Rome, Italy
Rome is classic and straightforward. Yes there is traffic, it’s crowded and hot in the Summer, but Rome just has “IT” when it comes to being a livable city. The people, the food, and the design are unfussy. Any amount of time in Rome can be fulfilling, even a few days en route to other parts of Italy will be memorable. For me, the best of Rome is when you are not using it as a jumping off point. Stay a week, get into the hum of the city, see the sights, and start rating every cacio e pepe you encounter.
STAY: There are plenty of luxury hotels in Rome. Most of the big Italian brands have their name on a perfectly appointed, large property within the city. One of the things I love about Martius Private Suites is that you get the luxury and service of a polished Rome hotel, in a personal, boutique atmosphere. What Martius lacks in amenities (there is no spa or extensive dining options) they make up in their rooms and front desk service. What was once an old palace, still has original frescoed ceilings in the guest rooms and plenty of space to create a home away from home. Because the rates are reasonable, I would spring for one of the large suites which are both lavish and comfortable. There is a nice breakfast in the morning and the staff at the hotel will help with absolutely anything you need.
EAT: Do as the Romans do and keep it simple when it comes to meals. Piperno is slightly formal, traditional and absolutely delightful. The restaurant is a little hidden and you may find yourself walking in circles until you find the small alley up to the courtyard. There is an outdoor patio, that is my preferred seating area if it’s available, and the dining rooms inside are elegant. Servers are in white jackets and most have been there for decades. Piperno has my favorite cacio e pepe in the city, the lamb chops are a must and the artichoke is the starter of choice.
Roscioli is fun for lunch, through the slim, buzzy market to the tables squashed into small dining rooms up and downstairs. Try to get seating anywhere upstairs, the basement feels a little like…a basement. Their meats and cheeses are a must and the pasta is cooked to perfection. I liked the meal a lot but I also particularly liked the coffee and dessert we ended with - don’t sleep on it. When you think of Rome, Neapolitan pizza would not even graze the list of must find Roman delicacies. But travel a little outside of city-center to Seu Pizza Illuminati for shockingly delicious pies. This is not a tourist spot. It’s buzzy and jam packed with locals who are crazy for this place - with good reason. It’s fast, loud and casual. Don’t miss it. I love Coromandel for breakfast or brunch. The food is modern and international. Easy breakfast items and good coffee, little bit hip, little bit chic, perfect daytime perch. Treat yourself to cocktail hour on the patio of the Bvlgari Hotel (The Bulgaria Bar) for a damn good Negroni and some of the best people watching in Rome. Lastly, there is an old biscotti shop called Biscottificio Innocenti that has oodles of fresh biscotti and very sweet people running the place - great snack to have in your bag while traipsing through the city.
SHOP: The second-hand designer markets in Rome may be reason enough to visit. The Borghetto Flaminio market takes place every Sunday, in a rather unassuming lot, in a quiet neighborhood. It doesn’t look like much upon approach but it really is the trifecta: beautiful stuff, good prices, and a nice, civilized experience. There is a small entrance fee, a little cafe and about 200 vendors. It’s all quiet and chic and everything for sale is in beautiful condition. Of all of the boutiques in Rome, Chez Dede feels a cut above. It’s a mix of home goods, accessories, little of this and that. They also design some of their own products, their totes are a stand-out. A great stop for some fancy small gifts to bring home. A Dip A Toe favorite of course, as we sell their bags in our shop, is Vipera, the handbag designers who produce beautiful woven, leather bags. Go visit the ladies of Vipera in their spot - a street level shop, showroom and office in one. It’s slightly outside the city and more of a residential area - tell them Dipa sent you!
DO: It’s Rome… see the sights! Go visit the Vatican, even if you are not a guided tour type of person, get the guide, do the whole thing. Every inch is stunning and the guides are so knowledgable. Martius (the hotel) arranged the tour for us and I highly recommend you do the same. The Vatican is always jam packed, off-peak times are slightly better but you just have to accept that there are oodles of people. Cruise by the other amazing sites, like the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, throughout your daily exploration. The architecture of Rome is such a wonder. The materials, the dedication to uniform, classic style of design, unlike any other.
