The First Musica by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts
"Why book? An elegant new addition to Rome’s riverside, celebrating the city’s finest art, music and gastronomy Set the scene Located on the banks of Tiber, The First Musica stands out from Prati’s grand old palazzos with its modern, cubist design. While the mid-century palazzo was originally designed by esteemed Roman architect Mario Docci, it’s been given a facelift by Studio Marincola, who have brought plenty of light into the concrete building through big, oversized windows. The location itself is perfect for people watching: cultured Romans walking along the river, cashmere sweaters slung over their shoulders. The hotel’s clientele is young and deep pocketed, who work hard and play hard–appreciative of both the big, modernist artworks in the rooms by day, and the rooftop aperitivo and weekend DJ sets by night. The backstory The First Musica completes The Pavilions Hotels and Resorts triptych of urban resorts in Rome (they also run The First Arte and The First Dolce). The rooms There are just 24 rooms and suites here, all with muted décor: dark walls and big, abstract artworks. Furnishings, too, are dark with smart brass accents – but happily, the floor-to-ceiling windows bring in plenty of light. Bathrooms are big and marble, with rain showers and Bang & Olufsen speakers so you never need to be without music. Food and drink It feels like a rooftop restaurant is mandatory for new Rome hotels, and The First Musica is no exception. Guests can head to Alto, the hotel’s restaurant and cocktail bar, (spread across three floors, including the rooftop), for signature seafood delights from Daniele Lippi (of Acquolina fame) and Matteo Cavoli: shrimp carpaccio with berries and rucola, scallops with Parma ham and sage, lobster taglioni and perfectly fried fish of the day. Finish the night off with a cocktail on the rooftop overlooking Rome. The neighborhood/area Upscale Prati is one of Rome’s smartest neighborhoods, full of beautiful old palazzi and within walking distance to the city’s best sights (it’s a 6-minute walk to Piazza del Popolo). Rome’s modern Ara Pacis Museum is close by, almost directly opposite the hotel, on the other side of the Tiber. The service The staff are laid-back but easily approachable, eager to help without being intrusive. Even the most unexpected requests – like whether we could borrow their candles and table décor for an upcoming film shoot – didn’t faze them." - Maresa Manara
