The Hotel Locarno in Rome is an enchanting boutique hotel located in the heart of the city's historic center. The hotel is situated on the Piazza del Popolo, one of Rome's most iconic squares. This hotel is our favorite base while visiting Rome, offering a sophisticated yet cozy feel welcoming you into the Eternal City. Its central location places it within walking distance of some of the best Rome has to offer, such as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Piazza di Spagna, making it an ideal choice for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Rome's rich history and culture.
History of the Hotel
If walls could talk! The stories of Hotel Locarno span over a century of fascinating history. The hotel opened in 1925 by Swiss owners and named after their hometown. The hotel’s legacy includes enduring turbulent times, from Nazi occupation during World War II to serving as a refuge for American soldiers after the liberation of Rome. Despite the chaos, the hotel never closed its doors.
In the post-war era, as Rome’s film industry flourished, Hotel Locarno became a gathering spot for celebrities and artists. Personalities such as Federico Fellini, Giulietta Masina, and Jack Kerouac frequented the bar, while the paparazzi captured the rising stars of Hollywood and Italian cinema. The hotel was later transformed, reviving the spirit of the 1920's and further attracting a mix of artists and personalities alike, creating a cultural hub for films, literary works and playwrights. Today the hotel is as vibrant as ever with its effortless charm and iconic Roman class.
The Interiors
The Hotel Locarno has 61 unique rooms spanning across king guest rooms to suites and superior rooms. All the bedrooms are designed to perfection using a mix of traditional Roman charm and modern comfort. The Hotel Locarno Bar is one of its most iconic features feeling the history of the place as soon as you enter. Adorned with a stained wood classic central bar and Art Deco chairs surrounding a fireplace, you will never want to leave. The bar flows into an outdoor courtyard which makes for a beautiful space for your morning cappuccino. However, our favorite part of the hotel is their discreet rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Piazza del Popolo and the Roman skyline. This is our favorite place in Rome for an aperitif before heading out for dinner where you can truly feel the magic of the Eternal City. Throughout the courtyard and the rooftop, this hotel creates a sanctuary for their guests within the bustling city of Rome.
In the neighborhood
Some of our favorite things to do in the Campo Marzio neighborhood of Rome is simply to wander. The hotel is not far from the gateway to the Borghese Gardens where we love to walk through in Rome's morning light before we begin our day in the city. From there, we walk through the city and into our favorite coffee shop in town, Caffe Greco. We always sit in for a cappuccino in the mornings and never leave Rome without taking back (several) bags of their ground espresso for home. From there we'd wander through the outdoor market Mercato Antiquary Piazzo Borghese and finding a small treasure before stepping into Schostal for a pair of linen pajamas that you can't leave Rome without.
Some of our favorite restaurants in all of Rome are not far from Hotel Locarno, especially Ristorante Nino. In the warmer months, we love to sit outside at Ristorante Nino, enjoying an aperitif before dinner and watching the world go by within their alleyway just a few steps from the Spanish Steps. After you enjoy a limoncello, we'd suggest saving your dessert for Giolitti just down the road from Nino. This place is exploding with tempting Italian sweets and their chairs outside make it the perfect place to enjoy a warm summers night outside with a gelato.
Some additional favorites in the neighborhood that deserve a mention below:
-Ristorante al Moro
-Ristorante Old Bear
-Ristorante Alfredo alla Scorfa
-Hotel de Russie for an aperitif in their courtyard
-Ginger for fresh juices and a healthy lunch
-Hosteria del Mercato for a healthy lunch
-Keats-Shelley House tour
