Hotel Eden, Rome

Marlon Brando, Leonardo DiCaprio and Penelope Cruz have frequented the hotel

- Hannah Brandler

BACKGROUND The historic Hotel Eden first opened in 1889. It was originally a series of residential apartments before being transformed into a luxury hotel and was the first in the city to include a lift, electricity, heating and running water. The hotel joined the Dorchester Collection in 2013 and underwent a refurbishment in 2017, which saw its 121 rooms reduced to 98 more spacious accommodations, along with the incorporation of more contemporary features into the classical design.

WHERE IS IT? The six-storey building is located on the corner of Via Ludovisi and Via di Porta Pinciana, neighbouring the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens and a ten-minute walk to the Spanish Steps. You can easily reach the city centre within 20 minutes.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? The beaming ochre building resembles a Roman residence, while floor-to-ceiling windows on the sixth floor offer a modern touch to the facade. The majestic entrance is flanked by well-dressed doormen and features a reception and concierge on either side. At the heart of the lobby is La Libreria, a sophisticated gold-hued sitting room with books from as early as 1899 lining the shelves, a clandestine bar cabinet with rare bottles and crystalware, a grand piano and lampshades designed by fashion illustrator Andrea Ferolla.