Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
This new hotel by InterContinental brings a dash of glamour back to the historic Ambasciatori Palace on Rome’s famous Via Veneto.
What to expect
Via Veneto’s heyday may be long behind it, but this hotel is one of a crop of new properties aiming to bring some of the street’s glory back. It’s luxe but not over-the-top, with historic details, a trendy restaurant and rooftop bar.
Background
Built in 1905 as a residence for visiting ambassadors, the building was used as a library for the American Embassy in the 1940s before becoming a hotel. InterContinental recently completed a renovation that preserves the building’s history while ushering it into the present.
Location, location, location
The hotel is right on the elegant Via Veneto, across the street from the American Embassy. Attractions like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese are within a 15-minute walk.
Where you’ll sleep
Rooms have a contemporary classic design, with white walls, herringbone parquet floors, Rubelli fabrics, and Illy espresso machines. Some rooms have accents in blush pink, others in blue; some have views of Via Veneto, others have balconies. All the sleek, modern bathrooms are outfitted with Byredo products.
Dining and drinks
The hotel is home to an outpost of the trendy restaurant Scarpetta as well as a rooftop bar, Charlie’s, by New York-based LDV Hospitality. As an Italian-American whose family has roots in Venice, LDV’s founder John Meadow long dreamed of opening a restaurant in Italy. After bringing his concept of modern Italian cuisine to the U.S., London, and Tokyo, he's bringing it — along with New York-style steaks — to Rome.
There’s also a lobby bar called Anita’s in honor of Anita Ekberg, the Swedish bombshell famed for her role as Sylvia in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.
Service notes
I stayed at the hotel for its opening party and there were a few kinks to be worked out, but that’s to be expected with any new hotel.
Spa time
There’s not a full spa, but there are massage rooms where guests can book treatments, along with a well-equipped fitness center.
Family perks
The hotel staff can arrange babysitting or nanny services upon request.
Features & amenities
- City setting
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Parking (paid)
- Fitness room
- Rooftop terrace
- Pets allowed
- Family-friendly
- Elevator
Contacts
InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace
Via Veneto 62, Rome
Tel. +39 0647493
Website
