Looking Ahead: Rome 2024

Rome is in a heady hotel phase – in 2023, big-names like Bulgari, the Edition and the Six Senses each debuted new properties (Indagare Insider Elif Sallorenzo, the founder of Rome’s Artisanal Cornucopia boutique, recommends the rooftop bar of the latter, thanks to its breathtaking views). Smaller but equally buzzed-about Palazzo Vilòn, opened in a stunningly restored historic mansion, was reviewed for us by Indagare Ambassador James Klaus who called it “one-of-a-kind” (read his review).

And don’t think for a moment the Eternal City is done amping up its scene with creatively designed hotels in unique locations. Much anticipated is the debut of Romeo Roma, slated to open in the Spring in a prime location near Piazza del Popolo. One of iconic designer Zaha Hadid’s final design projects before her death, the hotel will blend contemporary interiors with a beautiful restoration, including original frescoes in some of the suites. Another marquee name is French chef Alain Ducasse who masterminded the menu of the gourmet restaurant.

Later in the year will see the arrival of Corinthia Roma, overlooking Piazza del Parlamenti, a stone’s throw from Via del Corso and equidistant between the Pantheon and the Fontana di Trevi. Perhaps most exciting, besides the fact that the historic premises of the Central Bank of Italy will hold just 60 spacious guest rooms, is celebrity chef Carlo Cracco who’s been tapped to oversee the menus here.

Meanwhile, travelers looking to be based off the well-trodden path (which, in Rome’s case, can sometimes feel like the well-trampled path) should check out Casa Monti when it opens in the Spring. Located east of the Forum, the Monti neighborhood has some great finds for shoppers (don’t miss LOL Roma, a concept shop that’s a favorite of Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley), and overall, staying here still feels a bit under-the-radar. (Read a Q&A with Rome-born gallerist Anna Marra who considers Monte one of her favorite neighborhoods for walking).

Casa Monti, a 36-room charmer will be the newest addition in the portfolio of the family-owned Leitmotiv group, which also includes the recently opened La Fantaisie in Paris (note: anyone seeking serenity might look elsewhere; the hotel has been a scene since it opened).

In Rome, the property sits close to Via Panisperna and Piazza della Madonna, home to a small but nice selection of galleries, bars and restaurants (don’t miss reliable Trattoria Monti and natural wine bar Al Vino Al Vino).

Because here’s the thing: now that icons like Roscioli have gone global (not that we aren’t grateful for the Soho outpost in New York City) where does one go for that old-school, only-in-Rome feeling and – the eternal question in la città eterna – where do the Romans themselves go for a great night out?

The neo-trattoria trend has gone from fad to mainstay thanks to such chef-driven smaller places as Mazzo, created by the so-called “fooders,” i.e. chefs Francesca Barreca and Marco Baccannelli, and now in a slightly more central location. Those who can stomach venturing a bit further to Centocelle, neither scenic nor quaint but definitely local, should check out Menabò Vino e Cucina with a chalkboard menu and, yes, a loyal local clientele. And, while no longer brand new, Santo Palato continues to deliver Roman classics in a congenial setting.

Back near the historic center, Trastevere’s wine bars continue to draw a cool crowd – don’t be put off by the unassuming, gritty exterior of L’Antidoto – the all-natural wine list is edited, focused and shared by a team passionate to matchmake diners with perfect new discoveries. Postage stamp–sized Latteria, near Ponte Sisto, is best for those first warm days of Spring when you can sit outside and people watch while sipping well-chosen wines (look for Sardinian selects, which is where the owner is from). And while you’re in Trastevere, why not stay for dinner at Antica Pesa or Da Enzo

Because of course, when it comes to Rome, revisiting the classics is always on the menu. Fashion icon—and Valentino muse—Sophie Habsburg counts Trattoria al Moro and Pierluigi among her favorite (read her other Insider Picks), while fashion designer Soledad Twombly picks Ar Galletto for lunch “because it’s in Piazza Farnese and one of the most gorgeous squares in Rome.” For the Indagare team, Armando al Pantheon, Emma, Antico Arco and Felice a Testaccio round out the solid, can’t-go-wrong list.