Hotel Eden

This stately hotel is as much part of the fabric of Rome as the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain. Hotel Eden dates back to 1889 – which is pretty recent for such an ancient city – and was built as an apartment building before quickly being converted into a hotel. Swanky from the start, it was the first hotel in Rome with elevators and electricity and remains the height of luxury. Since 2013 it’s been part of the Dorchester Collection, alongside the London hotel of the same name, the Beverly Hills Hotel in California and Le Meurice in Paris, so you’re in safe (and extremely) fancy hospitality hands.

Why stay at Hotel Eden?

This lavish six storey hotel had a thorough revamp in 2017, and the number of guest rooms was cut from 121 to 98, meaning bigger and better suites in addition to a glitzy new rooftop restaurant. If you’re used to the finer things in life, you’ll feel very at home here, and if you’re set on exploring Rome by foot (the easiest way to traverse such a hectic city), then you’ve found the ideal base. Painted bright yellow and sat on the corner of Via Ludovisi, it’s situated directly to the south of the landscaped Villa Borghese gardens. You’re also a moment’s stroll from the Spanish Steps as well as the ultra classy Via Veneto. Ten minutes more and you’ll get to the chaos of the Trevi Fountain. Compared to the crowds outside, Eden feels like an oasis. 

What are the rooms like at Hotel Eden?

There are 68 rooms and 30 suites. Ours has high ceilings, mirrored wardrobes, and a white marble bathroom. It’s all very crisp and traditional but ultra luxe, with white panelled walls and big, gold-green brocade drapes. There’s a touch of tasteful art in the shape of historic Roman prints, and a coffee machine and well-stocked mini bar. Beds are super comfy and our floor to ceiling windows and juliet balcony offers an incredible view over the city. Rome, you’re gorgeous. 

What is the food like at Hotel Eden?

Breakfast is a bready and cakey affair. It takes place in the 6th floor restaurant, Il Giardino, where the views are even better than they are from our room. Take in the spectacular skyline and gaze over towards St Peter’s Basilica with a cappuccino in hand. Head to La Terrazza in the evening, for a Michelin star tasting menu that combines Roman and Japanese cuisine. But the best bit? Gazing at walls by the restaurants, which drip with signed photos from the hotel’s starry guestlist, including the vintage Hollywood likes of Ava Gardner, Orson Welles and Jane Fonda.

What’s the area like around Hotel Eden?

You’re in elegant Rome here, right by Via Veneto, the centre of the action in Federico Fellini’s ultra glam 1960 masterpiece La Dolce Vita. Close too is the rococo confection of Harry’s Bar, which might be a bit of a tourist trap, but it’s hard to shake off so many decades of chic. If you consider yourself to be a goth, then don your blackest jacket and visit the nearby Capuchin Crypt, which contains the skulls and bones of almost 4,000 friars who died between 1528 and 1870. Intense!

DETAILS

Address: Via Ludovisi, 49, Rome, 00187 Roma RM

Expect to pay: Low season from €1,050. High season from €1,360.

Closest transport: Metro Spagna