Hotel Eden, Rome
With such storied neighbours, the standard was set for this grand hotel’s makeover. Forget the Joneses, says Steve Taylor. Try keeping up with the Medicis.
The hotel
It’s easy to be intimidated when Villa Medici, once Rome HQ for Italy’s most powerful and moneyed arts patrons, is down the road but Hotel Eden (hotel.qantas.com.au/ hoteleden) has risen to the challenge. From the lobby to the bars and restaurants, it’s a showcase of craft and elegance, cast in soft Roman light. Filmmaker Federico Fellini knew how to capture the essence of Italy – no wonder he chose the Eden’s rooftop, with its panoramic views westward, for his press engagements.
The room
Our fourth-floor Prestige Room feels palatial, thanks to mirrored wardrobe doors that amplify the light that spills through the high sash windows. The hotel was aiming for an “elegant private home” feel and, with its soaring ceiling, spacious marble bathroom and king-size bed, Room 411 has it. Everything is pod-controlled so you can relax and focus on your one dilemma: when you step outside, will you amble down to the Spanish Steps or go the other way to the urban oasis that is the Villa Borghese gardens?
The lowdown
Location Via Ludovisi 49, Rome, Italy.
Number of guestrooms 98, including Junior Suites (47 to 60 square metres) right through to the Villa Medici Presidential Suite (125 square metres), which has balconies at every window. Check in/out 2pm/noon.
Food and drink La Terrazza is the drawcard; Il Giardino Ristorante & Bar is a more informal space. Snacks, drinks and afternoon tea are served at La Libreria.
Wellness The small but wellequipped gym is open 24 hours. Book ahead for the The Eden Spa – its suites are in hot demand.
Business facilities Three meeting rooms (from conference-scale down) with AV equipment and a sound system.
Minibar Stocked with Ruinart and Laurent-Perrier champagne, Grey Goose vodka and high-end spirits, plus organic juices, nuts and chips.
Water in room Free 300ml bottles of Dorchester Collection spring water at turn-down. Pillow menu Memory foam, organic spelt, hypo-allergenic, chamomile, lavender-filled and breastfeeding. Bath Deep, with gilt tapware. Bathrobe Fluffy cotton. The housekeeping test An iron and ironing board was delivered in six minutes and 45 seconds.
The concierge test Asked to recommend a non-touristy restaurant, the concierge directed us to Hostaria Da Pietro (hostariadapietro.it), a warm, family-run eatery nearby. Amenities Bottega Veneta.
Room service A delicious club sandwich served with crisps, olives and a bottle – yes, a bottle – of extra virgin olive oil arrived in 10 minutes. TV and movies Google Chromecast and 150 TV channels, plus Apple TV on request. Wi-fi Free up to 1.5 Mbps. Parking Available opposite the hotel for a fee. Price Classic Rooms from €690 (about $1060), plus 10 per cent value added tax on the room price. Ask for... the Aurora Terrace Suite. Verdict More than Medici-worthy.