Where
In Salario, north-east Rome, on the top right tip of the Villa Borghese. Although near the bustle of the centre, this is a local’s neighbourhood; a mix of business and residential streets line the park, with useful grocery stores, traditional trattorias and boutiques on the Via Po. With no metro station within reach, it is off the tourist trail, instead attracting a mix of well-heeled Romans and savvy visitors who don’t need a view of the Colosseum to experience the Italian capital.
What
For a 1970s purpose-built hotel, what it lacks in ornate Italian Palazzo grandeur, it makes up for in unpretentious, retro cool. If Mad Men had a Roman Holiday, it would be here.
The Welcome
Reception is awkwardly located at a bit of a pinch point between the lift, lobby and restaurant thoroughfare. We arrived amidst the Friday night after-work drinks crowd and couples checking in for the weekend and it was a bit fraught. However, once we were checked in – a smooth, friendly process – the front desk team were warm and helpful, organising a birthday cake for my husband at short notice and ensuring we had everything we needed for a family stay.
The Rooms
There is a mid-century Italian design feel throughout and rooms are characterised by warm woods, retro curves – all alongside a nod to the brand’s London origins, with Roberts Radios and thoroughly British bathroom fittings. The beds are as vast and cosseting as you might hope and although located on a bustling city artery, we slumbered in perfect peace. The diaphanous curtains filtered the show-stopping sunsets and views over quintessentially Roman rooftops, with black-out blinds for when slumber called.
Travelling with a six- and ten-year-old, the adjoining rooms with shared front door and internal lobby made for the perfect layout. Meanwhile, the QR code breakfast menu allowed us to order on our phones with lightning quick delivery – making a quick breakfast and late-night nibbles a doddle.
The Vibe
The Hoxton attracts creative types winding down with after-work drinks. There is a definite local buzz in the bar-come-lobby area when you arrive, with cocktails flowing, a DJ deck and a cool lounge feel. The Hoxton reclaimed many of the original 70s furniture and fittings, including stunning Murano chandeliers when renovating, giving it an authentic retro aesthetic that is deep in The Hoxton design DNA.
Food & Drink
Cugino is tucked neatly behind reception and opens out into an informal dining area and summer terrace that offers an all-day bar-bistro menu to dip in and out of. We sampled the pancakes at breakfast (a big win with the kids) and cocktails come sundown, conceived by Simon De Luca (previously at Soho House and The London EDITION) – including a rather memorable Spritz, with a blend of bergamot liqueur, pink grapefruit juice and chinotto.
Up front on the street-side is Beverly, the hotel’s ‘West Coast American restaurant with an Italian twist’. Think cacio e pepe Tater Tots, club sandwiches and tacos. In town with family? The Apartment on the lower ground floor is available for private entertaining, complete with photo booth to capture all the fun.
Don’t Miss
Traditional trattoria, La Balestra, around the back of the hotel; a perfect time capsule of 70s Rome, packed with local nonni filling up on their daily authentic home cooking. Or why not head to Piazza Alessandria for bustling outdoor dining? Walk through the Villa Borghese down to the Piazza Del Popolo and you have the whole of ancient Rome at your feet (tip: walk down and get a cab back, the gradient will be in your favour). It’s a good 30-minute stroll but a scenic antidote to the busy throngs of the city streets – and a welcome shaded route in summer. Stop for coffee at one of the food trucks, or dip into a screening at the arthouse cinema, with a hip cafe and outdoor summer screenings in the garden. Children will love the playgrounds dotted through the park and ride-on buggies are a great way to navigate the vast park with tired legs.
The Verdict
Brilliantly priced, beautifully designed and relaxed enough that you can really sink in and enjoy with zero airs and graces. If you want to be in the thick of things this isn’t the location for you. But if you want to experience a slower pace of authentic Roman life, pack your bags.
Book It Here.
Address: The Hoxton Rome, Largo Benedetto Marcello 220, 00198 Rome, Italy
By Lydia Mansi
August 2022
