The First Roma Dolce

"This is the second hotel in Pavilions Hotels' Rome-centric The First Experience collection. Sister property First Roma Art is all about contemporary art; Dolce, meanwhile, focuses on exactly what its name implies: sweets and pastries. You'll encounter your fair share of confections during your stay, like eclairs, pralines, and mignons, as well as chocolate tastings. In the afternoon, the Salon del Tea hosts English Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches and Marriage Frères tea." - Maresa Manara

"What are your first impressions?The First Roma Dolce has a futuristic design, with curved lines and lots of gold. The entrance feels like an uber-luxe salon and library—one where the books all happen to be pastry-themed. What's the story behind this place?This is the second one of the three hotels in Pavilions Hotels’ Rome-centric The First Experience collection. Sister property First Roma Art is all about contemporary art, while The First Musica focuses on…you guessed it, music. Dolce, meanwhile, does what it says on the tin: some exquisite sweets and pastries. You'll encounter your fair share of confectionary during your stay, like eclairs, pralines, and mignons, as well as chocolate tastings. In the afternoon, the Salon del Tea hosts English Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches and Marriage Frères tea. Tell us all abut the digs.Our room was a gorgeous corner suite with wood paneling, a white marble bathroom, colorful contemporary art, and coffee table books. There was also great tech—smart lights, et al—and Technogym Wellness equipment. And the Wi-Fi?Free and high quality. Tell us more about the sweets.Dolce's focus is pastries, so you'll encounter your fair share of confections, including eclairs, pralines, mignons, and even chocolate tastings. In the afternoon, the Salon del Tea hosts English Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches and Marriage Frères tea. Breakfast, included in the room rate, can be entirely customized to your liking. How did you find the service?Service was professional, smooth and efficient. The concierge has a menu of experiences (from art walks to wine tastings) up his sleeve; he'll also organize transport in the hotel's Tesla. Who tends to stay here?Luxe travelers—everyone is dressed impeccably (and the handbags are amazing!). Where's it located?Dolce is in the very center of the Via del Corso, a busy shopping area, yet despite the crowds, it manages to keep a low profile. The location is perfect for anyone looking for good pedestrian access to shopping and historic sites. Any standout features, or secrets you can let us in on?The First Experience partnership gives guests priority access to the rooftop at the First Roma Art hotel. What's the bottom line?You're in the very center of the city—nothing could be more convenient." - Erica Firpo

"The First Roma Dolce Why we love it: A lavish boutique hotel that delivers big on la dolce vita The Highlights: - A prime location on Via del Corso, near the Spanish Steps - Personalized touches like welcome pastries and libraries in each room - An on-site restaurant themed around sweets The Review: Just 23 rooms are available to book at this boutique hotel, which opened in Rome’s culturally rich Historical Center this April, just footsteps from its sister property, The First Roma Arte. Originally designed by Italian architect and urban planner Giuseppe Valadier, the 19th-century building marries the comforts of a private home with the energy of surrounding Via del Corso, known as one of the city’s most charming streets. Several rooms boast a view of the action, while others overlook a serene interior courtyard, but all come with an array of comforts, including headboard libraries, bathrooms clad in Italian Saint Laurent marble, and Acqua di Parma toiletries. Suites even include Technogym equipment upon request. That latter amenity can come in handy here, where “dessert first” is the unspoken motto. Find it in the property name, of course, but also in homemade pastries upon arrival, a full English afternoon tea with an Italian focus, and the menu at VELO, the hotel’s patisserie-themed restaurant. Should you not be one for sweets, the eatery also offers authentic Italian dishes like caprese salad, spaghetti Amatriciana, and beef filet with vegetables."