Postcard from Rome
We say that someone from the Local Foreigner team is always on the road, visiting destinations across the globe - but we really mean always. Our new series, the Postcard, is a peek into our incessant itinerar-izing - and where better to kick off a series about our constant travel than in the Eternal City?
Local Foreigner team members Alex Erdman Ely, Tati Stroud, and James McLaren have all been to Rome recently, to keep on top of the explosion of new hotel openings and tuck into more than a few bowls of pasta (for research!) From Romulus and Remus' wolf-raised adventure to being crowned the capital of Italy in 1870, Rome's got stories to tell - read on for some of our favorites.
Roman mythology dates the founding of Rome at around 753 BC, but the area has been inhabited for much longer - it's been a major human settlement for almost three millennia. Bummer for people who visited in the first 2,798 years or so, though, because the hotel scene has never been as good as it is right now. As the birthplace of western civilization, of course the Eternal City boasts iconic landmarks like the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican City. But Rome's major charm is more subtle, tucked into cobblestoned neighborhoods, family-owned restaurants, and friendly locals.
Your chicest Pucci head scarf
Your appetite
Designer sneakers
MORNING
Regoli Pasticceria
Start your day with a maritozzi (a Sicilian sweet bun with whipped cream) and a cappuccino at this 100-year-old Esquilino destination worthy of an early pilgrimage. | See the restaurant
Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria
The Roscioli mini-empire is at the top of many Rome (and New York) dining lists - stop into the Caffè, steps from the Salumeria con Cucina, for a morning coffee or early lunch. | See the restaurant
MIDDAY
Trattoria Da Teo
Rustic, warm, casual, and a little bit chaotic - just what we're looking for when we're in Trastevere for lunch. | See the restaurant
Ristorante le Mani in Pasta
You're in Rome for pasta. Le Mani in Pasta is here to make that happen for you. Don't miss the Tagliolini a la Gricia, and don't forget to book in advance. | See the restaurant
EVENING
Pianostrada
Down an unassuming alleyway in Centro Storico, this sparkling spot owned by four female business partners is edited, elevated, and excellent. A great contrast to more traditional Roman restaurants. | See the restaurant
Matricianella
No Roman holiday is complete without a classic, white-tablecloth dinner at an old-world trattoria. Matricianella sets the standard. | See the restaurant
A FEW FAVORITE SPECIAL EXPERIENCES
Rome by Vespa
Exploring Rome by vespa is the quintessential Italian adventure. Hop on board this iconic scooter (driven by a licensed professional) to explore the narrow streets, picturesque squares, and prominent sites of Rome. With the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, you'll gain a whole new perspective of the Eternal City.
Aperitivo Crawl
Experience the Italian aperitivo ritual in Rome's vibrant Trastevere. Explore diverse aperitivo settings, learn the history and culture, and savor the iconic Aperol Spritz at several local spots across the neighborhood. Cin cin!
The Vatican After Hours
Embark on an exclusive after-hours tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, exploring the Museo Pio Clementino, Papal Apartments, and iconic Sistine Chapel. Marvel at Michelangelo's masterpieces with a guide's in-depth explanations. Additional stops include the Gallery of the Candelabra and Hall of Maps.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
Bulgari Hotel Roma
Bulgari Hotel Roma, originally the 1930s INPS headquarters, underwent a transformative renovation to bring the local luxury brand to the city's already-great hotel scene. Paying homage to Italian craftsmanship, it features hand-laid mosaics, Murano glass, and iconic designs by Gio Ponti, creating a majestic blend of history and artistry. | View the hotel
Six Senses Rome
For travelers seeking a breezy oasis in busy, historic Rome, it's hard to beat the new Six Senses, which feels like a slice of Los Angeles snuck onto Piazza di San Marcello. Along with 96 quiet rooms, the 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, discreetly set back from Via del Corso, hosts a chic lobby with an oval bar and restaurant. | View the hotel
CLASSIC FAVORITES
Hotel de Russie
The Hotel de Russie is Rome’s most classic luxury hotel. Discretely located off the Piazza del Popolo and a 5-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, the location is Rome’s best shopping district. The hotel is built around serene gardens, attracting guests and chic locals alike. There is also a spa and a small indoor pool. The overall design aesthetic blends contemporary luxury and classic Roman elegance. | View the hotel
Hotel Eden
Bathed in grandiose Italian opulence with a splash of Art Deco flair, Hotel Eden defines Roman luxury. Perched on a pretty hilltop with sweeping views of Rome’s centro storico, the hotel occupies a prominent position in the Eternal City. The building’s canary-yellow neoclassical facade gives way to a gleaming Carrera marble lobby, where rich mahogany and warm gold tones invoke a classic Roman ambiance. | View the hotel
JK Place Roma
From the brand that's a favorite with the international in-the-know, J.K. Place Roma is the stylish linchpin of Rome’s hotel scene. Dressed in handsome mahoganies, striated marbles, and striking contemporary art, the hotel’s common spaces give a punchy nod to retro Dolce Vita glamour. Rooms are a departure from classic Italian opulence, but feel skillfully refined with crown moldings, swish art deco furnishings, and unexpectedly vibrant color schemes. | View the hotel
ON THE HORIZON
Casa Monti
Leitmotiv, the brand behind cool-kid hotels La Fantaisie (Paris) and Couer de Megève, will open a new little jewelbox property in hip Monti later this year. | More details
Rosewood Rome
Rosewood is planning its second Italian property, set to open in 2025 in the former headquarters of Italy’s Banca Nazionale del Lavoro overlooking the iconic Via Veneto. | More details
Italian Classics
Florence, Tuscany, and Rome comprise the country's classic itinerary, encompassing history, art, food, and plenty of wine. Plan for 10-12 days to hit the highlights.
Dolce Vita
After your stay in the Holy City, take the 90-minute train from Rome to Naples for easy access to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
The Wildcard
Non-stop flights between Rome to Malé mean it's possible to combine Italy and the Maldives for a best-of-both-worlds romantic getaway.