The stereotypical Roman façade of the building that houses iRoom Pantheon & Navona hotel gives no hint to the eclectic approach to design that the hotel has adopted for its 12 tech-smart rooms. Everything in the hotel is controlled by the in-room iPads, and even the front desk needs to be reached by Skype rather than landline. In addition to the latest gadgets, each room also has a borderline gimmicky theme like the iWild room with its fake tents and camping décor, or the iSpa room with chromotherapy lighting and Turkish bath. The funky design helps to distract from the fact that the techy rooms run a bit small.
Neighborhood: Located between Piazza Venezia and Campo de’ Fiori, the central area is an island of calm in the buzzing center of Rome. The hotel is surrounded by 9-5 businesses, which keep its immediate location quiet. However, there are eateries, coffee bars, pubs and monuments like the Pantheon all within a five-minute stroll from the front door.
Nearby:
Il Vinaietto: For a glass of wine inside a historic shop known for its communist leanings
Gelateria Corona: For homemade Sicilian shaved ice called granita
Largo Torre di Argentina: For a quirky cat sanctuary among the ruins where Caesar was assassinated
Time Out tip: The iPads have to stay in the room, but the hotel provides a wireless device for use around the city that comes preloaded with maps and a city guide.
