Best Room At... Hotel Eden
Rome has its abundant share of beautiful old world hotels, but there is something about Hotel Eden that makes it feel like the city's reigning queen. A prime perch definitely has something to do with it, nestled on top of a hill (translation: the best views, as evidenced above) in an area that feels both poshly residential yet still close to the highlights (the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese are a stone's throw away).
But more importantly, it has to do with the way the hotel just makes you feel. There is a sense of grandeur, but zero pretension. There is a sense of history—it turns 135 this year—and a sense of place. And then there is the fabulous staff, most of them seasoned OGs of hospitality, who will take care of you with the same warmth and exquisite attention they would lavish on an A-list celebrity, plenty of whom—Keaton, De Niro, Tucci—are in the guestbook. (Don't underestimate the luxury of never having to repeat your coffee order twice.)
"Here, guests feel at home," says Mirko Cattini, general manager of the Dorchester Collection property, echoing a vibe every hotel in the world wants to achieve—but not all do. In a place like Rome, though, which—like Paris, New York, and the greatest cities in the world—can be as overwhelming as it is pure magic, a sumptuous cocoon to find refuge at the end of a long day is essential. Again, never underestimate a hotel that can get this right.
There are 98 rooms at Hotel Eden, each with its own merits, but everyone has a favorite. We asked Cattini for his.
How would you describe the vibe of the hotel?
At Hotel Eden guests experience the true essence of Rome: laidback yet lively, and pulsing with authentic spirit.
What do you consider to be the best room at the property, and why?
The Bellavista Penthouse Suite. The magnificent rooftop location makes it one-of-a-kind, and you’ll enjoy unrivaled views of Rome from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus if you want to get up close and personal with some of the landmarks, the spyglass provides hours of fun.
The design of this suite is the apple of my eye. Combining modern elegance with touches of 1930s and '40s style, it's filled with a unique collection of art that blends pieces from the hotel's original collection with contemporary works.
What is the cost per night?
The starting price is from €8000.
What is one thing about Hotel Eden that first-time visitors might find surprising?
Hotel Eden prides itself on its rich heritage and history, and some guests are amazed by the dynamic nature of our venue. We're sticking to our Roman roots while at the same time embracing the future of Rome. There are exciting food & beverage initiatives coming to our rooftop—stay tuned! Art is also an integral part of the property: we've done exclusive collaborations with more contemporary artists and designers, like Patricia Urquiola and the MAXXI National Museum of 21st Century Art, and we have a solid partnership with Roma Arte in Nuvola, the most important contemporary art fair in the city.
What local attraction do you always recommend?
Villa Borghese, a large park right in the heart of Rome, and at Hotel Eden’s doorstep, where you will find Italian gardens with fountains, a lake, stretches of forest, and bits of wild vegetation. It’s a perfect destination for runners or cyclists who want to get in a few miles away from the city’s hustle and bustle. It's also home of the wonderful Borghese Gallery, which has one of the most beautiful art collections in the world. And right next to the park is a great viewpoint called Terrazza del Pincio.
What about the secret gems of Rome?
A place that I particularly love is the Portico d'Ottavia. It's nice to walk among the Roman ruins and you'll find many pastry shops specializing in typical sweets of the Roman-Jewish tradition, where you could taste mont blancs or a type of sweet pizza with candied citron and almond flour. Not too far from this neighborhood, in Via Monti della Farina, top-quality pizza can be found at Emma's, which uses only local products and organic flours.
Favorite time of year to be in Rome, and why?
October is a very special month for the Romans. We call it Ottobrata Romana.
What feeling about Rome do you hope to impart to your guests?
Rome has always been recognized as the “Eternal City,” rather than an exciting, cosmopolitan city with futuristic elements. But post-pandemic, we have seen Rome changing and evolving into a more attractive international destination thanks to various large-scale events, including music concerts, the prestigious Ryder Cup last September, and the Jubilee to come in 2025, as well as the possibility of hosting the World Expo in 2030.
In addition, we're seeing an increase in global hotel brands opening in Rome that are bringing in a new demographic and getting the city back on everyone’s radar. Rome is becoming a more fashionable and buzzing destination where you can explore different areas and sites that are off the beaten track and offer an array of eclectic culinary experiences that are authentic with a contemporary twist. It's living a new Renaissance and becoming a more dynamic and vibrant city.
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