The First Arte, Rome by the Pavilions

This property, located on the quiet side street of Via del Vantaggio, offers a secluded yet central location near Piazza del Popolo, about a 10-minute walk from the Spanish Steps and Via Condotti’s luxury boutiques. It’s within striking distance of historic sites such as the Ara Pacis Museum (housing the ancient Altar of Augustan Peace), the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the spectacular Villa Borghese gardens. The shops along bustling Via del Corso are also a short walk away.

The First Arte, as part of the Pavilion Hotels portfolio, provides a distinctive urban resort experience, alongside Roman sister properties the First Musica and the First Dolce. From the outside, the First Arte could be any historic aristocratic townhouse in Rome, but inside it almost feels more like a living contemporary art gallery than a five-star hotel. The property, housed in a 19th-century palazzo, was most recently renovated by Rome-based architecture firm Studio Marincola, blending contemporary luxury with classic Roman elements in an art-focused boutique retreat. The walls of the lobby and downstairs bar area are clad in dark-coloured wood, creating a rich backdrop that – together with strategic lighting – accentuates the artwork displayed throughout the spaces. Hundreds of contemporary pieces (many of which are for sale) are permanent fixtures throughout the common areas and guest rooms.  

Professional multi-lingual staff are available 24-hours a day and are always ready to offer recommendations for shopping, museums and restaurants. Guests enjoy personalised touches, such as a complimentary shoe-shining and can even receive assistance with complex requests such as negotiating artwork purchases. In addition to the downstairs lounge bar and Michelin-starred restaurant, there’s a rooftop cocktail bar and seafood-focused bistro. There’s also a small panoramic gym upstairs with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment; personal trainers are available upon request. The hotel welcomes small pets, but there is a €50 (£41) cleaning fee per night.

The 28 rooms, most of which are suites, offer understated sophistication with herringbone parquet flooring, light-coloured walls – made livelier thanks to contemporary artworks – and refined modern furnishings. Rich blue velvet headboards bring a softer feel to the space, and a curated selection of art books lends a warm, homely charm. Bathrooms are luxurious, lined in Emperador marble and equipped with a shower (higher-end suites also have a bathtub); guests are provided with Acqua di Parma bath products. Rooms come with plush bathrobes and slippers, a pillow menu, Nespresso machines, iPhone docks, laptop-sized safes,  minibars, smart televisions and turndown service.

The main ground-floor restaurant, Acquolina, holds two Michelin stars and is headed up by young Italian chef Daniele Lippi, known for his innovative and creative take on Mediterranean cuisine. Unsurprisingly for an art-focused hotel, dishes are presented with flair. Some bold pairings on the menu include a corkscrew pasta with rosehip, anchovy and capers and a seafood special featuring red mullet with cherry and hibiscus. The famed Roman artichoke is also showcased in an especially creative way. 

There is a small lounge bar off of the reception for drinks or coffee, and guests can opt to head up to the Acquaroof panoramic terrace for cocktails or a more casual meal at the seafood bistro, which serves everything from caviar and oysters to tuna tataki and lobster pasta. The terrace is also where the à la carte breakfast (not included in all room rates) is served, with dishes such as pancakes, eggs and bacon made to order, as well as continental offerings such as homemade cakes, croissants and fresh fruit.  

Double rooms from €500 (£416) in low season; and from €700 (£583) in high. Breakfast is sometimes included, but when excluded is priced at €50 (£41).

Yes, the hotel is wheelchair accessible.

Some of the larger suites could work for families. The hotel can also provide cribs, changing tables, bottle warmers and “no-tears” toiletries for little ones.