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. Rome’s most famous piazza is framed beautifully in the window in the stylish lounge. The hotel has 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.
The third floor of this 15th-century palazzo has been transformed 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 meals are served, but the best restaurants in Rome are on the doorstep
- 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.
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