[category]
[title]
Delayed train. Hungry. Wheelie bag rattling uncontrollably over the cobbles. Arriving in the Eternal City, I felt the eternal irritations shared by business travellers and holiday-makers entering the hectic maze of Roma Termini station. A half hour walk through the hustle and bustle later (note to self: take a taxi next time), stepping through the door into First Arte Roma felt all the more rewarding.
The small yet luxurious 5 star hotel is perfectly positioned in Rome’s historic centre. It’s an 8-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, 4 minutes from Piazza del Popolo, and less than a minute from a stroll along the banks of the Tiber. Tick, tick tick - in terms of location. But what you might not expect before stepping inside this elegant 19th century townhouse is over 200 original works of art.
Why stay at First Arte Roma?
Obviously, Italy’s capital city is bursting at the seams with art and culture. But what makes this hotel so special is its celebration of contemporary, mostly living Italian artists. We’re not just talking about a few paintings in the hotel lobby, but dozens of unique pieces in every room, forming a living and constantly evolving gallery. The owners did a massive refurbishment in 2024, and chose a dedicated artist for each of the four floors of the hotel. Within this, each room is curated by a contemporary artist with an exhibit that excites curiosity. If you’re interested in finding out more, there’s even a dedicated ‘Art Gallery Consultant’ on site who can give you a proper tour. Aside from all the art, it’s an excellent choice for a business trip to the city: super-fast wifi, seamless airport transfers, laundry, shoe shining and valet parking are all just a click away. If that’s not enough, there’s a two-Michelin star restaurant on site that serves up some of the best seafood in the capital. Oh, and you can even pay with Cryptocurrency.
What are the rooms like at First Arte Roma?
All the hotel’s 26 rooms come with a deliciously comfortable king size bed, as well as little treats like espresso machines and Acqua di Parma toiletaries. I was staying in a spacious SPA Suite View on the fourth floor, where the walls are dedicated to Neapolitan artist Giovanni De Angelis’s monochrome photography of Roman trees. A blue colour palette runs throughout the rooms, with smart cream boiserie-style walls and navy velvet armchairs to sink into after a day pounding the streets. The highlight, though, was the private terrace, complete with an al fresco hot tub. The all-marble bathroom, with a rain shower and fluffy white robes, were the finishing flourish.
Which are the best restaurants at First Arte Roma?
No stay at First Arte Roma would be complete without a trip to Acquolina, their two Michelin-star restaurant. It’s one of Rome’s must-visit seafood restaurants, with just 28 seats and a smart, intimate vibe. Head Chef Daniele Lippi is in his mid-thirties, having risen quickly through the ranks after training at some of the world’s most outstanding fine dining establishments. For the full experience, opt for the Periplo menu, where tuna, langoustine, and sea urchin are all served in creative ways.
If you’re after something more casual, the aptly named spinoff Acquaroof has an all-day menu and some of the most incredible rooftop views in this part of Rome. Breakfast is served up here each morning, with outdoor seating for sunny days, and they have a great aperitivo scene too. Rather than your standard breakfast buffet, typical Roman pastries are served on arrival, and you can then order hot dishes.
What is the gym like at First Arte Roma?
There’s a brand new gym on the fourth floor, with panoramic rooftop views and all the top notch Technogym equipment you’d expect. You can sync your own training plans up with the machines to keep on track with your workout regime, or even book a personal trainer to help stay in shape while in Italy. For massages and other beauty treatments, the concierge team have a little black book of recommendations at the ready.
What is the service like at First Arte Roma?
Aside from physical facilities, what makes First Arte stand out is its excellent concierge team, going far beyond the usual reception guest services. Fancy hiring a convertible Fiat 500 and zipping around the city? Not only can the front of house crew book this for you in a jiffy, they know all the quiet back routes, scenic vistas and out-of-town spots to recommend. Other activities include guided runs around the city to see more historic sites in less time (book the sunrise one to have the city to yourself), private cooking classes, and early-morning, last-minute access to big-hitter museums that you usually have to queue hours to see.
What’s the area like around First Arte Roma?
With so much to explore in every direction, a central postcode in Rome is essential for getting the most out of the city in a short time. Usually, the trade-off for such a location is cramped rooms and noisy streets, but First Arte Roma seems to have got the balance just right here. Get your bearings with a stroll up and down Via del Corso, one of the city’s most famous shopping streets. At the top of the street (and still just five minutes from your front door) you’ll reach Piazza del Popolo, a huge town square that’s home to Rome’s oldest obelisk. From here, stroll through the Borghese Gardens and towards the National Gallery of Modern Art. Among the grand monuments, save time for a simple stroll from the hotel along the banks of the river Tiber.
Why you should you book a stay at First Arte Roma
First Arte Roma is slick without being sterile. It’s bang in the centre, without shoving generic Colosseum tickets and walking tours down your throat. In other words, this is the place to stay for a wonderfully comfortable, smart and stylish stay in a city that often falls into the same old tourist tropes. And above all, you’ll be sleeping in an ever-evolving art gallery that showcases the rising talent of Italy’s living artists. Splash out on the SPA Suite View room for a hot tub on the terrace, or go for one of the large Art Suites if you need desk space to catch up on some work while travelling. Finally, consider coming in a quieter month like January to see the city without the crowds, and travel midweek to get the best prices.
Address: The First Arte, Via del Vantaggio 14, Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy
Price per night: Starting from £377 per night, including breakfast
Closest transport: Flamino metro station is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, with direct links to Roma Termini station, six minutes away.