TRAVEL chambers flooded with natural light offering either garden or city views .
Boasting romantic shutted windows and wonderfully high ceilings , the rooms feel light , bright and airy , even in the smallest categories , while neutral decor , floor-toceiling mirrored wardrobes , elegant furniture and marble bathrooms with gold finishes complete the contemporary grand-luxe feel .
Sinking into the plush mattress and cosy pillows was as if falling into an Italian romance novel , the light spring breeze blowing the drapes beside the shutters , Prosecco on ice and the gentle hum of the city ’ s Lambrettas catching in the wind . Happy never to leave , aside from the city below to explore there was also the rest of the hotel , too .
Set as its own subterranean retreat , The Eden Spa is spearheaded by The Dorchester London ’ s team to bring the quintessential Dorchester Collections ’ service standards to its latest Italian addition . It offers a selection of private suites , complete with their own marble bathrooms and vanity dressing rooms , from which guests can choose from one of their now renowned signature treatments . Höbepergh massages are sensory and aromatic , flowing from the Dolomites ’ alpine herbs to the sweet almonds and citrus fruits of Sicily . Throw in hot stones to therapeutically rebalance body and mind and it ’ s unsurprising that I practically floated back to my room .
Dining here unsurprisingly does not disappoint either .
La Liberia on the ground floor offers mixed afternoon aperitifs served tableside from its drinks trolley , yet it is to the roof that guests flood , having secured a table so sought after that they are booked months in advance . Here , you ’ ll find the hotel ’ s dual dining offering . Left presents Michelinstarred La Terrazza with its innovative cuisine served to the backdrop of city lights or ensconced in the private dining room lined with rare vintages . Right leads into the contemporary Il Giardino , first to the sleek modern bar bedecked with Moreno glass from which to enjoy a perfect espresso martini digestif and then to the expansive terrace restaurant , which is glass covered in the cooler months , with the doors and roof thrown open in the summer to flood the space with warmth and light .
The views here are absolutely breathtaking , with windows perfectly framing views across to St Peter ’ s Basilica in the distance . Dishes , a modern takes on Italian and Roman classics , hold their own against their stunning backdrop .
The cacio e pepe , which was spun with flourish tableside , remains the best I ’ ve had , while the sharing platter of beef ribs with friggitelli peppers was wonderfully seared and packed with flavour . Of course we had to finish with the house tiramisu , but it was the additional touch of an insideKENT decorated cappuccino that gave a true glimpse of the elevated and frankly unfaltering service here . Many of the team have worked here for decades , as much a fixture of the city ’ s history as its layers of Roman past , and flow effortlessly from charming personalised attention and comedic anecdote to unobtrusive service as cleanly as their crisp white dress jackets .
Not content with offering the best sunset views of the city , Il Giardino then transforms by day to the most perfect breakfast ( and brunch !) spot . Enjoy eggs served to order alongside fresh pancakes , pastries and fruits to a backdrop of sun-filled panoramic vistas and fuel your day with copious cappuccinos , this time adjourned with pictures of the Colosseum - a truly inspired start to a journey of exploration in one of the world ’ s most incredible cities .
Uncompromisingly beautiful , luxuriously comfortable and perpetually elegant , discover your own private residence , surrounded by contemporary Italian sophistication at Hotel Eden with rooms starting from £ 668 per night , breakfast not included .
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