Hotel Vilon

Though it only has 18 rooms, the Hotel Vilon feels like a bigger endeavor -- perhaps because the attention to detail here reaches fairly incredible heights. Immediately upon walking inside, you know you've entered a rarified space. Moody lighting, glossy surfaces, deep jewel tones and shimmering metallic pieces, along with Art Deco sculptures and contemporary art don't so much overwhelm as wash over you in a consuming wave of luxury living. Seated check-in is a calming affair, and guests are personally escorted to their rooms, though you'd be wise to head right back down to the lounge, which is easily one of the most attractive bars in the city. It's a curated space, but effortlessly so, with sofas and chairs flanked by art books and quirky local publications, all under Art Deco lighting and eye-catching contemporary art (the Velazquez-inspired Massimo Listri image that dominates one wall is particularly noteworthy). Even something as simple as an espresso comes dressed to the nines, in exquisite china and accompanied by a plate of petit fours. This level of attention is carried throughout the entire hotel, which occupies a former finishing school for women and is attached to Palazzo Borghese. It's a retreat for well-heeled, style-conscious leisure travelers that's poised to take a formidable place in the city's social landscape as well. 

The area surrounding Hotel Vilon has been awash in money for centuries -- look no farther than the hotel's neighbor, the Palazzo Borghese, which once housed the family that helped make Rome what it is today. These days, the neighborhood -- known as Campo Marzio -- is packed with designer and luxury boutiques, international outlets, terrace cafes, and lively restaurants. It also happens to be incredibly convenient for ticking off those must-see Rome sights. The Spanish Steps are just over a five-minute walk from the hotel, while Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese are 10 to 15 minutes away on foot. To the west is the Tiber River and the upmarket Prati district. It's only a 15-minute walk to Castello Sant'Angelo, with its beautiful riverfront setting and direct views to St. Peter's Basilica. A five-minute walk to Piazza di Spagna puts you at the closest metro station, and it's a 15-minute trip to Termini for trains to Fiumicino Airport (which run every 30 minutes). Otherwise, expect a 40-minute trip to the airport via the hotel's car service.  

It's hard to decide what's more impressive about the rooms here: the amount of space on offer, the amazing decor, or the peace and quiet. All three aren't exactly common in Rome, a chaotic city where real estate comes at a premium (and where hotels are often old and tired). However, the 18 rooms and suites here all feature bold artwork, which is artfully arranged along shelves over the beds in a bohemian flourish. It's especially appealing when contrasted with the range of colors found across all units -- from navy blue to sea-foam green or smooth creamy shades, and even the occasional floral accent wall. Dark hardwood floors elevate the classy finish, with pops of color in the carpets and soft furnishings pulling the look together.Most rooms here fall into the hotel's entry-level category, Vilon Charming, but even these are spacious and include generous extras like Bluetooth soundsystems, Smart TVs, welcome treats, evening turndown service, down bedding, massive wardrobes, individually controlled air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Many of the hotel's rooms overlook the Borghese Gardens, and of those we suggest opting for one with a terrace. Serious upgrades are available in the hotel's suites, like the Borghese Suite, which has a proper spa-worthy bathroom that features the original marble cisterns from the centuries-old property plus a walk-in closet-slash-dressing room. Bathrooms are attractive even in standard rooms, though, with marble surfaces and walk-in rainfall showers. The Dead Sea bath products are made exclusively for the hotel. All rooms are exceptionally quiet, though keep in mind that you'll need to order your morning coffee or head to the lounge, as there are no coffeemakers in rooms.

The ethos at this hotel is all about ambience and the smallest details being addressed before you knew you wanted them. So while there aren't a ton of features, what's on offer is executed to a highly thought-out degree. The action centers on the hotel's lounge bar, which is more of a hyper-refined and super-stylish living room for guests and locals seeking refuge from the city outside. It's a perfect spot to kick back with an espresso in the afternoon or a cocktail in the evening, with an exclusive, yet approachable vibe. The art alone is worth some time spent here, though if you look hard enough you may find books that help decode Italian hand gestures and other cool bespoke additions. Adjacent to this is the hotel's attractive restaurant, which serves a popular weekend brunch and -- as of late 2018 -- plans are in the works to host low-key music on select nights. All three meals are on offer at the restaurant, and breakfast scores particularly rave reviews from previous guests. There's also a lovely terrace. Twenty-four hour room service is available. Car services can be booked and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.