Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Eden

Name: Hotel Eden
Address: Via Ludovisi 49, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
Telephone: 06-478121
Price range: $$$$

Via Ludovisi 49, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy See on Map Fodor's Choice

Ariston Anderson

A recent refurbishment of the Hotel Eden has put it back in the running for one of Rome's top luxury lodgings: once a favorite haunt of Ingrid Bergman, Hemingway, and Fellini, this superlative hotel combines dashing elegance and exquisitely lush decor with true Italian hospitality. This hotel was opened in the late 19th century and quickly became famous for its balcony views and Roman splendor. Even the most basic room here is elegantly designed: banquette window seats, rich mahogany furniture, soaring ceilings, and fine linens allow you to dive deep into Roman luxury. Topping it all off is one of Rome's most fabled \"food-with-a-view\" restaurants, the Michelin-starred Terrazza, whose perch offers views that are truly \"panaromantic.\"

room

Rooms have high ceilings and are elegantly designed in neutral, calming colors with Roman-inspired artwork on the wallks, golden beds and drapes and tufted chairs and sofas. The recent renovation also updated the room technology with Bang and Olufsen HD TVs, master-controlled lighting and thermostat, and an iPad for in-room services. Suites are opulent with different amenities like private bars and study rooms.

Butler service is available for all room types.

bathroom

Huge bathrooms feature snowy white marble with gold accents from Pietrasanta, giant mirrors, lighting and counter space. Baths feature mosaic tiling and golden shower racks. A range of Bottega Veneta products is provided.

lobby

The renovated lobby is a site to behold with its expansive marble floor, gold inlay work throughout and cathedral ceilings. The check-in desk itself is a marvel, with a carved marble banquet that looks like it belongs in the Vatican Museums. Artwork throughout is carefully chosen, paying tribute to the architectural history of Rome. Fresh white blossoms are everywhere, giving the lobby a gorgeous natural fragrance. And a huge city area full of huge modern furniture and coffee table books is a great place to take a pause in the morning.

spa

The Eden Spa has only three suites, including one for couples, meaning it's more like a private sanctuary than a full-service spa. Services include Sonya Dakar facials and deep tissue massage.

dining

At La Terrazza, it's hard to even think about food, with the incredible panoramic view over the ancient city in front of you. That is, until the meal comes. Every dish is a work of art, with each dish carefully handcrafted from each individual spice to the signature porcelain. Il Giardino is a more casual restaurant and bar, but also with gorgeous rooftop views with a direct vantage point onto Il Vittoriano at night.

drinking

La Libreria is a hidden gem, with warm marble and lighting throughout and amber velvet furniture. The entire back wall is a curved lit-up bookcase. You can grab coffee anytime of day here or a drink at the secret bar.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Hotel Eden is just around the corner from Via Veneto, Rome's most famous street harking back to the Dolce Vita era.The upscale shopping and eateries today cater to tourists. You're just steps from some of the city's most popular sites. It's a 6-minute walk from Barberini Metro stop, where there's also a rotating line of taxis to whisk you away to further destinations.

Restaurants

Gina (8-minute walk) is a casual joint with sandwiches, salads and more. They can also pack you a to-go bag if you want to picnic on the nearby Spanish Steps. Nino (8-minute walk) specializes in Tuscan dishes and wines.

Bars

Head to Gregory's Jazz Club (4-minute walk) for great live music and cocktails. Il Goccetto (13-minute taxi) have more than 800 different Mediterranean wines on offer.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Set in an exclusive neighborhood close to the Spanish Steps, this hotel has been recently renovated to pay tribute to its historic past while update rooms with high-tech amenities and comforts. Every detail was thought out in the renovation, with a cohesive gold and cream color scheme that reflects in everything from the bathroom marble to the lobby flowers. Despite the over-the-top decor, the real luxury shines through in the staff, who go above and beyond to make your stay incredible. And dining at La Terrazza, with its unbeatable views, is an experience to remember.