The Chicest New Hotel in Rome Is...a DoubleTree!
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When it comes to gorgeous hospitality design, the highest praise often goes to over-the-top luxury hotels or darling boutique properties. The middle-tier chain hotels—well, they’re often a bit aesthetically formulaic. But we’re entering a whole new world of post-pandemic travel, and if the new DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti is any indication of what’s to come, sign us up, stat.
The sophisticated-yet-informal hotel just opened its doors in Rome’s hip Rione Monti district, known for being a “real” neighborhood of Rome rather than a tourist hub. (That said, it’s home to the Teatro dell'Opera and Trajan’s Market, and it abuts the papal basilica Santa Maria Maggiore. All good things!) In line with those local vibes, the DoubleTree’s owners tapped London-based design firm THDP and to capture a genuine Roman essence.
“The brief from the brand was to have a very natural, fresh, and local space, with the accent on vibrant public spaces,” says Manuela Mannino, founder and creative director of THDP, who notes that beyond this, the designers had carte blanche for the project. For research, the team simply observed the neighborhood, which is filled with locally-owned businesses rather than big international chains. “Our designer Simone Bretti, who lives in Rome, took us to discover the most beautiful little restaurants, amazing roof terraces, and also the Terme di Caracalla, which is not far, and the Museo Archeologico of Palazzo Massimo with the Frescos of Villa Livia,” says Mannino.
Inspired by their excursions in the Rione Monti, the THDP designers created a lobby that recalls the classic Roman courtyard, with a conservatory-like roof bringing bright natural light into the plant- and rattan furniture–filled space. Seating areas abound to draw the public in, perhaps to have a coffee from the adjacent café—we have to admit the emerald-green velvet sofas are pretty inviting. But visitors can also drop by the industrial-chic restaurant Mamalia, as well as the rooftop bar Mun, which has a terrace overlooking the Santa Maria Maggiore. Clearly, the hotel isn’t just for guests, but also passersby and the neighborhood’s residents.
Guests, however, are accommodated in 133 rooms also feel quite local, with herringbone wood floors, marble-inspired rugs, and elegant details like crown molding—which are not typically what you’d find in standard chain hotels.
Between its alluring interiors, fabulous location, and reasonable price point, the DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti is definitely going on our list of must-book hotels in Rome.
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