Rome is chock full of breathtaking, ancient stuff, and Palazzo Ripetta is no exception. Situated on one of Rome’s oldest streets, this grand seventeenth-century convent became a hotel in the 1960s and recently underwent two years of tireless renovation, reopening as one of the chicest hotels in the city. Of course, location is the big draw here – Palazzo Ripetta is only a short stumble away from a living history book of iconic Italian attractions – though the hotel itself is well worth a linger. There’s a spacious, sun-dappled courtyard for an indulgent buffet breakfast or afternoon aperitivo (try to nab the table next to the third-century sarcophagus, which doubles up as a water feature) or you could pitch up at the rooftop bar for views that would make Fellini blush. Indoors, the lobby hosts a dramatic Arnaldo Pomodoro sculpture, while acclaimed architect Luigi Moretti – who assisted when the building was first converted – has made his mark on the moody San Baylon cocktail bar. (You’ll also find a giant canvas by New York street artist Angel Ortiz here.) Rooms are elegant but homely: red glass chandeliers nod to Murano, the parquet is perfect, the massive beds extremely comfy; and there are freestanding baths in the high-ceilinged suites. Minimal it isn’t – but if you can’t go big in Rome, where can you?
Neighbourhood
Palazzo Ripetta is right where you want to be – in the middle of the old city, aka Centro Storico. The River Tiber, Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese, and Piazza del Popolo are mere moments away, and the likes of the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum are not that much further.
Nearby
1. Buccone Vini e Olii: For delicious and decently-priced pours of wine in an atmospheric yet laid-back room, covered floor to ceiling with bottles of the good stuff.
2. Salmoneria Ripetta: For fast fish and reasonably priced smoked salmon sarnies – as well as tinned fish – at a cute takeaway joint.
3. Castroni: For gourmet deli goods, decadently packaged Italian sweets and espresso with the locals at a high-end, family-run grocery store with classic vintage signage. The Accidentally Wes Anderson social media account would have a field day here.
Time Out tip
Lime bikes in Rome are a thing – and Ubers aren’t. You can pick up and park your bike right outside the hotel. You’ll have to keep your wits about you when cycling, but it’s the second-best way to get around the city – after walking, of course.