, most rooms are decorated in either white and blue (heaven) or white, pink and red (hell). Amenities include minibars, bathrobes, and slippers; hypo-allergenic bedding is available.Rooms have views of the Via San Basilio or of the internal courtyard. Bathrooms have blue and white mosaic tiling and an amenities tray of a dozen toiletries; some have showers with rainfall showerheads, though they are not fully enclosed by the glass partition and the rest of the bathroom can get wet.The Exclusive Rooms have large private terraces (from 132 to 181 square feet), with views of the rooftops of Rome. The terraces have private lounge chairs and umbrella tables. The Aleph also offers Executive Suites with a lounge and living area that's separate from the bedroom. The bathroom has a hydromassage tub.

The Caschera spa features an indoor pool in a Roman bath style, a jacuzzi area (with no seats), a sauna, and a hammam. The full-service spa is entered through the doors of the old bank vault, and guests get free access to facilities. The fitness center is big and bright, but the equipment is a bit limited and not the most modern. For business, there is a high-tech conference room seating up to 60 people. Free newspapers are delivered daily, and the Library on the main floor provides a small and informal working area as well as cocktails.The Bar has plush red velvet seating, wood-paneled walls, and zebra print accents. Near the main elevators, it's a comfy place to enjoy appetizers and cocktails. The restaurant, also decorated in reds and browns, has somewhat pricey a la carte dishes prepared with local ingredients. Dioniso Wine Bar and Settimo Cielo (on the rooftop terrace) also provide options for good wine and light fare.