Portrait Roma
"How did it strike you on arrival?Portrait Roma, from the Ferragamo family, is as pretty as a picture. On one of Rome’s most fashionable streets, Via Bocca di Leone, mahogany doors open to a shiny hallway, complete with big, blowout black and white snaps of Salvatore Ferragamo himself. Up the stairs, the photographs keep on coming, leading to rooms as chic as the entrance. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.There are 14 luxury suites here, each with their own unique style. The Via Condotti suite is grand but comfortable, with polished parquet floors, tanned leather stools, creamy lampshades and baby blue curtains. Everything’s light and modern, and the separate kitchen area and lounge room make it feel like (your most luxurious) home. Oh, and the welcome Prosecco went down a treat. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?There’s a pillow and a sheet menu, and once you’ve taken your pick, the staff will dress the bed, setting you up for a snug night’s sleep. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Where do we begin? The Nespresso machine and kettle satiated our caffeine needs, and the mini bar is stocked well enough for us to make our own Campari cocktaila. There’s even a microwave, and a private gym, complete with a technogym ball and yoga mat. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.These might just be the hotel bathrooms of our dreams. Carrera marble, with bath products made by none other than Ferragamo. There are even cute little bottles of mouthwash, a decent-sized shaving kit, and hair straighteners, to combat any summer frizz. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is free and strong. Room service: Worth it?The room service menu is pretty standard, but there’s plenty of good stuff on there. The ham and cheese toastie is good value at €12, and the club sandwich is packed with turkey, bacon, salad, cheese, tomato and mayo, for €15. The vegan version—with carrots, avocado, salad, grilled eggplant, and sundried tomatoes—makes for a tasty non-meat alternative (€15). Portrait Roma’s also got some of Rome’s best restaurants (including celeb favourite Roscioli and pizzeria Sorbillo) on speed dial. Call the concierge and they’ll deliver your chosen meal straight to the hotel’s rooftop terrace. For familiesBoutique hotels aren’t always known for being family friendly, but at Portrait Roma the little ones are just as welcome as adults. There’s not a cot bed in sight; instead, you can choose from three family suites, which can host up to 10 guests. While suites are different shapes and sizes, all have separate living areas, and – crucially – outdoor space. Those wanting to prepare their own meals can request the Portrait Family Accommodation terrace, which comes with its own kitchen and sauna for relaxing in once the kids are in bed. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Head to the rooftop terrace for cocktails, or ask one of the hotel’s ‘lifestyle assistants’ (read: new generation of concierge) for dining tips, a personal shopping tour, or a trip around Rome in a Ferrari. You can even book into a cooking class where your own personal butler takes you food shopping at Campo dei Fiori, then shows you how to make a dinner party menu of Roman classics, all in an historic 19th century Roman home. Basically, whatever you need, they’ll make it happen. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Portrait Roma is elegant and beautiful, but it’s the personal touches that make it truly stand out. You can invite your friends up for a private party on the hotel terrace, or take advantage of the complimentary shopping card, which gives guests a 10 percent discount at Rome’s most stylish boutiques—with extra sweet benefits if you shop at Ferragamo. Later, head to the hotel’s White Iris Beauty Spa for a relaxing hot stone massage. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It’s worth it just for the chance to live in a private pied-à-terre with luxury hotel trappings." - Maresa Manara
