Why book?
Style mavens and scene seekers will appreciate this stylish, spirited hotel’s cool décor and attitude.
Set the scene
The upscale, risk-taking W brand is firmly part of Rome’s social fabric, drawing a well-traveled, design-savvy crowd who know they’re onto a good thing. In this case, it’s a lounge room instead of a lobby; welcome desk pods instead of a check-in; and a secret garden with tropical foliage where you can have a drink while you wait for your room to be ready.
The backstory
The W hotel brand has always combined elegance and youthful energy, and W Rome keeps that same spirit, set across two 19th-century palazzos along Via Liguria, next to the Spanish Steps. The design team (New York’s Meyer Davis Studio) has crafted the lobby and lounge area with panache, daring to take a traditional setting and adding colorful leather furniture against thick stone walls, plus plenty of reflective surfaces that add a reflective glow to the room. There are head-turning sculptures and wall-encompassing art, juxtaposed by black and gray marble flooring. They’ve kept elements of surprise throughout, like the hidden door in the bathroom that leads to the hotel’s secret garden, with a kissing bench, bird baths, and water fountains.
The rooms
The 109 rooms (and 29 suites) are generous in size, giving the feeling of being in your own apartment rather than a hotel. (The hotel also recently added one-bedroom W Suites, designed for longer, residential stays.) Most rooms and suites have balconies and terraces, but let’s face it, you're here for the W’s flair for mixing colors and prints: like the red velvet curtains that contrast with the herringbone floors and the pale blue walls. Bed frames are the W’s signature ochre, and there are big graphic prints in bold shades of orange, red, and green. The bathrooms are marble-clad with rain showers and snazzy fuchsia accessories.
Food and drink
The W’s restaurant scene lasts well into the early hours—even breakfast (fresh pastries, cakes, and chocolates) feels like a party. On-site restaurant Giano offers a contemporary take on Sicilian dishes, but in our opinion, the aperitivo (from 6 p.m. in the W Lounge) is even better, with Sicilian street food specialties matched to local cocktails. In warmer months, the rooftop transforms into Citrico Rooftop, a Mediterranean-style pizzeria serving seasonal pizzas, crudos, and cocktails alongside uninterrupted views across the city. Downstairs, renowned pastry chef Fabrizio Fiorani serves perfectly executed petits fours at Zucchero X Fabrizio Fiorani.
The spa
There’s no dedicated spa per se, but the on-site FIT® Gym is open 24/7 for in-house guests. With its cool marble walls and undulating lines, it’s less traditional hotel gym, more design marvel with luxury exercise equipment. On the sixth floor, the seasonal open-air swimming pool offers views across Rome.
The neighborhood/area
This Roman landmark is a few steps from Piazza di Spagna, a two-minute walk to the people-watching and boutique shopping area of Via Condotti, and a 15-minute walk to the Trevi fountain.
The service
The slicked-hair, T-shirt-wearing, tattooed staff are a tad too cool for school; but once you get their attention, they’re always keen to help.
26/36, Via Liguria, Rome
Italy
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/romwv-w-rome/overview/