If

If
you’ve ever wondered what a modern Italian palazzo would look
like, this city sweetheart has taken those thoughts and made them
tangible. A restored 17th-century palace, the Elizabeth Unique Hotel leaves a
staggering impression with its double-height entrance, white-marble
floors, arched walls, luxurious yet up-to-date yet interior and
carefully curated contemporary art collection. Tucked away on a
small street off Via del Corso in the city centre, it’s perfectly
positioned for first-time visitors wanting to explore Rome‘s
sights and pick up some Italian flare before getting stuck into
what they really came for: some serious eating and drinking.

Rooms

Each of the 33 rooms carefully treads the line between sumptuous
and understated; this is a lesson in understated elegance. Bedecked
with wooden floors and antique wallpaper, gold detailing and
deep-blue hues of velvet-upholstered furniture curate a feeling of
utter opulence with added edge. All rooms are spacious but the
junior suite is worth the extra stretch if you can. When in
Rome…

What’s for breakfast?

You should really order an espresso and a brioche to be consumed
standing at a bar like a true Italian. But as you’re on holiday,
we’ll forgive you for wanting to sample the full breakfast/brunch
menu (served until a leisurely 2.30PM daily) which is a a veritable
spread of freshly baked pastries, cereals, seasonal fruit, Italian
cheeses and meats and eggs however you like them.

How about lunch and dinner?

The bistro is open from from 12.30PM and offers a broad variety
of snacks, sandwiches and mains, all modern interpretations of
international classics. Many of the ingredients come directly from
Italy’s family estates, which explains why even some simple
mozzarella and tomatoes is heavenly.

Is there a bar?

The Bar Bacharach & Bistrot, named after the composer and
pianist Burt Bacharach, is a beautiful space that opens up to a
wooden terrace – an idyllic spot for aperitivo. The cocktail menu
has an extensive selection of classic Italian cocktails (negronis,
we’re looking at you) and some of the country’s finest wines.

Amenities

Like many city hotels, there is no spa or gym but some of the
suites do have saunas. All rooms have a coffee machine and Bose
speakers for those who can’t be dissuaded from their morning
routine. The hotel’s proximity to the Villa Borghese also gives
runners access to one of Rome’s most picturesque routes.

Things you should know

The hotel offers “mansion” rooms in a separate building 10
metres away. While equally spacious and sophisticated in design, we
recommend staying in the main building to get the real experience
of sleeping in a palazzo. Don’t miss the art collection spread
around the building, which was curated by the Russo Art Gallery, a
fifth-generation art curator and one of the most prestigious in
Rome.

Within a short walk you can find…

The walk to and from your hotel will take you past some of the
capital’s top sights. Head east and you’ll get to Piazza di Spagna,
home to the Valentino empire with its museum, three-storey retail
space and private residency of the man himself. Head north on the
Via del Corso and you’ll get to Piazza del Popolo with its Egyptian
obelisk – the tallest and second oldest in Rome. At night, it’s
worth taking the stairs up to Pincio, which offers some of the most
magnificent views over the city and opens up to the beautiful
gardens of the Villa Borghese.