InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace by IHG

InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace

"Why book This new InterContinental on Via Veneto has opened to rave reviews thanks, in part, to its striking location in a grand Renaissance Revival palazzo—also the former American Embassy Library. There are 160 stylish and modern rooms but it’s the hotel’s communal areas that stand out, with neoclassical touches (marble busts, chandeliers, big marble columns) offering nods to the building’s storied past. Generous-sized rooms, high quality amenities and familiar services (rooftop, gym, lounge bar) make for an extremely comfortable stay. Set the scene You don’t get much more iconic than this location in the heart of Via Veneto—the perfect setting for an established luxury hotel like the InterContinental, which straddles the line between the more ornate five-star spots of yesteryear and the more modern lifestyle hotels. The vibe here is definitely old-school sophisticated, but it’s not fusty or boring, thanks to a pared-back interior design that manages to keep the buildings sweeping staircase and grand marble lobby looking clean and fresh. Refreshingly, there’s no attitude here—as can sometimes be the case in more trad hotels. Guests in tees and trainers are treated the same as the couple in fur coats. The backstory Located in the heart of Rome on the legendary Via Veneto, the property was originally built in 1900 to host ambassadors staying in Rome, before serving as the American Embassy Library in 1946. The rooms All 160 rooms and suites are comfortable but uncluttered, with contemporary furnishings. The beds are big and comfortable, with soft leather headboards and fluffy sheets (quilts are hypoallergenic and there’s an extensive pillow menu). All rooms offer sweeping views, and have well-stocked minibars with snacks and spirits (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), plus a Nespresso coffee machine and a kettle with a good selection of tea. Bathrooms are clad in marble, with rainshowers and big bath tubs. While the classic rooms are small but well-proportioned, high rollers will love the suites, with their separate living areas and spacious terrace overlooking Via Veneto. Food and drink Scarpetta NYC is the hotel’s signature restaurant, serving Italian-American cuisine in a stylish dining area that buzzes with locals and hotel guests. An attentive team of staff (shoutout to Gianluca) are on hand to steer you through a menu of sashimi-style starters, hand-cut pastas and hearty mains (braised ox cheek, NY strip steak, roast chicken). The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, while the bar (and nightly live DJ sets) keeps going from 6pm to 1am. The neighbourhood On your doorstep you’ve got Via Veneto, with Villa Borghese, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps a ten-minute walk away. Guests can ask the concierge team to put together a bespoke itinerary, whether it’s a picnic in Villa Borghese or a private tour of Rome. The service The service is immaculate, from the chatty doormen who’ll whisk your bags to your room, to the smooth front desk team, to the concierge who are there to create a bespoke itinerary of Rome based on your interests." - Maresa Manara