Review: W Rome

Why book?

Style mavens and scene seekers will appreciate this stylish, spirited hotel’s cool décor and attitude.

Set the scene

The opening of the W has been the talk of the town since the Marriot first dropped hints it would be bringing its upscale, risk-taking brand to the Eternal City. The pandemic caused a few delays, but now she’s here – drawing a well-travelled, design-savvy crowd who know when they’re onto a good thing: in this case, a lounge room instead of a lobby; and welcome desk pods instead of a check-in, plus 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) has crafted the lobby and lounge area with panache, daring to take a traditional setting and adding colourful 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 grey 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 147 rooms (and 15 suites) are generous in size, giving the feeling of being in your own apartment rather than a hotel. Most have balconies and terraces, but guests are here for the W’s flair of mixing colours 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 were our favourite feature: 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 6pm) is even better, with Sicilian street food specialities matched to local cocktails. The live DJ soundtrack and t-shirt-clad staff reflect the clientele.

The spa

There’s no spa per se, but the fitness centre – Wellness at W Rome – is run by Italian athlete Pietro Boselli and offers everything from boxing to yoga and personalised running routes around the city. 

The neighbourhood

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 fifteen-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.