Since 1925, the Hotel Locarno in Rome has witnessed the most important chapters in the capital’s history. Today, it is an Art Nouveau jewel that retains its timeless charm, also much loved for its cocktail bar and restaurant, where you can feel at home at any time.
The story of Hotel Locarno began in 1925, during its Jubilee, when it was opened by a Swiss family who chose the name in homage to their hometown. But its modern fairytale began in the 1960s, when Maria Teresa Celli, a visionary interior designer, fell in love with it and, piece by piece, managed to purchase the entire building and renovate it while remaining faithful to its original Art Nouveau allure.
Thus was born the Hotel Locarno as we know it today, beloved by artists and entertainment personalities, immortalized for eternity by the famous poster created for its opening by renowned film illustrator Anselmo Ballester, who also created the posters for On the Waterfront and Modern Times.
Hotel Locarno is a treasure chest of stories, a place where art is renewed and memories find a home. (Caterina Valente, owner)
In the heart of the Dolce Vita period, thanks also to its proximity to Piazza del Popolo and its bars and art galleries, the hotel became a meeting place for many artists and a haven for stars of the silver screen, from Federico Fellini to Orson Welles, from Lucio Fontana to Mario Schifano.
What distinguishes the 5-star Hotel Locarno even today is its uniqueness, a blend of centuries-old history and modern comfort, as evidenced by its 49 rooms and suites, from the most evocative, like the boudoir-like Suite Serenissima, to the most contemporary.
Another of Hotel Locarno’s hallmarks is its “dining anytime-anywhere” formula, which includes the kitchen open daily until late at night, with the option of reserving a table in any of the hotel’s locations, from the secret garden to the two panoramic terraces to its lounges.
The menu, designed by chef Domenico Smargiassi, features Italian classics and international delicacies, while the cocktail bar has been the domain of bar manager Nicholas Pinna for over 20 years.
Among the Hotel Locarno’s most beloved events is the weekend brunch, which, in its latest offering, the Bloody Brunch, pays homage to Quentin Tarantino and his film Pulp Fiction with the “Big Kahuna Corner” menu section, inspired by the fictional fast food restaurant featured in the film.
Today, the hotel is run by its muse, Caterina Valente, Maria Teresa’s daughter, who continues, while innovating, her mother’s tradition of a place devoted to art, beauty, and authentic conviviality.
Hotel Locarno is a true “cultural parlor,” perfect for a stay in the capital or a break for a cocktail accompanied by one of the great dishes typical of grand hotels of yesteryear, from Caesar salad to Rossini fillet steak.
The Secret
American director Wes Anderson stayed in room 605, Matilda of Canossa, for a long time while writing the screenplay for the film “The Grand Budapest Hotel”.
Useful Info
Hotel Locarno
Via della Penna 22
00186 Roma
Tel. +39 06 3610841
Rooms: from €350 with breakfast
Main courses: from €24
Sandwiches and salads: from €20
Bloody Brunch: €65, every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30
