Eternal Romance

With its blend of historic grandeur, luxurious rooms and intimate charm, Palazzo Roma offers honeymooners a romantic sanctuary in the very heart of the Eternal City, writes Anjana Gosai.

Known affectionately as the Eternal City, Rome has long captured the imagination: a place where grandeur and intimacy coexist effortlessly. Awe-inspiring monuments draw visitors from around the world, yet it’s also a city where you stumble upon moments so enchanting – they stay with you long after you leave.

Strolling through Rome’s sunlit piazzas and winding cobbled streets, the city unfolds like an open-air gallery. The Colosseum rises in dramatic splendour, the Trevi Fountain glitters with cascading water and almost every corner seems to have a story to tell.

It’s this mix of timeless charm and romance that makes Rome an irresistible choice for a mini-moon or honeymoon. Spend your days wandering ancient ruins, linger over a coffee in a bustling piazza or share a pizza at Giardino degli Aranci, the hilltop orange garden with sweeping views across the city.

When it comes to finding the perfect base, the five-star Palazzo Roma on Via del Corso – once the stage for Renaissance horse races, offers both charm and convenience. Its central location makes it especially appealing for honeymooners and wedding parties, with popular venues such as Villa Aurelia and Villa Miani just a short drive away.

Blending fine dining, exquisite comfort and aristocratic elegance – this beautifully restored 18th-century palazzo, which opened as a luxury hotel in 2023, feels less like a place to stay and more like a destination in itself. It’s little wonder the entire property has been booked by a prominent Indian family for an upcoming celebration in the city.

Rooms & Suites

Each of the 39 rooms and suites at Palazzo Roma has its own character. Jewel tones of emerald, dusky pink and peacock blue contrast with carved wood ceilings and textured wallpapers, while luxe bathrooms, which are modelled on the opulent French Salles de Marbre are stylish and inviting. Thoughtful details, from bespoke furnishings to curated artworks and atmospheric lighting, make each room feel individual. After a day of wandering in Rome, the pleasure is in the retreat: sinking into a marble tub, a moment with a book in the serene sunlit suite or simply soaking in the calm. It’s Roman elegance, brought to life in a stylish and relaxed way.

Eating and drinking

Core, the all-day restaurant, is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Frescoed walls and a statement Venetian chandelier create a stunning backdrop. Start the day with trays of fluffy, freshly baked madeleines, maritozzis and cream-filled bomboloni (Italian doughnuts), which are served straight to your table. Executive chef Federico Sartucci brings Italian tradition to life with dishes ranging from creamy cacio e pepe and rich lasagne to hearty Tuscan Chianina steaks, each bursting with flavour. After a day of exploring, unwind in the Music Room with a coffee, where the original grand piano adds a touch of drama. Or sip on an aperitif at the chic bar, where resident mixologist Giovanni Fortino crafts memorable cocktails.

What to Do

Many of Rome’s treasures are just a short stroll from Palazzo Roma. Three minutes east brings you to the Trevi Fountain, the 18th-century Baroque masterpiece where generations of Romans have tossed coins for luck – visit at dawn to enjoy it in peace. A five-minute walk west leads to the Pantheon, a nearly two-thousand-year-old temple built to honour all Roman gods. Head south to the Colosseum, where emperors once staged gladiatorial games, and explore the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where ruins of temples, basilicas and government buildings tell the story of Rome’s civic and religious life. Not far away, the Monumento Vittorio Emanuele II commemorates Italy’s unification, and its terraces provide sweeping sunset views over the city.

You’ll need to refuel, and Rome is a food lover’s paradise. Classic dishes such as carbonara and Roman pizza – with its thin, crisp crust, can be found in trattorias lining the city’s streets. Try Osteria da Fortunata for the freshest pasta or Antico Forno Roscioli for pizza. Just steps from Piazza Navona, with its stunning fountains, Two Sizes is a must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its tiramisu is light and luscious, with flavours ranging from classic to pistachio and caramel.

The concierge can arrange unforgettable experiences, from a helicopter flight over Tivoli’s grand villas, gardens and waterfalls, to a private tour of the extraordinary UNESCO-listed Stadium of Domitian, a 2000-year-old athletic stadium hidden underground. For those who prefer to stay closer, guided walks can be arranged to explore nearby attractions.

Rooms from £560 • www.palazzoroma.com