Hotel Fiume ★★★★

At one point a long, long time ago, Rome was the epicentre of the ancient world; a hub of royal activity, the evolution of architecture, and the pivotal point where the past began to shape into the present day – for us humans, at least. Numerous historic stories weave their way through the streets of Rome, dipping into regal palaces along the way and sitting down for a succulent feast of wild boar surrounded by ripe fruit and veg.

Every thread of the past began somewhere and much of modern civilisation can be traced back to the crumbling ruins of Rome. The old, bustling markets filled with wooden carts and local, speciality produce have made way for upmarket eateries brimming with the finest Italian cuisine (not just pizza!), and the grandiose edifices now provide shells for designer and boutique shops that have helped Rome become a major player in the fashion world. It’s the latter of these that surround the Hotel Fiume ****, which nestles in the centre of the shopping district.

The historic-inspired exterior of the hotel blends in perfectly with the rest of the city’s architecture, tipping its hat towards the expansive past of the place. But, once I ventured inside the Fiume, I discovered that it is very much a modern-day attraction. With its contemporary, sleek furniture and details, it could well be from a futuristic era. It’s this clash between the old and the new that make the Fiume the best place to explore both the tangible and intangible aspects of the city.

To begin my Roman adventure, I began by seeking out some of the typical guidebook attractions – no visit to Rome is complete without a trip to the Vatican, a wander around the Colosseum, or a photo by the Trevi Fountain. Because, whilst the city is very much looking to the future with its array of modern and contemporary stores, restaurants, and attractions, it will forever be set against the beautifully ornate, typical facades of the Roman Empire and sliced through with a deep historical culture. Rome was not built in a day, as they say, but instead it has been carefully constructed over centuries and centuries to make it the city it has become today. These layers were evident as I wandered around the streets taking in the cracked, fading buildings that are now home to white cube spaces, and the Baroque piazzas that are buzzing with fusion restaurants.

And, because Rome was not built in a day, I decided that I didn’t need to rush around, cramming my sightseeing into a day, either. So, after an initial exploration of some of the major sights, I headed back to the welcoming arms of the Fiume. There, I sat on the roof terrace enjoying a delicious, refreshing cocktail, peering out at the opulent details of the city. As well as imagining what the view would have been like for a Roman emperor sitting in the same spot as me, I enjoyed the contrast between the luxury terrace and my earlier foray into the ancient walls of the Colosseum. Rome may not have been built in a day, but you can travel through centuries in a day, it would seem.

Later that evening, I tucked into dinner at a small restaurant in one of the many cute piazzas. A night-time wander around Rome reveals a different side to the city – one that’s buzzing with activity and is full of endless possibilities. Back at the Fiume, the staff asked about my day and offered some local tips to try out the next day. I slumped into bed knowing I would take them up on their offer, and found myself dreaming about ancient empires and huge crumbling buildings with a comfortable, modern twist.