Locarno,Rome,Piazza del Popolo,Art deco

Perfectly situated near Piazza del Popolo and glamorous Via Condotti, Hotel Locarno is a very special ‘boutique’ hotel full of character, a relaxing and friendly ambience and enchanting bedrooms.

Hotel Locarno opened its art deco doors in 1925 and ever since has attracted film directors, actors, script-writers and artists. It is indeed the perfect venue for a film setting and was the set of Bernard Weber’s 1978 film “Hotel Locarno”. Quite unique in its style and ambience Hotel Locarno is intimate and tasteful and the kind of place   one could quite happily visit on one’s own with its delightful living room with fireplace where one can sit with a book or a newspaper (there are plenty for one to choose from) after a day’s exploration of Rome or maybe sit at the bar with an aperitivo and mix with the many interesting actors and writers who frequently visit Hotel Locarno.

The style is art deco and the owner has travelled far and wide in search of lights, light fittings and pictures. This is not a ‘standard’ hotel but somewhere with character and originality more like a home in the heart of Rome. The original iron lift with swinging doors is a typical example of the careful thought and effort used to create and maintain an extremely comfortable hotel without succumbing to modern intrusions. On the roof of the hotel there is a fabulous roof terrace where one can watch with fascination the life of the Romans below and below there is a courtyard between the two buildings of the Locarno – both are delightful venues for breakfast in the warmer months.

With only sixty-six rooms and suites, Hotel Locarno is a relatively small hotel and all the rooms have been individually decorated and furnished. The Venetian Suite is stunning with original roll-top baths, pretty inlaid ceiling and antique furniture –  enchanting and romantic for honeymooners. The staff at Hotel Locarno are professional and extremely friendly and many of them have been there for many years – such is their devotion to Hotel Locarno and its delightful owner.

With its superb location in the heart of Rome one can easily explore this quite incredible city on foot from the hotel doors. Guests at Hotel Locarno also have the opportunity to use the bicycles provided by the hotel – an easy and enjoyable way to get around the city. Around every bend there is yet another building, church or statue to marvel at and if that all gets too much then one can always stroll up to the gardens of Villa Borghese above. There are masses of restaurants and shops to discover in every direction where one can sample the many Roman specialities and the staff at Hotel Locarno are excellent at assisting and recommending venues to their guests.

Billed as ‘understated class’ by many reviews Hotel Locarno is just that. Stylish, intimate and relaxed, it cannot be too highly recommended to anyone who fancies a trip to Rome – the eternal city.