Margutta 19

Margutta 19 makes a charmed first impression — you step from a perfectly cobblestoned street right into a chic Art Nouveau-inspired lobby that makes for a fittingly luxurious welcome. It's a refined, yet casual place, where the hushed vibe and discreet appearance all bely high-end extras and an attention to detail that's not always found in Rome. That starts with check-in, where the concierge personally escorts guests to their room, explaining hotel and room features along the way. The style throughout the hotel is lifted out of the pages of classic design magazines, with lots of bright white tones contrasted by dark marble, handsome hardwood, and dramatic artwork. The end result is utterly Italian and a touch cinematic. That vibe extends to the destination dining found at the hotel where Assaggia restaurant pulls locals and tourists alike. Otherwise, expect to see mostly pairs of friends and couples at the property.

Margutta 19 has one of the city's best locations, settled along tranquil and picturesque Via Margutta. This cobblestone street is lined with art galleries, designer boutiques, and cafes that give the area a more tranquil vibe than the rest of the neighborhood. Just at the end of the block is one of the Rome's main roads, which cuts through posh Campo Marzio to Piazza del Popolo, which is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel's front door. There are almost countless shopping and dining options all around, and the Spanish Steps are also less than 10 minutes away on foot. The border of leafy Villa Borghese and historic Villa Medici are both within a 10-minute walk as well. Upscale Prati is just across the Tiber River, a 15-minute walk from the hotel. It's 20 minutes on foot to Castel Sant'Angello and about 25 minutes to the Vatican. You can also reach the Vatican Museums in just 15 minutes by using the metro from Piazza del Popolo (the Flaminio stop). Expect a 45 to 50-minute trip to Fiumicino Airport by taxi or car service. It's about an hour to the airport by using the metro and trains from Termini Station. 

The rooms here come in a range of configurations, and while there are certainly differences in layouts, all are stylish and come with a nice set of luxury perks that's rare in Rome. Expect a mix of classic Italian style and contemporary details, with handsome neutral tones, dark marble details, and subtle art all creating a luxurious homelike vibe. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms can be compact (and lack much of a view), but higher-category suites have a ton of space and look onto either the rear gardens or pretty Via Margutta. These units also have separate living and sleeping areas, and some even include balconies. We love the thoughtful touches here, which include biscotti and welcome letters upon arrival, free non-alcoholic minibars and bespoke snacks that are restocked every morning, and Nespresso machines with unlimited coffee. On top of this, expect air-conditioning, Smart TVs, Handy phones, free Wi-Fi, and roomy closets, plus beds dressed in down comforters and Frette linens. Marble bathrooms are beautiful and include double sinks, extensive toiletry kits, Molton Brown bath products and rainfall showers. Higher-category rooms have freestanding bathtubs as well. All rooms are exceedingly quiet at night. 

Like most luxury boutique hotels in Rome, features are fairly limited here, though the addition of Assaggia restaurant adds a dose of refined buzz to the hotel. Here, reservations are recommended for dinner, where locals and tourists alike snag tables in the moody, romantically lit space. The menu consists of updated Roman fare, and there's an outdoor terrace for when the weather is nice. Breakfast is also served here, and includes made-to-order coffee plus a spread of continental fare that goes heavy on local and organic options. It's included with rates. The front desk is staffed around the clock and provides concierge services. Car services can also be booked. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.