Palazzo Scanderbeg

Politicians and noblemen have a funny way of snapping up the best real estate for their own personal use. So it’s no surprise that one of Albania’s great national heroes, George Castriot — that’s Scanderbeg (1405-1468) to you — didn’t care to settle for some kind of ordinary apartment during his frequent stays in Rome. Even in the fifteenth century, it seems, location, location, location was a thing: his palazzo is mere steps from the Trevi Fountain. The building has been through a number of phases since then, including a recent stint as a museum dedicated to pasta. These days, the Palazzo Scanderbeg has gone back to its roots, re-opening its doors as a small hotel with classic elegance and a modern edge.

“Palazzo” means “palace,” but this is an urban version of one, more like a townhouse, the opulent Renaissance-style parlors and suites shaped into apartments and suites that are surprisingly spacious for such a central location. Some of the original features remain, while others have been brought in — note the floors, laid with reclaimed wood from Venice. But overall, the interior has more of a contemporary aesthetic and atmosphere. Suites feature some of the palazzo’s grand architectural details, like high ceilings with exposed wooden beams and molding. But the decor is clean and modern, and the amenities thoroughly practical: flat-screen TVs in every living room and bedroom, free wi-fi, coffee machines. Many suites have kitchens, a welcome extra, even if you’re not likely to do much more than make toast for breakfast or stir a few aperitivi to sip before dinner.

You’re in the heart of Rome, after all, with all that implies. And while the extra square footage is certainly wonderful — as is the terrace, hammam-style shower, and part-time butler service you’d get with some of the upper-level suites — a hotel room in this city, more than most, is essentially a place to take a break between sightseeing and shopping, wining and dining. Thanks to the hotel’s prime location, you could even drop in after one of those three-course lunches for a blissful nap. Palazzo Scanderbeg’s not a detour: it’s on the way to everything.