From its Milanese-designed interiors to its central location surrounded by Rome’s most famous attractions, Corso 281 Luxury Suites captures the essence of luxury accommodation in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Traveller: Nardia Plumridge
Room: Studio Deluxe Balcony
Address: Via del Corso, 281, Rome, Italy
Date: August 2023
Price range: High season €750 – $900, Low season €320 – $380
Best for: Solo travellers or couples wanting a chic and very central Rome stay
Few destinations evoke the same sense of timeless elegance and history as Rome. This city, steeped in centuries of culture, art, and architecture, is a playground for discerning travellers seeking an opulent experience. At the heart of the city lies Corso 281 Luxury Suites, a boutique hotel that exudes sophistication and offers an intimate stay surrounded by Rome’s architectural charms.
Location
It’s a prized location right on Via del Corso within minutes of all the major Rome monuments, on Rome’s famous main thoroughfare at the Piazza Venezia. Strategically positioned for shopping, sightseeing and all that Rome has to offer and only 15 minutes from Termini Station; Fiumicino Airport is 45 minutes by car.
Within a short walk, you can find
Corso 281 Luxury Suites boasts an unrivalled location in the heart of Rome on one of the city’s most prestigious and fashionable streets, perfectly poised for exploring the city’s treasures. You’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw away from iconic landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.
Claim to fame
Intimate luxury at its finest, Corso 281 Luxury Suites hosts 12 rooms discreetly positioned across four floors of an 18th-century baroque noble palace that has been completely restored. Each suite blends modern comforts with timeless Italian design. It’s all in the finer details: Guests select their pillow and mattress preferences – and the Champagne they’d like for the minibar – at check-in.
The showstopper
The impressive balcony view of Via del Corso and the magnificent Piazza Venezia with its imposing monument to King Vittorio Emanuele is a showstopper. While inside, this boutique gem boasts meticulous interior design courtesy of the renowned Milanese architect Caberlon Caroppi. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the soft, handcrafted furnishings to the contemporary black and white interiors with parquet wooden floors. The result is an ambience that exudes elegance and an escape from the bustling streets of Rome below.
The room
My Studio Deluxe Balcony room is a testament to that intersection of luxury and comfort. Plush linens, Italian Carrara marble bathrooms, and bespoke furnishings ensure you are enveloped in an environment of refinement and relaxation. A vast King bed is dressed in fine hemp linens, there’s an in-room music system, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and a Samsung smartphone with 4G internet and free local and international calls. The personalised minibar, with gourmet food items and a Nespresso machine, is a detail you’ll love.
Amenity game
The opulent Carrara marble bathrooms – some with bathtubs – are stocked with Bulgari amenities, fluffy towels and robes, and quality slippers. My large Turkish-style marble shower room boasts a rainshower that’s utterly decadent after a day exploring Rome’s busy streets.
Beyond the rooms
The basement level – the caveau – is like a private den. The building was formerly home to a bank, and the cellar or underground vault, has been reimagined, decked out with a curated library of travel, food, art and lifestyle books and a liquor and wine cabinet to impress even the fussiest drinkers. Drinks are on an honesty system that you pay on check-out.
Dish to dine for
Corso 281 Luxury Suites doesn’t have a restaurant, but that isn’t a concern as the hotel’s central location means you are spoilt for dining choices. Explore the exquisite Italian cuisine in nearby restaurants, from simple Roman fare to Michelin-starred dining. The hotel does include daily breakfast ‘in bed’, delivered to your suite to your in-room dining table. Personalise your breakfast with celiac, vegan and other dietary requirements catered for.
Staying in
The honesty bar boasts exclusive wines, champagne, spirits and liquors. Plus, there is over 200 rare bottles from the drinks menu – one worth €35,000 – that can be enjoyed in the caveau or in your suite. Should you prefer to dine in the privacy of your room, the hotel’s in-room dining service delivers delectable dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients. The hotel can also arrange hair, makeup and massages in your suite.
Stepping out
With Rome’s labyrinthine streets at your doorstep, you can quickly lose yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Corso 281 Luxury Suites is conveniently located near Rome’s most famous landmarks. The Spanish Steps is just a five-minute walk from the hotel, with its luxury boutiques that line the surrounding streets. Or throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the Eternal City.
A mere 15 minutes away on foot, the Pantheon is a marvel of ancient Roman engineering. Piazza Navona is within easy walking distance, home to stunning Baroque architecture. And a short taxi ride will take you to the Vatican.
The family factor
The Family Suite can host up to four guests with a king-size bed, a daybed with twin pull-out beds, and an Italian kitchenette. There are two stylish marble bathrooms, one with a shower and one with a bathtub big enough for two. The living area features a Nespresso coffee machine, minibar and all the necessary technology touch-points. The hotel’s central location makes exploring with younger travellers much more manageable and time-effective. Babysitting services are also available.
Before booking
On booking, staff invite guests to select their pillow, linen or mattress preferences to ensure utter comfort. This includes any special requests for your minibar, from soft drinks to spirits, Champagne and specialty liqueurs.
The hotel owner, Natalino Gisonna, offers a one-to-one service for guests and can coordinate anything you desire. From airport transfers to personal shopping to concert tickets to private tours of the Vatican or Colosseum. Nothing is out of the question. Think day trips out of Rome, from sailing the island of Ponza aboard a private yacht or visiting the isle of Capri by helicopter.
Insiders’ tips
Ask about the Home Assistant exclusive to Corso281. This is Natalino Gisonna’s personalised service where – before or on arrival – he shares his favourite itineraries, the museums with his most loved artworks, and his favourite restaurants, cafes and boutiques.
Signature expert rating: Corso 281 Luxury Suites
10 out of 10 – While the location and design of Corso 281 Luxury Suites is impressive, it’s the exceptional service – and personalised touches – that elevates this boutique hotel. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first Roman adventure, Corso 281 Luxury Suites promises an intimate yet unforgettable stay where history, culture, and opulence intertwine.
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