Situated above Piazza Navona, Eitch Borromini Palazzo Pamphilj was once the 17th century residence of Pope Innocent the X. In 2017, the palace (which was designed by the famed architect Francesco Borromini) quietly reopened as a discreet 22-room hotel. The understated rooms have soaring ceilings and terracotta floors, and many look out at the Fountain of the Four Rivers. Contemporary touches come in the form of modern art in the common areas, while the rooms are left bare to allow the palatial architecture to speak for itself. The crowning jewel of the palazzo is the rooftop bar which has jaw-dropping 360 degree views of the domed skyline.
Neighborhood: Literally on top of one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, the hotel is situated smack in the middle of the Eternal City. Historic monuments, characteristic wine bars and exclusive boutiques are all within a short walk from the front steps.
Nearby:
Vivi Bistrot: For organic meals inside a museum courtyard on the edge of Piazza Navona
Gelateria del Teatro: For ice cream on a picturesque cobblestone street
Bar del Fico: For a late night negroni
Time Out tip: On the stairway between the ground level and the first floor, there is a small unmarked door. Open it and push aside the red velvet curtain to stand inside the secret passage that the Pope had designed so he could spy on his inner circle during mass at the neighboring church.