Review of Albergo del Senato, by Kamin Mohammadi

The location of Rome’s luxury three-star Albergo del Senato hotel is unbeatable, standing opposite the Pantheon, one the world’s most famous ancient temples, right in the Piazza della Rotonda, overlooking all the drama and theatricals of one of Rome’s loveliest squares.

The hotel, whose distinguished guests have included Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, is discreet and quietly luxurious, occupying a 19th-century building by Italian architect Gaetano Koch which overlooks the splendid Roman temple built in 27BC. Despite being in the hub of the busy square and within walking distance of many of Rome’s busiest sites, Albergo del Senato remains a haven of calm with quiet and spacious rooms. The hotel is minutes away from some of Rome’s most beautiful architecture such as Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps; and with the best of its shopping, with the via del Corso just a short walk away.

Countless pavement cafés and restaurants make the area especially atmospheric. You can look over it all from the hotel too: from its own rooftop bar, which is open in the warmer months, you can gaze over rooftops of Rome from the Pantheon to St Peter’s.

There are 57 rooms and suites. Recently renovated, with parquet floors and marble bathrooms, the rooms are comfortable and contemporary, and many are in the front of the hotel, with windows and, on the sixth floor balconies, facing the Pantheon. The windows are double-glazed and so the rooms are remarkably quite and the beds are fantastically roomy and comfortable. The sixth floor only has suites and all have balconies, some Jacuzzis in the bathroom. The single rooms are spacious.

There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour reception and room service, as well as safe deposit box and helpful concierge who can advise on and help with booking restaurants, theatres, tours, and museums. There is no restaurant but there is a pleasant breakfast room and a cosy bar downstairs, as well as the rooftop bar in the summer months. The staff are exceptionally warm and friendly, always charming and discreet.