Architecture approved by the gods, gastronomy that once fuelled gladiators, and Italian style that has remained timeless for centuries — a trip to the Eternal City never fails to inspire and nourish the soul with its beauty. Anchored by a stay at the recently opened Palazzo Talia, we then venture further afield to discover the city’s best addresses for living like a true Roman
The lowdown
Deep in the hustle and bustle of Rome’s city centre — specifically, the ancient Trevi district, a maze of ornate architecture and charming alleys, where tourists flock to fling coins in fountains in the fervent hope of returning — a remarkable boutique hotel can be found. Named for Thalia, the mythical Muse of Comedy said to have once dwelled here, Palazzo Talìa comes with a rich history all its own, having set the stage for art, creativity and culture since as far back as the 1700s. Now, this former school and cardinal’s residence has been revived as a luxury hotel, adorned with vivid centuries-old frescoes and Renaissance-era statues.
That’s not all. Adding another layer of intrigue is its aesthetic connection to the Italian film director Luca Guadagnino — yes, he of Call Me by Your Name and Challengers fame. Palazzo Talìa marks the world’s first hotel to be designed by Guadagnino’s architecture, art and design practice, Studio Luca Guadagnino, which immediately caught the attention of film fans the world over. Consequently, this is a destination hotel drenched in enticingly maximalist style, where dream-like experiences come to life in a leafy courtyard, hidden spa and film-set-worthy bar.
Set the scene
An experience of contrasts, blending old and new, tranquillity with vibrancy, and understated sleekness with over-the-top joy, there is nowhere quite like Palazzo Talìa. A rare sanctuary set within one of Rome’s busiest neighbourhoods, this boutique hotel creates a retreat-like allure through every detail, from misty courtyard to immaculate landscaping. It’s only due to the slow-yet-steady stream of starry-eyed, silver-screen acolytes — camera shutters clicking steadily away — that reminds you that you are lucky enough to be enjoying a stay at one of Rome’s hottest new hotels, the vision of one of cinema’s of-the-moment directors.
STYLE POINTS?
Guadagnino devotees will no doubt recognise the same lush, sensual aesthetics that infuse the director’s films — and he’s pulled out all the stops for his inaugural hospitality project. Discover interiors soaked in a rich kaleidoscope of colours, peppered with mid-century furnishings and authentic Roman sculptures. Meanwhile, original frescoes grace nearly every ceiling, encouraging guests to move about with their gaze turned firmly skywards. There are times when wandering the hotel’s decorative, marble-detailed corridors feels reminiscent of being in an art museum after hours, though Palazzo Talìa’s undeniable grandeur is cleverly balanced by its playful palette and irresistibly cushy furnishings.
TELL US ABOUT THE ROOMS
The maximalist style present throughout the rest of the hotel is turned down a few notches within the guest rooms and suites, so as to encourage rest and relaxation. In contrast to the Guadagnino-designed communal spaces, many of the accommodation interiors are a collaborative effort from Mia Home Design Gallery and Laura Feroldi Studio. Each room is individually designed, though all feature custom furniture crafted with luxe Italian materials, complemented by local art, mouth-blown mirrors and handcrafted maiolica tiles. Grander room categories include the Terrace Suite, hugged by a massive, 66-metre terrace that overlooks the courtyard, as well as the awe-inspiring Talìa Suite, a private wing comprising a pair of suites connected by the hotel’s pièce de résistance, the Aula Magna (‘Great Hall’).
Food and drink
At the hotel’s Tramae restaurant, Chef Marco Coppola curates a seasonally driven menu with delectable dishes from all over Italy, including his native Sorrento. Indulge in regional classics like spaghetti con vongole and risotto al limone, saving room for extra helpings from the tableside tiramisu service.
Meanwhile, Bar della Musa is a polished yet intimate space to enjoy flawlessly shaken (or stirred) cocktails. Sample lesser-known Stateside sips — from Sazeracs to Last Words — beneath grand 16th-century frescoes. There are plenty of candle-lit nooks to cosy up in after dark — although, if weather permits, there’s no place more tranquil for sundowners than Palazzo Talìa’s sun-dappled courtyard.
Anything else to note?
Whatever you do, don’t miss out on a visit to Palazzo Talìa’s subterranean spa, guaranteed to soothe weary feet and spinning heads after a day well spent exploring Rome. Though bijou in size, this underground haven comes with everything modern spa-seekers could desire, from a grotto-inspired relaxation pool and sauna and steam bath to a delightful, multisensory ‘emotional shower’ that douses guests in botanical-infused water to boost their mood.
More stylish stays
Babuino 181: Curated with wonderfully spacious suites that feel akin to private apartments, guests at this refined hotel can enjoy the luxury of separate living rooms and large marble bathrooms. The terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a morning cornetto and cappuccino away from the crowds.
Fendi Private Suites: Drawing fashion mavens from far and wide, the world’s debut Fendi hotel is perched atop the flagship boutique on Via dei Condotti. Indulge in fabulous retail therapy with a personal shopper, before checking into one of the stately building’s seven impossibly chic suites.
Hotel De’ Ricci: Tucked down a cobbled street just off the Piazza De’ Ricci, this luxurious townhouse prides itself on its standout wine offering. A team of expert sommeliers are at hand to showcase top-notch vintages, selected from an extensive wine list of over 1,500 labels.
Hotel Lord Byron: A stylishly sophisticated Art Deco-inspired haven close to the Villa Borghese, this hotel features a fascinating art collection that includes works by renowned painters such as Maurice Paul Joron and Nicholas Granger Taylor.
Hotel Vilòn: Hidden away in a secluded spot right next to the Palazzo Borghese, this converted mansion hotel oozes contemporary chic. A stay here comes with gorgeous garden views and atmospheric nightcaps at the destination cocktail bar.
Hotel d’Inghilterra: A ‘Poet’s Corner’ palazzo dating back to the 16th century, this grand residence recently completed an extensive renovation, breathing new life into storied architecture and sumptuous furniture. All 80 rooms and upper-floor suites have rceived a sophisticated spruce-up, while exciting additions include a new spa suite and refreshed rooftop terrace.
Maalot Roma: The former residence of eminent composer Gaetano Donizetti is now a boutique hotel housing individually decorated rooms and botanical-inspired interiors. There is also a glamorous restaurant where diners gather for aperitivi beneath a spectacular skylight.
Margutta 19: On the historic ochre-hued ‘artist’s street’ of Via Margutta, where Gregory Peck set out to woo Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, this pretty palazzo retreat features a collection of intimate suites infused in pastel tones.
Palazzo Manfredi: Sleep next door to the ancient home of Roman gladiators at this 17th-century noble’s villa. Positioned directly across the street from the Colosseum, each light-filled room comes with appropriately epic views.
Palm Suite: Whimsical, eclectic and exotic, these design-centric Roman residences transport guests to somewhere tastefully tropical — and with the likes of the Colosseum and Roman Forum for neighbours, the views from each suite are rather special too.
ROMEO Roma: Just a few scenic steps from Rome’s iconic Piazza del Popolo, ROMEO Roma is a must for architecture aficionados. The artistic influence of the late Zaha Hadid resounds throughout the avant-garde, almost-futuristic interiors. The dining experience is equally forward-thinking, showcasing a highly inventive menu from 21-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse.
The Goethe Hotel: This historic palazzo has been beautifully restored by The Pacini Group in collaboration with Milanese designers and architects Chiara Caberlon and Claudia Benzi. Bathrooms create a spa-inspired experience with Italian marble with ETRO goodies, though Wellness Suites go one step further with in-room saunas.
Villa Spalletti Trivelli: With its aristocratic origins and ties to Italian royalty, this 16-bedroom villa is filled with elegant antiques and artwork, setting the scene for a suitably regal stay. This ideally placed hotel is also just around the corner from the Trevi Fountain.
An experience of contrasts, blending old and new, tranquillity with vibrancy, and understated sleekness with over-the-top joy, there is nowhere quite like Palazzo Talìa.
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