The Hoxton has transformed a seventies building in one of Rome’s chicest districts into a hipster hotel informed by classic Italian cinema and mid-century design. Olivia Palamountain reports
Boutique hotel chain the Hoxton has brought its signature blend of Shoreditch swagger to Italy with the opening of its tenth property (earlier this month), this time in Rome.
Located among the embassies and villas of the swish Parioli neighbourhood, the 192-room Hoxton Rome makes a typically hipster first impression thanks its seventies shell, still painted in the original millennial pink.
The 1970s theme continues inside, albeit with more glam factor, thanks to Ennismore Design Studio‘s modernist take on the space.
The ground floor comprises a large open lobby flooded with natural light, offset by rich textural elements, giant planters, vibrant colours and retro Italian lighting fixtures. Classic Hoxton design elements abound, too – think wall panelling and timber floors.
Cugino, an all-day café and aperitivo bar run in collaboration with local restaurant and micro-bakery Marigold takes centre-stage with its curved turquoise bar, a statement piece complemented by the local marbles and terrazzo tiles that feature throughout on tabletops and bar fronts.
Cugino menu highlights include: homemade Cugino granola served with yoghurt and seasonal compote; fried eggs with Tuscan sausage, cannellini beans and homemade ketchup; bagel sandwiches with roast beef, goat’s cheese and salsa verde; and toasted brioche with creamed ricotta and strawberry compote.
As the evening draws in, Cugino transitions into a bar for a Roman-style aperitivo hour of spritz, house-made snacks and antipasti, followed by late-night cocktails.
The 192 bedrooms are spread over seven floors and come in six sizes: Shoebox (12-14 sqm), Cosy, Cosy Up, Roomy, Roomy Terrace and Biggy (28 sqm). Prices start from £139 per night. 
For those booking direct on the Hoxton website more than 72 hours before arrival, they can choose what time they check in and out using “Flexy Time”.
Each bedroom is unique, with décor cues drawn from the nostalgic interiors of classic Italian cinema and bold mid-century Italian design, as is evident from the chic, brass-accented bathrooms. 
Rustic parquet floors, lacquered timbers and local stones are mixed with timber wall panelling and an eclectic mix of furniture including a bespoke headboard for a dash of Italian drama.
Guests opting for a Roomy Terrace room can enjoy their very own sun terrace, complete with with garden furniture, meanwhile, some of the larger rooms feature striking Murano glass chandeliers that were salvaged from the building.
The Hoxton first opened its doors in Shoreditch, East London in 2006 and now has hotels in some key neighbourhoods across Europe and North America, including London (Shoreditch, Holborn and Southwark), Paris, Amsterdam, New York, Portland, Chicago, and Downtown LA.
The Hoxton is planning to open five additional properties in Europe over the course of 2022 and 2023 – in Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, London’s Shepherd’s Bush and Vienna.