Dancing off the carbs under the moonlight amongst a sea of tuxedos, cocktail dresses, and ballgowns in the eternal city of Rome felt like stepping into a dream of La Dolce Vita. It was around a quarter to midnight, and the outdoor pool area buzzed with energy as the bar staff filled glasses with prosecco, wine, and Aperol spritz. While the DJ played back-to-back mixes of Italian singalongs, I immersed myself into the work-hard play, play-hard culture so unique to Rome.
The grand opening of Cardo Roma began in Sala Cosmo – their largest event space which was transformed into a lavish chandelier-lit ballroom for the evening. Hundreds were welcomed for a standing dinner consisting of gourmet food stands serving freshly made pasta dishes, local wine stands and banquet-style tables laden with traditional Italian aperitivos and charcuterie. The room was vibrant, bustling with conversation, laughter and clinking glasses.
The next day, I found myself floating away in their award-winning Olea Wellness spa and, by the afternoon, I was rolling up my sleeves and diving into the art of homemade pasta making. Kneading the dough, shaping it with care, and indulging in the final product was a beautiful way to connect to Italian tradition.
Hotel
Cardo Roma, Autograph Collection – the new hospitality brand – merges lifestyle, business, and pleasure under one roof. Their debut new property Cardo Roma offers not just a stay, but an experience, connected to the culture and heartbeat of Rome.
The hotel houses 324 rooms, including 57 suites, making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure. Walking into the property, the lobby welcomes you with warm tones, open spaces, and distinct design features that are hard to miss. In fact, I was mostly impressed by the design, which was committed to contemporary geometry and shapes. From the curved lighting features to the arched mirrors to the embellished walls and curved hallways, the design was a direct homage to Roman architecture and the famous Roman arches.
After speaking with the Cardo brand manager, I was told the charm was in the details – from the curved sofas emulating the shape of pasta shells to the open co-work spaces promoting community, to the pasta jars used as lamps resting on recessed shelves embedded into the walls.
While waiting to check in, guests also had a direct view into the kitchen, where they could watch the chef’s make pasta in real time. Although the space was contemporary, the pride of Roman culture came through.
The hotel’s interiors were brought to life by award-winning Amsterdam-based designer, Saar Zafrir, who drew inspiration from ancient history. Zaar said: “In Roman times, ‘otium’ referred to being free from commitments.” He went on to say: “Our goal is to immerse guests in this tradition of indulgence, luxury and comfort, where every moment is meant to be savoured.”
Room
We stayed in the Pop King suite, a modern luxury room designed with both comfort and style in mind. The sleek wooden panelled walls created a sophisticated feeling in the space.
The suite featured a spacious living area with a plush sofa and a large flat-screen TV, perfect for relaxing and entertaining. It boasts not one, but two beautifully appointed marble bathrooms, each gleaming in pristine white with branded toiletries.
For business travellers, the kitchenette is equipped with everything you need for a quick bite between meetings and appointments. Each room also has a digital concierge at your fingertips, offering seamless access to the hotel services.
Food and drink
The gastronomic treasure that is Vertici, the hotels signature restaurant, showcases the best of Italian cuisine. From pasta-making classes to chef-hosted supper club events, guests can immerse themselves in fresh, local flavours.
Alongside Vertici, the chic Vertici Bar is the perfect spot for an aperitivo, offering a menu of expertly crafted cocktails and small plates. Guests can also watch the chefs prepare fresh pasta and pizza throughout the day. If you are feeling peckish in the afternoon, the second restaurant Spectio, has a seasonal pool bar offering cocktails, snacks and delicious light bites throughout the day.
We dined at Veritci in the evening. I ordered the steak salad with a side of artichokes, both of which were incredibly delicious. The flavours were well-balanced, and each bite felt like a true indulgence. I highly recommend their tiramisu for dessert, which comes paired with a shot of rich espresso – a perfect combination of creamy sweetness and strong Italian coffee.
In the morning, I enjoyed the hotel’s buffet-style breakfast, which offered a mix of continental and hot dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for freshly baked pastries or a hearty plate of scrambled eggs and bacon, there’s something for everyone to start the day off right.
One of the highlights of my stay was the Italian pasta-making class, where I had the chance to craft my own tagliatelle from scratch. The chef then prepared my handmade pasta in a decadent truffle sauce, which was heavenly.
Spa and wellness
Wellness is an integral part of the brand concept, and their award-winning Olea Wellness and Spa has up to 1,200 square meters of space dedicated to delivering your complete rejuvenation.
With four pools kept at different temperatures, a sauna, and a hammam, guests will have a chance to indulge in an ancient Roman bathing experience – a therapeutic circuit that honours the age-old adage, ‘mens sana in corpore sano’, meaning ‘sound in mind and body’.
I had a 90-minute massage with a spa therapist, which perfectly balanced gentle relaxation and release. The spa therapist had an intuitive approach, almost as if she knew exactly where to apply the right amount of pressure. I felt layers of tension melt away without discomfort, a perfect way to end my stay.
To do
The hotel is situated on the border of Ostiense and Eur, providing a unique entry point to two lively neighbourhoods. Ostiense, once an industrial area, now features intriguing street art, unique galleries, and a thriving community of independent bars and restaurants. On the other hand, Eur, known as the business district of Rome, is famous for its modern architecture, lakes, and the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (the Square Colosseum).
Factbox
Address: Viale del Pattinaggio, 100, 00144 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 54531
Website: cardorome.com
Hotel photography courtesy of Cardo Roma, Autograph Collection.
