Hotel Art, Rome
Where is it? The Hotel Art is located in the quiet, exclusive backstreet of via Margutta, yet is only a five-minute walk from the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps).
What's so special about it? Nestled among the street's antiquarian shops, Hotel Art is a gem of contemporary architecture. Imagine converting an old college into a modern residence using an artful combination of light and colour. It certainly stands out among the ranks of traditionally restored historic hotels. There are four floors housing 46 rooms and each corridor is decorated in a vivid colour - blue, orange, yellow or green. The wall facings are made of bright, translucent glass and resin with verses from poets such as Garcia Lorca and Octavio Paz artfully scrawled along them.
What about the ambience? Busy and futuristic with a blend of the sacred and the profane. The old college chapel has been restored to reflect the ancient and modern - golden stars twinkle against the original cobalt-blue background of the cross-vaulted roof. Modern art and sculptures are juxtaposed with original pillars and floor tiles, and the vast lobby is set off by a vaulted frescoed ceiling and cathedral-like stained-glass windows. In the centre of the hotel there is an open courtyard for drinks and light meals.
What about the rooms? Wood and hide dominate - floors are parquet and headboards are hand-stitched patchworks of Florentine leather. The striking decor of the corridors is refrained in the bathrooms, with glass, metal and mosaic tiles echoing the bright colours.
Anything else we should know? At 1pm every day, a curious ritual takes place at 53b via Margutta, a century-old marble decorator's shop called the Bottega del Marmoraro, when just five seats become available for lunch. The tradition has become so popular that prospective diners sit on the bonnets of parked cars or the steps of the building opposite to wait. Politicians, actresses, kings and queens have dined here by invitation of the host and owner, Enrico. The menu is simple: fish on Tuesdays, salted cod on Fridays, lamb or grilled scamorza cheese on other days.
