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The Aleph is the best of Rome's recently opened contemporary-style hotels, such as es.hotel and Hotel Art. Designer Adam Tihany, whose
previous work includes restaurants Le Cirque 2000 in New York and Foliage in London, has based the interiors on Dante's Divine Comedy, focusing
on red (for Hell) and white (Heaven). There are acres of velvet, silk,
marble and oak panelling, and the result is a very successful shot of louche decadence. The Aleph is a 10-minute walk from the Spanish Steps, just off the via Veneto. It is a noisy area, but the 96 bedrooms are well soundproofed and some overlook a quiet inner courtyard. They are also generously proportioned, with spacious seating areas and high ceilings.
In contrast to the rich, red tapestry downstairs, the cream-coloured
bedrooms are calm and bright, with huge black-and-white photographs of Roman scenes (like picture windows on the city outside) by the designer's son, Bram Tihany. The bars, Angelo and Dionisio, and the Sin restaurant overflow with Rome's bright young things and the lobby teems with youthful staff. At the time of our
visit, the service wasn't up to scratch but that should improve: the owner, Italian hotel group Boscolo, has an excellent track record.
WHEN TO GO
Spring, when the flowers begin to bloom but crowds remain small.
ROOM TO BOOK
413-416 have terraces with sun loungers.
CONTACT
The Aleph, via di San Basilio 15,
Rome, Italy (00 39 06 422901; fax: 4229 0000; www.boscolohotels.com; Design Hotels: 0800 169 8817). Doubles from €462; suites from €1,320
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