Let’s get one thing straight - if Baroque and swathes of velvet are a requirement of your stay in Rome, this is not the place for you. But for those longing to discover a modernist jewel filled with artistic treasures behind one of the city’s ornate wooden doors, PiazzadiSpagna 9 awaits. I’m sat with interior-designer owner Stefania Grippo in the stylish lounge, and Rome’s most famous piazza is framed beautifully in the window behind us. We're chatting about the hotel's fascinating past lives, which include a stint as a bordello and as a studio of painter Franz Catel, whose own success allowed him to support undiscovered artists. Fast-forward to the present and it’s a lovely story of history repeating itself.
Stefania has transformed the third floor of this 15th-century palazzo into a cutting-edge art gallery hotel, showcasing an ever-changing collection of installations, sculptures and artwork by up-and-coming young artists. It's as special as that would suggest: polished white walls are a canvas for vibrant paintings and original modern pieces; every object has been carefully chosen to delight and engage the guest - even the keys to the 6 bedrooms are attached to a slice of art. And if you really like something, you can take it - every piece is for sale. A very special find.
Highs
- High ceilings and tall windows flood the 6 romantic bedrooms with natural light
- The location, on Rome’s most famous square and surrounded by designer shops, cafés and bars, with the Spanish Steps around the corner
- Warm and helpful staff make sure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable
- We loved the serene lounge with its views over Piazza di Spagna - the perfect spot for sunset aperitifs
- A small spa with a Turkish steam tub and tempting treatments, including a ‘jet-lag’ massage
Lows
- It's not cheap, but it's utterly unique
- The bathroom in The 9 Junior Suite lacks privacy due to glass slats in the sliding doors
- No on-site restaurant, though that's hardly a problem
- Not ideal for children - this is an intimate place best suited to adults, and all beds are doubles
Best time to go
Rome is a world-class city with something happening at all times of the year. Perhaps the time to avoid is midsummer (July-August) when it gets very hot. Late March, April, September and October are the busiest times. Winter (mid-November to mid-March) is quiet, with fewer tourists. Art buffs may want to coincide a stay with a specific hotel exhibition; they are ever-changing.
Our top tips
Get up early and visit one of Rome’s many food markets - one of the best ways to get under the skin of the city and try its freshest seasonal produce.
- Boutique Hotel
- 6 rooms
- Restaurants nearby
- Welcome but not ideal
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The 6 spacious rooms hide behind towering gold doors, each utterly unique in artwork and décor, though they share a colour palette of white, browns and grey. Queensize beds (no twins) are covered in Society blankets, while curtains and cushions are made from linens by high-end Italian fashion houses. The overall effect is cool minimalism warmed by quirky details.
We stayed in The 9 (a Junior Suite), which featured striking metallic accents: textured gold strips on the wall, copper side tables, iron-framed chairs, and whimsical bronze lightbulb lamps that we wanted to take home with us.
The 9 and Breath (another Junior Suite) and Aria (Deluxe Room) have small step-out balconies with steel Guerraz fire cages that are lit at night. Joy (Junior Suite) opens onto a small terrace, while Sunrise (Junior Suite with Landmark View) has glorious views over Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps.
Indulgent bathrooms feature huge glass-walled rainfall showers and are stocked with fluffy robes, slippers and lovely L'Occitane toiletries.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Minibar/fridge
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is taken in the monochrome lounge area overlooking the Piazza di Spagna. Small glass tables and round leather chairs are dotted around the light-filled room and large white shuttered windows open onto the square. The Continental buffet is a cut above most Italian hotel breakfasts: yummy flaky pastries, cakes and biscotti in pretty glass jars, along with a selection of breads, fresh fruit, cereal, yoghurts, salami, cheeses and juices. Staff are friendly and helpful, cheerily bringing us extra coffees as we spent a luxurious long breakfast plotting our day’s adventures.
In the evenings, aperitivi are served in the lounge along with delicious Italian stuzzichini (finger food). It’s a heavenly way to spend an hour as you relax in an oasis of calm above the bustling life below, and staff can advise on restaurants for dinner.
Features include:
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- The hotel offers great guided tours, including art tours, 'Underground Rome' (the ancient catacombs) and 'Rome by Night' (exploring illuminated scenes of Rome's most famous monuments)
- Sign up for a 'Food Tasting & Cooking Class': you'll visit local markets, find out about Roman cuisine, chow down on fresh cannelloni then learn to make it yourself
- Take a spin on a Vespa: rent one independently or sign up for a trip with a guide and explore the city on 2 zippy wheels, as the Italians do
- Book the small spa exclusively to soak à deux in the Turkish steam tub or indulge in treatments or facials
- See our top tips for Rome
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Children are welcome but there are no baby cots/extra beds and the quiet ambiance and expensive furnishings mean it is best suited to adults. No twin rooms or baths, either.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The King Suite has two double bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathroom. The Junior Suites can fit a baby cot but you will need to supply your own.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The hotel is in the heart of central Rome overlooking Piazza di Spagna.
By Air:
You've got a choice of 2 airports: Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino (34km) and Ciampino/G.B.Pastine (30km). Click on the links below for more information.
From the Airport
Ask for a transfer, hop in a taxi, or take the airport train from Fiumicino into the centre of Rome and then walk. From Ciampino you can catch the airport bus and then the metro. The nearest metro station to the hotel is Barberini.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Italy and getting around
Airports:
- Rome Ciampino 30.0 km CIA
- Rome Fiumicino 34.0 km FUM
Other:
- Beach 27.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km