Rome already had a seductive vibe about it — blame it on the mix of stylish style and droolworthy delicacies — earlier than Marriott’s coolest model opened its doorways earlier this yr.
However the brand new Rome Version resort definitely enhanced town’s resort fame within the cooler-than-cool division. The property is a part of a more moderen crop of smooth lodges within the Everlasting Metropolis that handle to be very near all of the motion whereas nonetheless providing up a calming temper to friends. Within the case of the Rome Version, it is a couple of 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 value dropping by whether or not you are a die-hard Marriott Bonvoy loyalist on the town for a number of nights or simply on the lookout for a classy spot to seize dinner and a drink in Italy’s capital metropolis.
Meet the Rome Version
The Rome Version errs on the extra intimate facet 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 a whole lot. This smaller resort 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 night time, relying on should you’re seeking to keep in the course of the week or the weekend.
Like the complete Ian Schrager-partnered Version chain of lodges, 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 model, the Rome Version nonetheless pops with its lean into lush greenery, marble, minimalist furnishings and indoor-outdoor format.
You entry the resort by strolling down a chic, 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 resort earlier than you set foot within the foyer units the temper for the resort: The room depend may 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 complete model — Jade Bar and a rooftop bar that was wrapping development throughout my go to. Spa services had been additionally nonetheless beneath development.
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 workforce of their completely tailor-made black uniforms, particularly should you simply need to get to the standard check-in desk.
Do not let this alarm you. This resort is run by a really affable workforce who had been a delight to speak with over the span of a tour, dinner and cocktails. We even left with an awesome record of bars and eating places to strive over the remainder of our journey.
I used to be staying on the Resort de la Ville — a Rocco Forte Lodges property 10 minutes away from the Version — and later the brand new InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace simply across the nook. Together with my tour of the Rome Version, I additionally toured the Six Senses Rome earlier within the day (extra on that within the coming days).
Every resort was common in its personal manner, however the Rome Version appeared to draw probably the most native crowd. Certain, it may need been the top of American vacationer season, nevertheless it was good to see Anima and the next-door lounge replenish with Italians seeking to have a enjoyable night time.
I additionally realized I may be ageing out of the focused Version demographic, as my self-chosen meal time meant I used to be sipping espresso and asking for the examine simply because the eating space started to replenish. Both manner, it was a wonderful night time.
At one level, I requested a workforce member who their competitors was amongst Rome’s lodges, they usually instructed me they did not essentially see themselves competing with lodges. As an alternative, they seen their resort in the identical lane as Soho Home Rome.
The rooms
Whereas the Rome Version was nonetheless wrapping up the complete completion of its public areas, the resort is clearly already common with vacationers. The one obtainable room to tour the night time I handed by 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 resort recognized for its nightlife. You’ll want to request a room overlooking the backyard for perfect views.
Whereas wooden paneling may often 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 friends to guide, and connecting rooms can be found upon request (however require calling forward to the resort). The resort 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 night time out. Home music pulsed all through the courtyard, and waiters attentively dropped by to teach and information on alternatives.
Trying 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 works for 64 euros, or $69, a bottle).
Chef Paola Colucci’s menu shines all through the complete 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).
On no account is it a cut price meal in Rome, however Anima manages to tug an elusive transfer by doling out scrumptious meals in a really fashionable setting. Normally, these are mutually unique issues.
My solely criticism is that it was sweltering with humidity the night time 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 resort motion, however life-style lodges — these leaning extra into bars and eating places to drum up income and courtroom extra native site visitors — are the cool youngsters of the resort business at this time. It is clear Schrager has advanced with the occasions with the most recent Version property.
Somebody as soon as instructed me the boutique resort motion finally misplaced its steam as a result of they had been intimidating to enter and all the time felt like they might use an additional mild or three within the dimly lit public areas. The Rome Version seems to have discovered from the boutique lodges of yesterday and as an alternative provides an array of areas, relying in your temper.
The Backyard, Anima and the foyer are all properly lit and welcoming whereas the darkish, richly embellished Punch Room (full with wooden paneling, velvet couches and a fire) felt prefer it was an excellent spot to move to for a winter cocktail or early completely happy hour when you do not need the boss to know you left work a bit of early.
Jade Bar’s inexperienced, brass and gold coloration palette felt prefer it may be the poshest bar within the Emerald Metropolis awaiting those that adopted the yellow brick street 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 workforce requested that I not share images of the rooftop bar and pool since they had been nonetheless wrapping up development, however these will simply be among the extra coveted spots within the metropolis. The rooftop continues with the marble and sandstone aesthetic of the foyer in addition to the luxurious greenery, and I can already think about how the deck chairs with a facet of ice-cold Negroni will probably be sizzling commodities on sunny days.
Why guide 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 all the time follow Marriott-affiliated properties have loads of causes to think about a keep right here.
Provided that the resort is on monitor to be its personal nightlife vacation spot, I might make a degree of staying right here after you’ve got already had an preliminary journey to Rome to see all of the sights and sights. When you examine in to the Version, there’s an excellent likelihood you are not going to need to spend an excessive amount of time away battling vacationers for a glimpse of the Colosseum.