Review of Hotel Eden - Dorchester Collection

Hotel Eden is perfectly positioned in the heart of Rome, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Eternal City. Set between the lush Villa Borghese Gardens and the iconic Via Veneto, a classic symbol of Rome’s “la dolce vita,” it enjoys a strategic location for discovering the city’s most celebrated landmarks and serene green spaces.

The Spanish Steps are just a nine-minute walk from the hotel, while the iconic Trevi Fountain can be reached within 11 minutes on foot. For those keen to explore the Colosseum, it’s a scenic 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride. St. Peter’s Basilica and Piazza Navona are also conveniently nearby.

Nature and culture intertwine just steps from the hotel. Villa Borghese, one of Rome’s largest and most enchanting parks, offers gardens, fountains, a tranquil lake, and shaded forested paths ideal for leisurely strolls. Art enthusiasts can visit the Borghese Gallery, a cultural treasure trove housing a world-renowned collection of masterpieces. For breathtaking views of Rome’s rooftops and domes, the Terrazza del Pincio, a romantic viewpoint overlooking the city, is an easy walk away.

For international travellers, Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is 31 kilometres away and can be reached within 52 minutes by train or private transfer directly arranged by the hotel. Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) is 17 kilometres away, with a 42-minute drive to the property. Additionally, the city’s main transport hub, Rome Termini Station, is only 1.3 kilometres from the hotel.

With 98 exquisitely restored guestrooms and 30 luxurious suites, Hotel Eden strikes a perfect balance between timeless Roman charm and contemporary refinement. Renowned designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille have reimagined the interiors with sensitivity, maximising natural light to create bright and inviting spaces. High ceilings and tall windows frame breathtaking views of Rome’s skyline, making the hotel’s prime location an integral part of the guest experience.

My suite – 410 – was set at a corner, overlooking the Via di Porta Pinciana and Via Ludovisi. The marble hallway leads off in one direction to the bedroom and the other, the living room. Here, you are welcomed by cake (delicious Caprese), water, wine, and fresh fruit. There are large comfy sofas, a work desk, a mini-bar, and coffee/tea making facilities. Murano glassware sits in bookshelves – shared with classic Roman tomes. The ceilings are high, and the cornicing is exquisite.

The bathroom is swathed in Italian marble, and the amenities are by Wildsmith (of Heckfield Place fame). There are oodles of bathrobes, towels of all sizes, and comfortable slippers.

The bedroom is dominated by an enormous and comfortable bed - overwhelmed by crisp white, soft pillows. Here’s where you sleep and dream of Roma, pizza, gelato, and Brunello!

Throughout the rooms and suites, fine fabrics, bespoke Italian furnishings, and elegant artwork by leading artisans create an atmosphere of sophistication. Each space is carefully curated to blend modern comforts with the hotel’s rich historical character. The sleek, white-and-gold bathrooms take inspiration from ancient Roman baths, featuring marble vanities, mosaic detailing, and luxurious walk-in rain showers alongside separate bathtubs in many rooms.

Every modern convenience is thoughtfully included: master-controlled lighting and climate systems, high-speed Wi-Fi, and Bang & Olufsen televisions and sound systems with Bluetooth connectivity ensure seamless living. The rooms are tailored for relaxation or work, with practical yet stylish layouts for every occasion.

For those seeking additional space, the Classic Suites (70–75 square metres) and Prestige Suites (up to square metres) provide generously sized living areas and private foyers, making them ideal for extended stays or leisurely retreats.

The hotel’s Signature Suites elevate the luxury experience to new heights, each with its own story and spectacular views of the city:

The Dolce Vita Suite (94 square metres): A refined retreat overlooking the iconic church of Trinità dei Monti, once said to have inspired poet and playwright Gabriele D'Annunzio during his stays.

The Aurora Terrace Suite (86 square metres plus a 120 square-metre terrace:  Formerly the residence of actress Ingrid Bergman, this suite features a grand outdoor terrace with dining space for up to ten guests, offering panoramic city views ideal for al fresco gatherings.

The Villa Medici Presidential Suite (125 square metres): A symbol of indulgence, this suite was favoured by John F. Kennedy Jr. and offers captivating views of Rome, blending rich heritage with sumptuous interiors.

The Bellavista Penthouse Suite (202 square metres): The crowning jewel of Hotel Eden, this suite occupies a privileged rooftop position with floor-to-ceiling windows that can be fully opened to flood the interiors with natural light and the sights of Rome. Accessible by a private lift, it combines Art Deco touches from the 1930s and 1940s with modern elegance. A living room, dining room, study, and master bedroom lead to a marble-clad bathroom, creating a haven for the most discerning guests. The suite even holds a piece of history, once hosting a legendary meeting between Louis Vuitton and Bulgari.

Whether enjoying the refined comfort of a Deluxe Room or the grandeur of the Bellavista Penthouse Suite, each stay at Hotel Eden is an immersion into understated luxury, where every detail is designed to make guests feel at home while embracing the timeless magic of Rome.

At Hotel Eden, indulgence extends beyond luxury accommodation to a world of holistic wellness and artistic discovery. The Eden Spa has been thoughtfully designed as an oasis of calm, offering a sensory escape from the vibrant streets of Rome. Reviving the charm of the hotel’s original vaulted rooms, the spa’s entrance is bathed in soft, natural light, while the treatment rooms feature dimmed lighting and warm interiors to create an intimate, tranquil retreat. Designed by Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku, the spa honours the elegance of traditional Roman baths with its graceful arches and vaulted ceilings, seamlessly blending historic architectural inspiration with modern sophistication. 

Guests can indulge in an array of signature therapies across the spa’s three treatment suites. Iconic treatments by the renowned Swiss brand Valmont draw upon over three decades of scientifically advanced skincare, harnessing the natural resources of Switzerland to revitalise and rejuvenate. Complementing Valmont’s expertise, HöbePergh rituals reflect true ‘Made in Italy’ excellence, with a focus on phytotherapeutic innovation, research, and organic botanical ingredients. Together, these brands provide a curated selection of luxurious treatments designed to restore balance and well-being. For those seeking additional pampering, the dedicated manicure and pedicure suite offers exceptional hand and foot care using high-quality Mii products.  

Beyond wellness, guests can immerse themselves in the cultural heart of the hotel at La Libreria. This warm, sophisticated space celebrates art in all its forms, providing a venue for workshops, cinema nights, and exhibitions that delight and inspire. Surrounded by unique design pieces, visitors can admire artworks and hand-drawn lampshades created by renowned fashion illustrator Andrea Ferolla, adding a touch of creative whimsy to the refined setting. Shelves filled with curated books on art, cinema, and fashion invite guests to relax, reflect, and lose themselves in artistic inspiration.

Whether unwinding with a soothing treatment or indulging in cultural discovery, Hotel Eden’s carefully curated spaces elevate the guest experience, blending elegance and enrichment at every turn. 

Hotel Eden embodies the perfect blend of history and contemporary design, where every detail has been carefully curated to preserve the spirit of a grand Italian home. The hotel’s extensive restoration in 2017 was entrusted to world-renowned architects and interior designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille of Moinard Bétaille, alongside Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. Their vision transformed the hotel’s 98 guestrooms—reduced from the original 121—to create larger, more luxurious spaces, while breathing new life into its iconic rooftop restaurants and the hotel’s first-ever urban spa.

The restoration honours the building’s authentic Roman heritage while seamlessly introducing contemporary elements. Moinard and Bétaille’s signature ‘Alive Art’ approach embraces and evolves past designs, ensuring that the property’s rich history is preserved without imitation. The result is a refined balance between traditional and modern aesthetics. Architectural details and furniture inspired by various periods come together effortlessly, offering guests a warm yet sophisticated environment.

The lobby is a striking example of this marriage of styles. Golden accents and frescoes by Giò Bressana adorn the walls, creating a sense of artistic splendour that recalls Rome’s grand villas. Red ochre and grey stucco marble contribute to the space’s timeless elegance, while contemporary black, white, and grey marble floors add a fresh contrast. The reception desk, with its two sculptural ‘steles’ and a captivating fresco above the fireplace, exemplifies the hotel’s dialogue between past and present.

Throughout the property, modern luxury is paired with Italian charm. From the rooftop terrace, where panoramic views stretch across the Eternal City, to the individually designed rooms and suites, guests are immersed in an atmosphere that captures both the essence of old-world Rome and the comforts of contemporary living.

This delicate blend of past and present is what defines Hotel Eden’s signature style, creating a timeless experience where history, art, and modernity coexist effortlessly.

Dining at Hotel Eden is a celebration of Italian craftsmanship, local flavours, and breath-taking views. With two exceptional restaurants and a stylish bar, the hotel offers a range of culinary experiences, each designed to immerse guests in the essence of Rome’s gastronomic heritage.

Perched on the top floor, La Terrazza offers a fine dining experience that is as visually captivating as it is gastronomically innovative. Guests dine with mesmerising panoramic views of Rome’s iconic rooftops, domes, and ancient landmarks, while savouring seasonal Mediterranean cuisine presented with artistic flair. Executive Chef Salvatore Bianco brings his philosophy to life with dishes rooted in contrasts—where textures and flavours converge to reflect the local terroir, culture, and culinary traditions of the region.

Designed to blur the boundaries between kitchen and dining room, the open kitchen layout allows guests to watch the chefs in action, enhancing the sense of connection between diner and cuisine. The space itself, designed by Jouin Manku, is an homage to traditional Italian craftsmanship. High-gloss varnished wood, soft lighting, and Philippe David’s glass fresco wall, composed of frosted, chiselled, and mirrored glass layers, create an atmosphere of understated luxury and theatre. La Terrazza is open for dinner every evening (except Sundays and Mondays) from 6:30 pm to midnight, seating up to 44 guests in an intimate setting that feels refined and exclusive.

Offering a more casual yet equally inspired dining experience, Il Giardino Ristorante embraces the soul of Rome with its warm, inviting interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide spectacular views of the Eternal City. Jouin Manku’s design plays on the hotel’s natural assets—the view, the light, and the city itself—creating a space where guests can feel at ease. Warm wooden flooring and an open-air terrace offer a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, further enhanced by the communal table designed for shared experiences.

Open daily from 7 am to midnight, the restaurant delivers an all-day dining menu that blends modern interpretations of classic Italian and Roman cuisine. Fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients are the foundation of every dish, from handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas to large sharing platters. With a dedicated children’s menu, Il Giardino Ristorante caters to guests of all ages, making it a perfect choice for families, groups, and solo travellers alike.

A sophisticated retreat from the bustling streets of Rome, Il Giardino Bar offers a relaxed yet elegant setting where guests can unwind and socialise. Overlooking the city’s picturesque skyline, the bar is a popular destination for daytime coffee breaks, business meetings, or indulgent evening cocktails.

Mirroring the greenery of the nearby Villa Borghese, the bar features a striking abstract green wall—crafted from glass and metal foliage—that sets the tone for its stylish yet laid-back ambiance. From 10 am to 12:30 am, Guests can enjoy an impressive selection of fine wines, signature cocktails, and Italian cicchetti (small plates), making it the perfect spot to watch the sun set over Rome or bask in the glow of the city lights after dark.

At Hotel Eden, dining is more than just a meal—it is an experience that delights the senses and embodies the hotel’s commitment to authenticity, creativity, and impeccable hospitality.

As a proud member of the Dorchester Collection, Hotel Eden is redefining luxury travel by embracing environmentally conscious practices. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the hotel is setting new benchmarks in the hospitality industry, proving that exceptional luxury and responsible stewardship can go hand in hand.

Over the past year, Hotel Eden has made significant strides in advancing its ESG Policy, a guiding framework that shapes its sustainability initiatives. The hotel is deeply committed to being a thoughtful and responsible organisation, prioritising the well-being of its team, supporting local communities, and championing charitable causes. Actively monitoring and reducing its environmental impact, Hotel Eden fosters ethical business practices built on fairness, responsiveness, and sustainability. A testament to this commitment, the hotel has recently received the DCA ESG Certification, awarded by Dream&Charme, an internationally accredited certification body. This prestigious recognition reinforces Hotel Eden’s unwavering dedication to sustainability across environmental, social, and governance dimensions.

To minimise its footprint while maintaining world-class hospitality, Hotel Eden has implemented several key sustainability initiatives: Water Conservation: Linens and towels are now changed every other day instead of daily, significantly reducing water consumption. Plastic Reduction: The hotel has made remarkable progress in eliminating plastic and single-use items, including more sustainable alternatives for bathroom amenities. Resource Efficiency: A dedicated action plan monitors and reduces waste across all hotel operations, ensuring resources are used responsibly. Food Sustainability: The culinary team carefully reviews food and beverage sourcing to reduce waste while maintaining the highest standards of quality and taste.

At the heart of Hotel Eden’s philosophy is a dedication to its people. The hotel continuously works to cultivate a positive work-life balance and a healthy workplace culture. Team feedback is actively sought, and in 2024, well-being has been a core priority. One of the standout initiatives was "Wellness Week" in September, a dedicated programme designed to promote healthy living. Activities included yoga, team sports, walking and running events, as well as consultations with nutritionists and oncologists, encouraging both physical and mental well-being among staff.

Through these ongoing ESG efforts, Hotel Eden is shaping the future of sustainable luxury, ensuring that its guests experience unparalleled comfort while contributing to a more responsible and ethical world. By blending sustainability with exceptional hospitality, the hotel is making a meaningful, lasting impact—both on the environment and the people it serves.