J.K. Roma – Hotel Review

With its sleek decor and incredible location, this place will appeal to both the business traveller and any interior design aficionado seeking a more modern take on Italian style. Although it’s five-star luxury, this isn’t a big chain hotel with a grand entrance and hundreds of rooms; you have to venture down an alleyway near one of the least known food markets just to find the front door and yet, you’re perfectly located to walk to the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and most other attractions in the historic centre. Read on for the full review.

Where is J.K. Roma? 

On a bustling, cobbled street about 100 metres from the edge of the Tiber River. It takes about half an hour from Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport by taxi. 

What’s near J.K. Roma?

Spanish Steps is a glamorous area made famous by its stairway, which is covered with flowers and offers a magnificent view over the city. The main streets are Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso and Via del Babuino, all of which were traditionally lined with more upmarket designer stores but now offer a mix of shopping. The buildings or “palazzi” are ornate and the laneways cobblestoned; it’s all very atmospheric. 

Room types 

Plump, four-poster beds (with personally monogrammed pillows), ornate ceilings and tones of hushed grey (or vibrant turquoise) greets guests in the spacious suites, which all have Juliette balconies overlooking glimpses of the surrounding neighbourhood. Complimentary mini-bars, Bose sound systems and glittering Italian marble bathrooms ensure utmost comfort. Slip into a fluffy bathrobe and back into the plush beds — you won’t sleep better anywhere else. 

Restaurants and bars 

The dark timbers of J.K Cafe create a moody spot for a meal. Serving from breakfast until dinner, the lounge-esque eatery has both the Italian (charcuterie boards, veal tail-topped risotto) and the more international (omelettes, avocado toast) on its menus. Beware the sting of an 8€ espresso, though — thankfully included at breakfast time.  

Travel for work

J.K. Roma is part of the Leaders Club, a group of hotels that offer benefits for members. At J.K. Roma, that includes complimentary breakfast and early (or late) check out, according to preference. 

Spa, gym and pool

There are no spa or gym facilities on-site, but there’s an exclusive ‘archeorunning’ experience organised through the hotel, taking joggers on a guided tour through the city with a physical trainer-slash-art historian. Genius. 

Accessibility   

Guests with disabilities can find two rooms on-site adapted for accessibility.

What you need to know

The hotel runs a service that packs picnics on request. It’s perfect to tote along to the gardens of Villa Borghese, less than 15 minutes away on foot.

SEE ALSO: Live La Dolce Vita in these 13 Luxurious Rome Hotels