What can we say? We’re in an Italian state of mind, and Italy is one of the hottest destinations of the summer. Bella Roma is always a good idea, if only to stop by the local tailor for that custom shirt, and have a few bites at Dal Bolognese. Now you can include Hotel Eden on the list of reasons to visit. This way for the review of this great luxury hotel in Rome.
Overview
First, let’s say that there’s nothing truly new about the Hotel Eden. In fact, Hotel Eden was one of the first luxury hotels in Rome that still exists today. Opened in 1889, Hotel Eden was the first hotel in Rome to have electricity, an elevator, and running water. It was always hands down one of the best hotels in Rome, and its clientele included European royalty, Sophia Loren, to Rudolph Valentino. A-list celebs who don’t want the world to know they’re in Rome…well, they stay at the Eden.
In the 2000s, the hotel had gotten a bit stuffy and tired. Enter the Dorchester Collection and a pretty much unlimited budget, a year and a half later, the hotel was completely renovated. We should say restored, as the decor, atmosphere, and service all pay homage to its history.
Atmosphere
If there’s a hotel that encapsulates la dolce vita, it’s Hotel Eden. Check in and you know you’re taken care of by the grown ups. Everyone from the doormen to the front office staff are impeccably dressed. It’s so classically Italian, it hurts (in a good way). Elegance is the theme here, but at the same time there’s a genuine, down-to-earth atmosphere. Nothing is flashy or over-the-top gaudy. Hotel Eden is a luxury hotel in Rome that’s luxury because it has class.
The overall feel of Hotel Eden is boutique. The intimate lobby has an upstairs lounge that overlooks the action but is tucked away for privacy. The spa is a jewel box, with the full range of facials, body treatments, and massages. Of course, you can also get your nails and hair done here. We advise to take a post-flight nap while in a treatment; it will wipe the jet lag away. Then you’re ready to hit the town, because you’re seven minutes’ walk from the Spanish Steps and close to all the shopping. Eden’s location is prime; you’re not in the midst of the madding (tourist) crowd, and yet you’re just a short distance from various prime landmarks.
Rooms
When the Eden closed for the renovation, the rooms were redone from top to bottom. The result? Impeccable, with every fixture and piece of furniture carefully selected. You walk in and you have no doubt, you’re in a luxury hotel in Rome. With bathrooms that feature top-quality marble, the Eden offers classic Italian perfection. The design team envisioned a specific color for the marble, and found in a marble cave in Afghanistan. So naturally, the Eden bought out the entire cave and spruced up all the bathrooms. When we said that the budget was essentially unlimited, it was not an exaggeration. No expense was spared to make the hotel perfect.
A hotel that’s 130 years old naturally partners with companies that have an equally rich history. The Eden has the most comfortable mattresses out of all the 800+ luxury hotels around the world where we’ve slept. They’re handmade by Vispring, the same company that makes Queen Elizabeth’s beds. The sleep you’ll get is sublime. And yes, you can get these mattresses custom-made for you and delivered to your home. They cost an arm and a leg, but since we spend a third of our lives in bed, it’s worth it.
Dining
The seventh floor of the hotel is where all the action is at. It’s also where you get one of the best views of Rome, all the way from the Vittorio to the Vatican. And while you can see the top of the Spanish steps, you couldn’t feel farther away as you also overlook the lush gardens that surround Hotel Eden.
Unlike a lot of hotel food (which is, let’s say not always a culinary highlight), the casual Il Giordano and La Terrazza are destination dining. La Terrazza even has a Michelin star. We know these are fighting words, but food in Rome is mediocre compared to Puglia, Amalfi, and Tuscany, just to name a few spots. The food at Hotel Eden is the exception to the rule. At Il Giordano, the pastas, pizza, crudos, and snacks in the bar are tops for lunch. The daytime crowd makes for nice people watching, all the more because the businessmen and women who lunch here are impeccably dressed. Thursday through Sunday there’s a DJ in the evenings, who helps create an enjoyable scene.
Service
Over more than 130 years, the level of service has been exemplary at this luxury hotel in Rome. While the classic Swiss-hotel-school service is impeccable, it can be a bit robotic. That’s not what you get at the Hotel Eden. Instead, you can enjoy having every need anticipated, paired with the warm, genuine Italian manner. Among the experienced staff, there’s a culture and passion for the hotel that struck us as unique. No one here is going through the motions; it’s why, of all the luxury hotels in Rome, Hotel Eden feels most like home.
Overall: 9/10 As close to a perfect Roman experience as you can get.
FAQs
Q: When are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Eden?
A: Check-in is at 2p.m., and check-out is at noon.
Q: Does Hotel Eden have a fitness center?
A: Guests have free access to the hotel’s fitness center, including a treadmill, elliptical, free weights, and more.
Q: Does the hotel have free Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for hotel guests.
Q: Where can one make reservations online?
A: The reservations section of the hotel website is open for booking.
Hotel Eden Information
Address: Via Ludovisi, 49, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Phone number: +39 06 478121
Map:
