The welcome
A doorman, who looks like he is out of a picture book, welcomes us inside the hotel. At the reception, we are warmly greeted with a cold bottle of water, fruit jelly candies (an Italian staple) and refreshing face cloths. We are escorted to our room by the desk clerk who takes the time to help us get our bearings in the city. He offers us a map of the main tourist sites, and circles all his recommended neighbourhoods, and even his favourite bridge, making the whole exchange feel very personal.
The neighbourhood
Centrally located in the walkable heart of the Old City, very near the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the luxury shopping centre know as the Trident, the hotel is also only a six-minute walk from Barberini metro station.
The room
Hotel Eden, which includes 108 rooms and 13 suites, has a rich history dating back to 1889, and its management was taken over by the Dorchester Collection last year. Our old-world, chic corner suite is elegantly appointed with cream walls and a red carpet, and accented with luxurious black and white fabrics. Our sleeps were undisturbed in the quiet, dark bedroom. And unlike many hotels that boast rain showers, this powerful shower did not disappoint.
The service
The staff are accommodating, informed and gracious without being overbearing, as is sometimes the case in the five-star world.
The scene
The hotel seems to be regularly frequented by guests who have an appreciation for understated luxury – primarily Americans, Brits and Italians. The people moving about were well-heeled but not ostentatious. The restaurant and lounge seemed to draw local Romans, which made it feel less touristy. While the Eden is no stranger to big-name guests, they must be ones who appreciate discretion since the staff were less than forthcoming with specifics of its who’s who of visitors. The big draw of this hotel seems to be the exemplary service.
The food
Breakfast is served in the Michelin-starred La Terrazza dell’Eden restaurant at the top of the hotel. The sixth-floor panoramic view of the city is so captivating the food instantly becomes secondary. But a pot of coffee is quickly delivered along with a plate of pastries for the table. A server takes our eggs order and we graze on the fruit and cheese buffet while waiting for our hot food. In the evenings, the chef Fabio Ciervo serves up the Mediterranean specialities that earned him the food world’s top honour: a Michelin star.
Loved
The bathroom is stocked with delightful Gilchrist & Soames amenities. All the lotions and potions – right down to the bath salts and the tiny pot of lip balm – make our stay extra special.
Hated
The internet is available on a complimentary basis, but the speed puts the “eternal” in the Eternal City. The hotel does, however, offer a paid option.
The verdict
Our stay was so comfortable we did not want to leave.
The bottom line
Double superior rooms at the Hotel Eden, Via Ludovisi 49, Rome (www.dorchestercollection.com) cost from Dh1,936 per night, including taxes. The hotel also offers a series of discerning vacation packages with a focus on family, food, film or arts and culture.
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