Luxury and history in the rooms of the Intercontinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace

At Charlie’s, on the rooftop, we order a Trevi – made with gin, rose liqueur, lemon and hibiscus – and an Apollinaris made with Tanqueray 0%, mango and passion fruit. Alongside drinks inspired by Rome’s fountains and springs, they serve salted almonds, crisps and meatballs. The DJ kicks off at 6 pm. Let the aperitif begin, amongst guests and Romans who love the view from above.

Now it’s a completely different *Dolce Vita*, unlike the one that unfolded down below, on Via Veneto, amongst stars and paparazzi, all part of a glamour that will never be forgotten. Back then, in the 1960s, the Palazzo degli Ambasciatori already stood there and housed the American Library. Those were the years when the stars who frequented the Hotel Majestic pretended to be dodging the camera flashes, when in fact they were just waiting for them, whilst those who genuinely wanted privacy and intimacy took refuge at the more intimate Hotel Imperiale, just a little further along. Within the space of a few dozen metres, Via Veneto had become the place to spot one’s idols: Italian actors such as Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg, but also Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Liz Taylor and many other stars, intellectuals and dandies.

The Palazzo degli Ambasciatori, built in 1905, was designed by Carlo Busiri Vici, a leading Roman architect of the time, as a residence for diplomats and aristocrats visiting the capital; it was later converted into the US Embassy Library until 1993, and finally became a grand hotel. Acquired by IHG Hotels & Resorts, it will reopen in 2025, following six years and a 45 million renovation, as the Intercontinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace. Like all places that embody a city’s history, one is almost afraid to step inside, fearing disappointment at a modernisation that has distorted its character. But no – at the entrance, we’re greeted by marble floors, high ceilings, the Liberty-style grand staircase, sumptuous arrangements of fresh flowers and, above all, a warm welcome with a Roman accent. We’re on one of the city’s most famous streets, it’s true. We’re in a luxury grand hotel, yet the atmosphere is attentive and relaxing. Nothing is a problem. Or rather, the staff take care of everything on arrival, even recommending the cheapest and nearest car park.

The rooms are bright and – almost miraculously – there is a desk with power sockets nearby. Because, despite the best intentions to distract guests from work so they can enjoy their stay, it is sometimes necessary – and even pleasant, given the view of the tall plane trees lining the avenue. The style is that of an elegant city residence, with solid interlocking parquet flooring, cane-patterned panelling and wallpaper inspired by the colours and patterns of Villa Borghese. In the mini-fridge there are two Coca-Colas, one regular and one zero, because they’d been informed: with teetotallers on their way, they couldn’t just leave out the usual bottle of mediocre prosecco. Better to have two soft drinks with ice and lemon. Much appreciated.

The food is a pleasant surprise. There’s a gourmet restaurant with a seasonal menu and an everyday bistro, where Marco Ciccottelli treats guests (and others) to rigatoni all’amatriciana, mezze maniche alla carbonara, warm homemade rosemary focaccia, and traditional pinse. If you come across the ‘pallotte cacio e ove’ – a dish drawing on the chef’s Abruzzese roots – don’t miss out on them; they’re delicious.