Hotel Locarno

Originally founded in 1925, the Hotel Locarno has become something of a destination for locals and tourists alike. Since opening in 1925, and expanding into the 1905-built palazzo next door, the hotel has been drawing artists, musicians, and -- lately -- start-up entrepreneurs and influencers to its beautiful Art Deco spaces. The style throughout is impeccable, with original mosaic floors, ornate detailing, and artwork found throughout the property. The bar itself -- with its dramatic wood-and-mirror finish -- is worth a photoshoot. You'll often spot real photoshoots taking place in the outdoor terrace, where vines lend the space a discrete atmosphere that bodes well for couples seeking romance and businesspeople talking shop in equal measure. At night, the terrace is quite the scene, buzzing to life around Rome's famous aperitivo hour -- when local workers flood the bars and restaurants in boisterous groups. Is it a budget-friendly spot? Not at all. But for travelers who want a touch of Roman history without sacrificing style or quality, Hotel Locarno is worth checking out. Keep in mind that you aren't getting much for your money here, though -- yes, the hotel has a concierge and free bikes, but overall it's more about location and crashing at a hotel that's pretty and part of the local social landscape. 

Hotel Locarno is in a great spot, just off the majestic Piazza del Popolo in Rome's trendy Campo Marzio district. The immediate area is relatively quiet, though even side streets in Rome see their fair share of noisy traffic. Head in any direction and you're likely to find a cute cafe, charming restaurant, lively bar, or high-end boutique. Piazza del Popolo, with its monumental architecture and churches holding Caravaggios and Raphaels, is only a two-minute walk from the hotel, and it's just a few minutes farther to the western edge of Villa Borghese. Via Margutta, a quiet lane that's lined with art galleries and boutiques, is seven minutes away on foot, while the ever-crowded Spanish Steps are around a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Heading in the opposite direction across the Tiber River, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Castel Sant'Angelo on foot. Alternatively, there's a metro station on the north side of Piazza del Popolo (Metro Flaminio), for quick access to sites in Prati (including the Vatican and St. Peter's Square) and around Termini Station. The cheapest way to reach Fiumicino Airport is by taking the metro to Termini and then the express train -- all-in the journey shouldn't take more than 50 minutes. Otherwise a taxi takes anywhere from 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. 

Rooms here are spacious when compared to other upscale Rome hotels, but where they excel is their perfectly executed classic style. You'll find a mix of old-school Rome, Art Deco, and gilded age styles throughout the rooms here. Details are mixed and no two rooms are alike. Some feature perfect parquet floors while others are done in granite mosaics, all of which is complemented by mature plants, velvet furniture, hand-carved wood pieces, and artwork. There's a convincingly styled throwback vibe in all room categories, though the best rooms add small balconies overlooking the quaint street below. Our room -- a Premium Corner Room -- had two balconies. Other must-have details include heavy curtains and retractable metal screens on all windows to block out the light for those who spent their nights partying it up at the area's bars. Expect flat-screen TVs, minibars, free bottled water, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, huge closets or wardrobes, and seating areas in all rooms. The antique bathrooms -- with clawfoot tubs, dramatic black marble, and all sorts of dazzling design features -- are stunning. However, our unit only had a hand-held shower in the tub, making a quick morning rinse slightly more labor-intensive. Still, it's pitch--perfect for this hotel's throwback vibe. Also keep in mind that like nearly every street in Rome, traffic noise can carry here -- light sleepers might request a room toward the back (and not overlooking the terrace bar).

Given its historic setting and the fact that most boutique hotels in Rome are thin on features, it's perhaps not surprising that Hotel Locarno doesn't have too much to offer. However, while many Rome hotels try to bill themselves as social hubs, Hotel Locarno effortlessly operates as one on a daily (and nightly) basis. The action is centered around the ground-floor bar, which is a beautiful gem lifted straight from the hotel's glory days in the early 20th century. Outdoors, a terrace clad in vines and small sculptures draws scene-savvy locals all day and night. The kitchen serves an array of speakeasy fare, with inspirations drawn from classic Roman fare and pub food. A continental breakfast takes place here (or indoors when there's rain), and includes a great array of fresh local and organic fare. Keep in mind that breakfast is not included in rates and prices can be steep (that goes for cocktails and food here in general). Free bikes are available to use, and there's a tranquil rooftop terrace that has great views of the local rooftops. If you're lucky, you might spot a hummingbird flitting in and out of the flowering plants all around.