Leon's Place

Contemporary design is now so common in hotels as to have become almost standard. But there are still some places where a bit of modernity goes a long way, places where there’s a striking contrast between the clean and contemporary interiors and the ancient character of the weathered streets outside. Rome is one of these places — and Leon’s Place is a fine example of the way one’s perspective on an ancient city can be changed by the view from a modern hotel.

The Planetaria Hotels group is making a name for itself with hotels like this one, applying an interior style that mixes Art Deco and other early 20th-century influences with a healthy dose of contemporary chic, all under the roof of a historic old building. Here the result is difficult to date, and feels somewhat timeless, lending an air of fantasy to the proceedings.

It’s not quite a top-end luxury hotel, but it’s far from uncomfortable — space is relatively plentiful, especially in the junior suites, and the offerings include a bar and lounge, a wellness center complete with spa, and more conference space than most of us will need. And from here it doesn’t take long to get to the iconic sights of contemporary Rome — the location, on the Via XX Settembre, is close to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.