The hotel revving up Rome’s cultural scene

Fans of the U.K.-based Hoxton brand of hotels were delighted by the opening of the chic urban mini-chain’s first property in Italy. Like its sister properties, it features immaculate design-led interiors, a nightlife crowd made up of cool local creatives, an unendingly friendly team of knowledgeable and helpful young front-desk staff, and an aspirational yet relaxed welcome. High-low culture abounds, mixing an avant-garde local cultural scene and curated coffee-table books with great cocktails and the distinctive clubby Hoxton vibe.

Unremarkable from the street, London-based Ennismore Design Studio has done a clever job of making over a somewhat drab 1970s building and turning it into a chic and welcoming modernist space, bustling with energy, dynamism, and la dolce vita. It helps that the front desk is right in the middle of the expansive open-house lobby and bar, where fireplaces, retro chairs, laptop-tapping locals and upbeat music create a feeling of relaxed creativity.

The Hoxton has two eating and drinking spots. Cugino is the go-to for espressos and pastries at breakfast, aperitivo and antipasti hour is from 6 p.m., and cocktails around the clock. Elio is a brunch-’til-late spot that “celebrates the joy of large-format feasting with friends using the best ingredients Italy has to offer.” Try the ‘ndjua hot omelette or the cappellacci alla zucca. And the next morning, the hotel can supply your room with a pre-filled breakfast bag.

If you arrive late, it feels like you’re walking into something of a party zone. Drawn by the Hoxton’s epic cocktails, it’s a genuine destination for Parioli’s locals on a night out. Our favorites are the Hoxton Spritz (Italicus, pink grapefruit juice, chinotto Lurisia); the Swizzle (a moreish mix of tequila with oat milk, lemon, and almond orgeat); and the light, fresh and fun Lemon Drop (gin, lemon, and egg white, whipped to perfection). 

Right now, the Hoxton Rome feels—like all of its sister properties—that it’s in a perfect sweet spot: a big enough name to offer a reliably classy service, but still with an independent spirit that means when you check in, you feel like you’re genuinely plugging into the local area and its creative energy. From the vintage parquet floors and shell lamps to the regularly updated art displays and their own publication A Super Useful Hoxton Survival Guide, this is the perfect hotel for living like a very smart local.

What makes me special