What it is

Since 1925, the pride of Piazza del Popolo, with 44 storied rooms.

What it isn't

Faceless and corporate. Fellini himself stayed here, and it shows.

What we think

Rome is a city of icons (no surprise—all roads lead to it, after all). But even amid the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Spanish Steps, Hotel Locarno holds its own, and has for nearly a hundred years. The reason? It has perfected a “When in Rome” brand of pampering guests can’t get out of their heads, with a continental breakfast in the courtyard; fire flickering in the Art Deco bar; birdcage elevator that ferries you to your opulent antique-stocked suite (opened with a tasseled key, natch); and a “detox terrace”—an al fresco gym that peeps out on the city’s red roofed splendor. Ask to stay in a tapestry-lined junior suite for a marble bathroom (complete with a clawfoot tub) and parquet floors that may have supported the souls of previous guests with boldfaced names—sculptor Mimmo Paladino and surrealist painter Enzo Cucchi among them. Oh, and did we mention the hotel maintains a fleet of loaner bikes for your use?

You're here because

You could never stomach staying in a glitzy new hotel in one of the most historic locales on the planet. This is Rome for Chrissakes. But you still need your gratis high-speed WiFi, your satellite TV and your air conditioning, and for that and more, this grande dame delivers.

The Moment

Sitting in the thickly perfumed air of the courtyard, under a wisteria tree abloom, you can think of no better place to take your afternoon tea. This one, a white tea with elderflower and cherry petals, tastes like you feel: resplendent and indefatigable as this city itself.

Restaurants & Bars

Hotel Locarno Kitchen - elegant Italian classics with modern preparations

Hotel Locarno Bar Lounge - craft cocktails in the courtyard or by the fireplace in the lounge

Location

Within the Tridente district, on Villa Borghese Park. The Vatican is just over a mile away on foot, if you want to say a quick hello to Papa.