Music-themed hotels are always high on my hotel ‘must-visit’ list and after a fantastic year of visiting music-themed hotels thrughout the world, I was beyond excited to stay at this luxury hotel in the heart of Rome.
This enchanting city is a perennial favourite for so many and it was high on my list of cities to visit in Europe this year and being a music and travel journalist, this certainly ticked all the boxes I’d want in a hotel and then some!
The Pavilions Rome, The First Musica offers a five star contemporary experience and whilst it’s not as music-orientated as other similar hotels, what it does offer is exceptional service, elegant design and some pretty incredible views of Rome’s river Tiber and beyond.
Celebrating a heady fusion of art, music and gastronomy, the Pavilions Rome, The First Musica is part of Pavilions Hotel & Resorts and despite it having a very individual feel, you can see the trademark attention to detail and finishing touches that is synonymous with this hotel group.
Along with its two sister hotels in Rome, The First Roma Arte and The First Roma Dolce, the three hotels are collectively being labelled The First Roma group.
Located on the banks of the Tiber in the elegant Prati neighbourhood, the First Musica makes a huge impression as you wander down the street. The contemporary cubist design is in a delicious juxtaposition from the age-old palazzos that surround it. It’s in a fantastic spot and is only a short walk to some of Rome’s best attractions including the Trevi fountain.
Originally designed by acclaimed Roman architect Mario Docci, the building has been thoughtfully elevated by tweaks undertaken by Studio Marincola, and the hotel has a bespoke piano in the lobby with an eighties paint-splattered vibe, music-themed coffee table books, floor-to-ceiling windows, Loro Piana fabrics and an impressive selection of modern artwork throughout the hotel.
It has a real intimate feel with only 24 rooms and suites. Ours had the aforementioned floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides of the room which meant the room was flooded with light giving it a really spacious feel. The decor was as elegant inside the room as it was in the shared areas with mirrored wardrobes, sleek white furniture, rich textures and a sumptuous marble bathroom with a walk-in rain shower giving it an art-deco fused with modernity vibe.
Little touches that reflect the music element of the hotel included Bang & Olufsen speakers so you never need to be without music even whilst washing your hair. Music can also be found at the DJ-soundtracked rooftop bar Alto which has an impressive wine and cocktail list.
Whilst we didn’t eat at the hotel for anything other than breakfast, guests can head on up to the fifth floor to ALTO where they can try innovative dishes with a Mediterranean twist like linguine with shrimp and bell peppers. The breakfast was somewhat of a ceremonial affair with both a continental and a cooked option available. Friendly staff bought a never-ending selection of dishes which included cereal, pastries, fruit, as well as a cooked option such as eggs benedict, cold cuts, pancakes and more.
A relatively new hotel, the facilities are well-thought out but at the time of visit, there were no spa facilities, but a subterranean spa with an indoor pool and wellness area is in the works for early 2024.
The enchanting city of Rome is a true masterpiece and the First Musica hotel deserves a similar accolade too and is an ideal hotel for both foodies and lovers of culture.