How did it strike you on arrival?
Miss the 60s and want to go back? Hotel Locarno is for you. The receptionist works behind a period cabinet converted into the sort of desk Philip Marlowe would happily put his feet on and Art Deco ornamentations abound, from the beautiful clocks, to the slightly sinister candlesticks. Movies could be filmed here.
Nice. What’s the crowd like?
Artists, bohemians, people in kaftans with beaten-up luggage who care more about the feel of a place than its cutting-edge technology.
The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
We booked into a classic double room, which was cramped, but comfortable. Floorboards and beige walls didn’t do much to set the mood, but they were beautifully accompanied by period furniture and lamps, that kept the post-war vibe the rest of the hotel basks in.
We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
Big, soft, springy bed, with crisp white sheets and pillow cases that demand you retire early and rise late.
Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
While the 60s feel of the Hotel Locarno is mostly charming, our bathroom only contained a bath and a handheld shower. While it all looked beautiful in gilded porcelain and steel, there was no shower curtain, and a lot of water ended up on the floor. If that’s going to be irritating, it might be worth upgrading to a room with a walk-in shower.
Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
The Wi-Fi is free, though coverage is spotty at best.
Room service: Worth it?
At the time of our stay, the kitchen was being refurbished, so there was no room service.
Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
There’s a lovely rooftop bar with views across the city. It’s well known, and reliably frequented by Rome’s jetset—including a few famous actresses. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth lingering over a cocktail just to watch the sun go down on the Eternal City.
What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
While the room was charming, it was slightly too small. Advice from those in the know is to book the slightly more expensive rooms which leap up dramatically in size and amenities, the deeper you reach into your wallet.
Bottom line: worth it, and why?
Hotel Locarno has bags of charm—something it didn’t need to necessarily bother with given its sterling location near the glorious Piazza del Popolo—and it’s not unreasonably priced. Throw in staff who can’t do enough to help and you’ve got the makings of a lovely stay.
Via della Penna, 22, Rome 00186
Italy
https://www.hotellocarno.com/en