Lonely Planet Review
To step into the red light of this über-chic hotel is to enter a vision of hell. Inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, the sexy decor features acres of black marble, models of samurai warriors and plenty of red leather. Rooms feature sharp modern furniture set against large black and white photos of Rome.
This is a love-it-or-hate-it kinda place. One of Rome's latest design-led hotels, it's unapologetically modern (a moody mix of Italian Art Deco, avant-garde minimalism and Roman opulence) and unapologetically expensive. Designed by US architect Adam D Tihany and housed in a former bank (the bank's reinforced safe door now opens onto a small health club), it has 96 guestrooms, most of which are fairly small, and all of which are striking. The bathrooms are also a sight to behold - transparent square basins set atop a black-stained wood counter. Staff in their dishy black uniforms are generally helpful and the location - five minutes' walk from Piazza Barberini - is perfect.
Review by author
Duncan Garwood