Who's Going
Frugal jetsetters, local artists, minimalist Germans
Reason to Stay
Nightclub Penthouse, Lounge, Designer Eatery
Hotel Type
Art Hotel
Located on the edge of central Rome in the Trastesvere, this uber-minimalist boutique hotel offers smooth-concrete walls with geometric floors, raw wood accents and intimate lights. Formerly a block of residential apartments, the structure was renovated and reconceived as a 4-star hotel in the late 1990's . Random lounges are found throughout the lobby, abstractly placed to double as both art and function while attracting an uber-hip local clientele. An adjacent restaurant, Ripa Art, offers an Asian fusion menu and equally sparse décor emblematic of a modern boutique hotel clientele. While lacking a modern spa or much of a fitness center, there is a small workout area within-house yoga instructor; we suggest taking your sweat to a nearby gym for a truly local workout.
The Room
There was a time when boutique hotels were synonymous with spare almost-uncomfortable rooms with impracticable seating and bathrooms that were literally in the middle of the room. Ripa meets each of the qualifications, albeit with more spacious room, featuring freestanding beds with minuscule televisions and lighting that is either too dark or not dark enough (like at 4am). Bathroom feature fully confined washrooms and toilets but with exposed bathtubs surrounded by gauze-like drapes located in the middle of the room. Larger suites offer clean lines and slightly more furnishings, especially the Presidential Suite with it’s murder-red rugs and space-age seating area that would leave even the staunchest Bolshevik complaining.
Preferred Room
Essential Room
Special Features
Oversize Guest Rooms, Drastic Design
Amenities
Restaurant, Lounge, Residential Location
