It’s hard not to get excited about a trip overseas … especially when it’s to the city of love. But I’ll be honest – despite my anticipation, I had heard mixed reviews. People either love it or hate it. Lucky for me, I side with the former, because the eternal city stole a little piece of my heart!
I spent my nights at the most amazing brand-new boutique hotel where the staff made me feel like I was right at home. My crew didn’t have a ton of time to spend in the city, but we enjoyed a few highlights and – of course – made time for shopping and indulging. That’s probably the reason I loved this city so much … it embodies three of my all-time favorite things: beautiful architecture, love stories and unforgettable feasts.
The Hotel Vilon is in the historic heart of Rome and can’t be considered anything but a luxurious hidden gem. A drop-dead gorgeous restoration of the house annexed to Palazzo Borghese reinstates and recreates its ancient splendor, providing an atmosphere characterized by an Art Deco – yet contemporary – feeling, accented by sophisticated decor.
My Double Room included an impressive American buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a mini bar. The room was intimate and cozy, embellished with an elegant Art Deco style and beautiful wallpaper as well as comfortable velvet armchairs and walk-in closets, marble bathrooms with a large window and walk-in rain shower. Best of all, my room came with a view – perhaps my favorite in all of Rome – in the form of a private terrace with an exclusive perspective of the Borghese Palace Gardens.
When we weren’t eating pizza around the city, you’d spot us at the hotel’s Adelaide restaurant, which offers a delicious menu of Mediterranean cuisine that changes according to the season, with traditional Roman classics freshened up by a modern twist. My favorite part of Adelaide was the green outdoor patio reminiscent of a relaxing bohemian space where, especially during warm weather, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks in genuine “al fresco.”
Our favorite bartender made us inventive cocktails every day, using our choice of liqueur, and we’d sip while savoring our day’s memories, lazily lounging on the plush furniture. I can’t say enough about the service we received at Hotel Vilon. Quite literally, our every need was taken care of – from on-the-spot car service to restaurant reservations, all we had to do was ask. The hotel staff remembered our names and every time we returned to the hotel it really felt like we were coming home.
The best part, since it is just a few streets and an easy walk from world famous sights like the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, Hotel Vilon was the perfect home base for a trip that includes a lot of must-see stops … in style.
Seeing Rome a in a New Way
Truth be told – as harsh as it is – I only had a few days to spend in this beautiful city. My mom and I made the most of our stay by seeing the highlights of the monuments on a bus tour, but my favorite memory was casually strolling through the city with my photographer, who lived in Rome and knew the city on a different level. She gave me an insider’s tour of the sights including an intimate account of the area’s history and where I should make time to go before I left. I highly recommend losing yourself between the alleys of Rome – pizza and gelato included, of course.
Credits
Photographer – Katerina Kutas
Beaded Dress – Elite Pour La Vie
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