My husband and I spent three nights at Hotel Locarno last month. It was the first of three hotels…read morewe stayed at during this trip, and it's the one we're most likely to stay at again. A beautiful place, 100 years old and full of character, with excellent service and a great location.
The hotel was small and charming, with only 49 rooms on five floors. The hallways and elevator were tiny by American standards, and our deluxe corner room--two categories above the base level--was just over 300 square feet. Not huge, but spacious enough for our needs. The bed was comfortable, as was the little seating area in the corner. The bathroom was disproportionately large, with a very nice shower.
Everything was attractive, the aesthetic antiquey and thoroughly realized. Chevroned wood floors, heavy brocade drapery. A lot of gold, none of it garish, though I suppose you just get away with that in Rome. There was a TV in one corner, small and deemphasized, as if to say, why would one waste time here watching TV?
Service was top notch, with a personal feel. Check-in was easy and pleasant, and we continued to interact with the front desk staff throughout our stay. They recommended restaurants and made us a reservation at a nearby trattoria. They greeted us every time we walked by. We were invited to leave our room key with them whenever we went out, so housekeeping knew when to go in. The room key was a substantial object, not a flimsy key card, so this also spared us from carrying it in our pockets. Housekeeping was thorough, and we got some good chocolate with turndown service.
We made good use of Bar Locarno, which was both a stellar bar and a lovely all-day restaurant. We enjoyed cocktails on the patio and breakfast in the dining room. Fantastic cocktails and a luxurious breakfast, the latter included with our booking.
We were out and about for most of our waking hours, but the hotel was an ideal home base. Centrally located, right by the Piazza del Popolo, a short walk from the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. We left to go to Florence then stayed at the Orient Express La Minerva when we came back. That hotel was more expensive and we got a ridiculously large room, but it was almost wasted on us, given the on-the-go nature of a Roman vacation. Hotel Locarno gave us everything we needed and more, and I hope to stay again the next time we visit Rome.