W Rome: Where Classic Italian Style Meets Seductive Modernity

Tue, 09/06/2022 - 07:44

Exterior of W Rome

Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.

Why we love it

It's hard not to feel just a little more attractive when you check in to the W Rome, where the old-school glamour of nearby Via Veneto blends with sharp service and a super-sexy ambiance.

What to expect

Colorful lobby lounge with couches, table and chairs — *The lobby-level W Lounge*

Make no mistake: A young, monied and beautiful vibe permeates at this 5-star hotel from Marriott's luxury W brand. From the handsome doormen to the contemporary soundtrack and the party-vibe common areas, there's definitely a sense that the W Rome is "the" place to be. Guest rooms and suites are similarly daring in design. Key amenities include a rooftop bar and pool (both rarities in Rome), a full-service fitness facility and ample dining and drinking options.

Background

W Rome is Marriott's first W in all of Italy — though several more are in the works. The 162-room hotel was created from two adjacent 19th-century palazzi. The sandy rose-colored and marble exterior is all vintage Rome, while the interiors bear all the buzzy signatures of Marriott's sexiest brand.

Location, location, location

Set on a quiet street just off Via Veneto and steps from the American Embassy, the W is well-located for exploring nearby Villa Borghese, the Spanish Steps and the chic shopping streets that extend from Piazza del Popolo to Via del Tritone. The Barberini Metro stop is a 4-minute walk.

Where you'll sleep

Guest suite with soft color palette — *A corner suite at W Rome*

Rooms and suites at the W Rome are done up in a strong, but soothing palette of navy, rose and honey-colored leather, with dark blackout curtains and a W Signature Bed, which, I can attest is a glorious thing. My "Marvelous" category room had an open-plan marble bathroom behind a partition, kitted out with a Dyson hairdryer and other thoughtful amenities, plus a huge walk-in shower. Some rooms have balconies, and the two "Wow" suites feature expansive terraces with views over the rooftops of Rome.

Dining and drinks

Table with appetizers and drinks — *Small plates and cocktails from Gianno Restaurant*

W Rome's dining venues are as eclectic and electric as the rest of the property. The top spot — literally and figuratively — belongs to Otto Rooftop, where a bar, DJ, and a lively pizza oven keep guests sated. Lobby-level Giano Restaurant is the hotel's breakfast hub, and offers Sicilian-influenced fare for lunch and dinner. The garden and lobby bars are humming into the night, and sweet toothed types can indulge at Zucchero x Fabrizio Fiorani pastry bar.

Service notes

During my overnight stay, every. single. staff member was at the top of their game. A signature feature of the W is their Whatever/Whenever service, which aims to satisfy every legal guest demand, whether it's sushi at 3am, a pair of Apple earbuds on a Sunday morning, or a helicopter tour of Rome.

You should know

Rooftop terrace with lounge chairs and pool — *The Wet Deck at W Rome*

A fitness center onsite, conceived by celebrity trainer Pietro Boselli, features detox workouts — presumably because a lot of guests need them. There's a small, shallow rooftop pool best suited to photo ops and people-watching.