Rome already had a seductive vibe about it — blame it on the mix of stylish trend and droolworthy delicacies — earlier than Marriott’s coolest model opened its doorways earlier this yr.
However the brand new Rome Version lodge actually enhanced town’s lodge popularity within the cooler-than-cool division. The property is a part of a more recent crop of smooth accommodations within the Everlasting Metropolis that handle to be very near all of the motion whereas nonetheless providing up a calming temper to company. Within the case of the Rome Version, it is a few 10-minute stroll from the Trevi Fountain and simply across the nook from town’s luxe Through Veneto thoroughfare.
TPG checked out the Rome Version for a night tour this summer time, and it is price dropping by whether or not you are a die-hard Marriott Bonvoy loyalist on the town for a number of nights or simply in search of an elegant spot to seize dinner and a drink in Italy’s capital metropolis.
Meet the Rome Version
The Rome Version errs on the extra intimate aspect of room counts with solely 91 visitor rooms (together with 17 suites), in comparison with a few of its U.S. siblings with room counts within the tons of. This smaller lodge is not precisely a cut price: A fast search let me know visitor rooms this summer time begin wherever from 774 to 930 euros (about $837 to $1,005) per evening, relying on in the event you’re seeking to keep through the week or the weekend.
Like the whole Ian Schrager-partnered Version chain of accommodations, the Rome location manages to really feel extra such as you’re angling for admission right into a nightclub than checking in to a visitor room. Housed in a former financial institution constructing designed within the rationalist structure fashion, the Rome Version nonetheless pops with its lean into lush greenery, marble, minimalist furnishings and indoor-outdoor structure.
You entry the lodge by strolling down a sublime, marble central staircase into the courtyard (housing seating and tables for each the Italian-Mediterranean Anima restaurant in addition to The Backyard lounge). This libations-and-cuisine-forward introduction to the lodge earlier than you set foot within the foyer units the temper for the lodge: The room depend could be low, however the restaurant and bar depend is excessive.
Together with Anima and The Backyard, the Rome Version options Punch Room — a signature bar providing throughout the whole model — Jade Bar and a rooftop bar that was wrapping building throughout my go to. Spa services have been additionally nonetheless below building.
The vibe
I am not going to lie: The marble staircase’s grand entrance into the courtyard is usually a little intimidating at first whenever you’re greeted by the stylish Rome Version group of their completely tailor-made black uniforms, particularly in the event you simply wish to get to the standard check-in desk.
Do not let this alarm you. This lodge is run by a really affable group who have been a delight to speak with over the span of a tour, dinner and cocktails. We even left with a fantastic checklist of bars and eating places to attempt over the remainder of our journey.
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Every lodge was widespread in its personal approach, however the Rome Version appeared to draw essentially the most native crowd. Positive, it may need been the head of American vacationer season, nevertheless it was good to see Anima and the next-door lounge replenish with Italians seeking to have a enjoyable evening.
I additionally realized I could be growing old out of the focused Version demographic, as my self-chosen meal time meant I used to be sipping espresso and asking for the test simply because the eating space started to replenish. Both approach, it was a wonderful evening.
At one level, I requested a group member who their competitors was amongst Rome’s accommodations, and so they instructed me they did not essentially see themselves competing with accommodations. As a substitute, they seen their lodge in the identical lane as Soho Home Rome.
The rooms
Whereas the Rome Version was nonetheless wrapping up the total completion of its public areas, the lodge is clearly already widespread with vacationers. The one out there room to tour the evening I handed by means of was a Superior Room, which featured a king-size mattress accented by the Version’s signature fake fur throw. There was ample storage within the room, and it felt like a quiet, cozy retreat regardless of being in such a preferred lodge identified for its nightlife. Remember to request a room overlooking the backyard for preferrred views.
Whereas wooden paneling may normally make an area really feel small, the room nonetheless felt spacious due to white accents on the furnishings and bedding. There was a seating space with a small sofa and desk, and the lavatory included a walk-in rain bathe and Le Labo facilities.
Accessible rooms can be found for company to ebook, and connecting rooms can be found upon request (however require calling forward to the lodge). The lodge additionally options twice-daily housekeeping.
The (many) bars and eating places
I can solely converse for the dinner expertise at Anima (which was complimentary as a part of my tour), however it’s a delicious evening out. Home music pulsed all through the courtyard, and waiters attentively dropped by to teach and information on choices.
Seeking to present us with tastes and sips of Italy, our waiter began us off with glasses of 2020 Colli di Luni Vermentino (which might usually be 48 euros, or about $52, a bottle). Later, with the principle course, we sipped on 2020 Alta Mora Etna Rosso (which fits for 64 euros, or $69, a bottle).
Chef Paola Colucci’s menu shines all through the whole Anima expertise. The prawns and zucchini flowers — tempura-battered zucchini with prawns, mint and lemon zest — got here extremely advisable and did not disappoint (and go for 27 euros, or $29), each in style and presentation. Different favorites included a white fish served with potato cream and inexperienced beans (35 euros, or $38) and the veal with uncooked yellowfin tuna and bread wafers (30 euros, or $32).
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On no account is it a cut price meal in Rome, however Anima manages to drag an elusive transfer by doling out scrumptious meals in a really stylish setting. Normally, these are mutually unique issues.
My solely criticism is that it was sweltering with humidity the evening I visited, however I can blame that one on Mom Nature (and on deciding to not eat within the air-conditioned indoor eating space).
Schrager may need been one of many founding members of the boutique lodge motion, however life-style accommodations — these leaning extra into bars and eating places to drum up income and court docket extra native site visitors — are the cool youngsters of the lodge business right now. It is clear Schrager has advanced with the occasions with the most recent Version property.
Somebody as soon as instructed me the boutique lodge motion finally misplaced its steam as a result of they have been intimidating to enter and at all times felt like they might use an additional gentle or three within the dimly lit public areas. The Rome Version seems to have discovered from the boutique accommodations of yesterday and as an alternative affords an array of areas, relying in your temper.
The Backyard, Anima and the foyer are all effectively lit and alluring whereas the darkish, richly adorned Punch Room (full with wooden paneling, velvet couches and a hearth) felt prefer it was an excellent spot to go to for a winter cocktail or early blissful hour when you do not need the boss to know you left work somewhat early.
Jade Bar’s inexperienced, brass and gold shade palette felt prefer it could be the poshest bar within the Emerald Metropolis awaiting those that adopted the yellow brick highway with Dorothy. For me, it was the right spot for a nightcap — the 18-euro ($19.50) Santa Margarita of Casamigos Blanco tequila, Licor 43, lime and cardamom.
The Rome Version group requested that I not share pictures of the rooftop bar and pool since they have been nonetheless wrapping up building, however these will simply be a number of the extra coveted spots within the metropolis. The rooftop continues with the marble and sandstone aesthetic of the foyer in addition to the plush greenery, and I can already think about how the deck chairs with a aspect of ice-cold Negroni will probably be sizzling commodities on sunny days.
Why ebook a keep on the Rome Version
Marriott Bonvoy loyalists will clearly flock to the Rome Version for award availability nights, however even vacationers who do not at all times keep on with Marriott-affiliated properties have loads of causes to contemplate a keep right here.
Provided that the lodge is on observe to be its personal nightlife vacation spot, I might make some extent of staying right here after you’ve got already had an preliminary journey to Rome to see all of the sights and points of interest. When you test in to the Version, there’s an excellent likelihood you are not going to wish to spend an excessive amount of time away battling vacationers for a glimpse of the Colosseum.
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