W Rome

"Prepare for a W like you’ve never seen before, located in the heart of Ludovisi—a posh, quiet neighborhood abutting the Villa Borghese and just an arancino’s throw to the Spanish Steps. The brand’s first outpost in Italy captures the exuberant, energetic vibe that W is known for but ditches the dark models-and-bottles aesthetic, opting instead for spaces that look as good by day as they did the night before, while striking the right mix of elevated and playful. Award-winning firm Meyer Davis Studio oversaw the transformation of the property’s two 19th-century palazzi, which now feel thoroughly modern thanks to natural light, pastel palettes, and an alfresco courtyard filled with greenery and fountains. The rooms—some with views onto the neighboring Swiss Institute’s lavish gardens—have gorgeous herringbone wood floors, powder-blue walls with pink and navy furniture, and opulent marble bathrooms. But don’t let the hotel’s refined aesthetic fool you—this is still a place to see and be seen. Up on the rooftop you’ll find a plunge pool (that’s more suited for snapping selfies than swimming laps), as well as Seu Pizza Con Vista, one of Rome’s only rooftop bars. At sunset, it becomes one of the most magical places in the entire Eternal City." - Maresa Manara

"Why book? Style mavens and scene seekers will appreciate this stylish, spirited hotel’s cool décor and attitude Set the scene The opening of the W has been the talk of the town since the Marriott first dropped hints it would be bringing its upscale, risk-taking brand to the Eternal City. The pandemic caused a few delays, but now she’s here—drawing a well-traveled, design-savvy crowd who know when they’re onto a good thing: in this case, a lounge room instead of a lobby; and welcome desk pods instead of a check-in, plus a secret garden with tropical foliage where you can have a drink while you wait for your room to be ready. The backstory The W hotel brand has always combined elegance and youthful energy, and W Rome keeps that same spirit, set across two 19th-century palazzos along Via Liguria, next to the Spanish steps. The design team (New York’s Meyer Davis Studio) has crafted the lobby and lounge area with panache, daring to take a traditional setting and adding colorful leather furniture against thick stone walls, plus plenty of reflective surfaces that add a reflective glow to the room. There are head-turning sculptures and wall-encompassing art, juxtaposed by black and grey marble flooring. They’ve kept elements of surprise throughout, like the hidden door in the bathroom that leads to the hotel’s secret garden, with a kissing bench, bird baths, and water fountains. The rooms The 147 rooms (and 15 suites) are generous in size, giving the feeling of being in your own apartment rather than a hotel. Most have balconies and terraces, but guests are here for the W’s flair of mixing colors and prints: like the red velvet curtains that contrast with the herringbone floors and the pale blue walls. Bed frames are the W’s signature ochre, and there are big graphic prints in bold shades of orange, red, and green. The bathrooms were our favorite feature: marble clad with rain showers and snazzy fuchsia accessories. Rates from $800 per night. Food and drink The W’s restaurant scene lasts well into the early hours – even breakfast (fresh pastries, cakes, and chocolates) feels like a party. On-site restaurant Giano – run by superstar chef Ciccio Sultano – offers a contemporary take on Sicilian dishes, but in our opinion the aperitivo (from 6pm) is even better, with Sicilian street food specialties matched to local cocktails (The live DJ soundtrack and t-shirt clad staff reflect the clientele). When the weather warms up, Roman pizzaiolo Pier Daniele Seu spins out top-notch pies at the hotel’s seasonal rooftop pizzeria, Seu Pizza con Vista. The spa There’s no spa per se, but the fitness center—Wellness at W Rome—is run by Italian athlete Pietro Boselli and offers everything from boxing to yoga and personalized running routes around the city. The neighborhood/area This Roman landmark is a few steps from Piazza di Spagna, a two-minute walk to the people watching and boutique shopping area of Via Condotti, and a 15-minute walk to the Trevi fountain. The service The slicked hair, t-shirt wearing, tattooed staff are a tad too cool for school; but once you get their attention, they’re always keen to help." - Maresa Manara

"Prepare for a W like you’ve never seen before, located in the heart of Ludovisi—a posh, quiet neighborhood abutting the Villa Borghese and just an arancino’s throw to the Spanish Steps. The brand’s first outpost in Italy captures the exuberant, energetic vibe that W is known for but ditches the dark models-and-bottles aesthetic, opting instead for spaces that look as good by day as they did the night before..." - CNT Editors

"Prepare for a W like you’ve never seen before, located in the heart of Ludovisi—a posh, quiet neighborhood abutting the Villa Borghese and just an arancino’s throw to the Spanish Steps." - CNT Editors

"The young and hip W brand is all grown up, and it’s revealing some next-gen hotels to prove it. Case in point: the new W Rome, which swaps the brand’s once signature party aesthetic for intimate, high design interiors. Spread over two adjacent 19th century palazzos, the 162 guest rooms of this Meyer Davis-designed hotel are illuminated by colorful leather furnishings, patterned half-moon couches, and tasteful gold trim. Most major sights are within easy access–for example, the Spanish Steps and Trevi Foundation are about 10 minutes away on foot. Between explorations, sip on an aperitivo in the open-air courtyard or in the secret magic garden within the property. Or feast on Sicilian-Roman fusion cuisine (think paccheri pasta with aubergine, tomatoes, and ricotta) at Giano Restaurant by chef Ciccio Sultano, whose Ciccio Sultano Duomo in the Sicilian city of Ragusa is decorated with two Michelin stars." - Paul Rubio