"Why book? This grand old dame, well-positioned near Palazzo Barberini, boasts 160 gilded guest rooms and suites, decked out in regal colors of powder blue, cream, and yellow. There are gold and silver accents on pretty much everything. Remember those times when you’ve wanted to stay in a palace? Now’s your chance. Set the scene. Marriott invested 40 million euro into renovating this formerly faded property, reimagining it for today with light-filled communal spaces and plenty of glitz. It’s no surprise that well-heeled professionals love the opulence of this grand hotel—not to mention its proximity to Rome’s major sites. The backstory Marriott employed interior design firm Pierre-Yves Rochon to oversee its makeover. They stepped up to the task, creating the big, expansive lobby and re-doing the library, along with all the guest rooms and suites. Here, pastel walls contrast the travertine marble and bronze accents, while sculptural busts, mosaics and objets d’art stand beside regal velvet fabrics. The rooms Rooms reflect the hotel’s grandeur, decked out in powder blue and terra cotta hues, with crisp linens and hand-engraved mirrors. The restored Venetian chandeliers make for a glamorous touch, as do the pops of contemporary and antique artworks. Bathrooms are big, with Marquina black marble tubs and Bottega Veneta toiletries. Food and drink A sort of deli-on-steroids, La Credenza di Augusto 1894, runs out of The St. Regis, selling take-home goodies plus a seasonal menu of dishes including spaghetti with anchovy sauce, and grilled octopus and potatoes with olive tapenade, accompanied with a noteworthy wine list. Cocktail bar Lumen, meanwhile, has had a veritable glow up, partnering with Rome’s iconic Jerry Thomas Speakeasy, drawing both guests and walk-in punters with an exceptional cocktail menu that runs the gamut from beloved Italian classics to off-the-wall inventions. The neighborhood/area It’s easy to see why travelers gravitate to this part of town, a stone’s throw from Villa Borghese, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum. The service Pretty much perfect, thanks in part to the St. Regis Butler service who are on-hand to cater to your every whim. Anything else we should know about? Ask your butler about the property’s Rome Experience tours, which take guests on a bespoke tour of venues usually closed to the public (Renaissance chapel, Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, Biblioteca Casanatense and San Luigi dei Francesi church)." - Maresa Manara
