Salotto Monti

New York has boroughs, Paris arrondissements, and Rome has rioni. Rione number one — which extends to the edge of the Colosseum and is significant for its ancient history, as old as Rome itself — is Monti. Today, it’s a chic but low-key place to set up temporary residence in the Eternal City, close to everything but retaining a bohemian and thoroughly Roman character. Salotto Monti, a twelve-room boutique hotel, is one of the nicer places to stay in the neighborhood.

Take note that that the hotel occupies parts of an unmarked residential building, with rooms concentrated (among private apartments) on the third floor. They fall into one of three fairly self-explanatory aesthetic categories: “pop,” “natural,” and “elegant.” While some are smallish and others more spacious, and some feature modern art and bold stripes while others have antique wood furnishings and gilded mirrors, they all have parquet floors, wallpaper by Fornasetti, flat-screen TVs, and tea-making stations. There’s also a pair of apartments, should you require a bit more space and privacy. But Salotto Monti’s undisputed glory is the rooftop terrace. An Italian continental breakfast is served here, and it’s also a lovely spot for aperitivi at sunset. There’s no onsite restaurant, but you’re in the center of Rome, within easy walking distance of the Forum, the Colosseum, and Piazza Navona, as well as the Cavour metro station.

The name “Salotto Monti” loosely translates to “at the seat of the mountains.” Look up and around as you step onto the street — you’ll see the silhouette of the three hills for which the neighborhood is named. This is the oldest part of Rome: a classic pleasure, and an unforgettable place for an evening stroll, gelato in hand.