Hotel Locarno – Hotel Review

Rome has no shortage of historical buildings. At Hotel Locarno, you’re sleeping in one. This central stay is a storied place of high ceilings, parquetry flooring and a transportive smattering of antique furnishings that really send guests back in time to the building’s Deco heyday. It’s the hotel’s rooftop bar and terrace area that pulls it into the modern day – it’s a glittery scene of pricey cocktails, incredible city views and, if you’re lucky, even a few famous faces. Read on for the full review.

Where is Hotel Locarno? 

Between Piazza del Popolo and the banks of the Tiber River in the city’s historical centre, Hotel Locarno is exceptionally placed for on-foot exploration. Its closest metro station is Flaminio-Piazza del Popolo, on Line A (Battistini - Anagnina), which has direct links to Termini Station (which, in turn, has direct links to Leonardo da Vinci Airport). If you want to skip the multi-stop trip, a cab takes about half an hour and costs around €48.

What’s near Hotel Locarno?

Go for a wander: the big-ticket items come thick and fast in this part of Rome. The manicured expanse of Villa Borghese and its stately buildings, tranquil ponds and emerald lawns is a mere five-minute stroll away (cutting through the cobbled square of Piazza del Popolo). Piazza di Spagna and the graceful waterfall of Spanish Steps is just 10 minutes walk and the glorious Trevi Fountain is a further 650 metres south. 

Room types 

The rooms are delightfully grand; an atmospheric change from the era of sterile, whitewashed hotel rooms. Think heavy drapes with vibrant brocade patterns, fringed bed valances and, in higher tier rooms, chandelier lighting for a fancy flourish. All rooms include wi-fi, small dining spaces, minibars and, in some, bathtubs with old-school showerheads (yep, the ones you have to hold). If you can snag a balcony, do – the views over Rome rooftops are certainly worth a peek. 

Restaurants and bars 

The old-world atmosphere continues in the hotel’s drinking den and restaurant, where indoor palms and a wood-panelled bar anchor the sprawling space. The menu is an all-day affair, with a mishmash of influences and includes eggs Benedict, lamb chops and club sandwiches. The drinks list is more extensive, featuring elaborate cocktails and local wines from just about every region. The hotel’s Bloody Brunch is a fun treat for guests who stay over weekends, with hearty breakfast dishes intended to be served alongside Bloody Marys and a riff, the gin-laced Red Snapper.

Travel for work

Private events can be organised on Terrazzo Locarno but in-room working is a little less reliable (wi-fi can be patchy). 

What you need to know

Get the lowdown about the property’s fascinating history, which has seen names as big as Federico Fellini, Jack Kerouac and actress Giulietta Masina bunk in the very same rooms.

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