The Corner Townhouse

We were going to Rome! And was I ready! Ready to embrace the atmosphere, the arty frescoes and the embellished, magnificent architecture. My mouth was watering with the anticipation of a real Roman pizza with a light dusting of tasty oregano, and my mind was racing with all the historic sites there are to see. So after the short plane ride, next stop was The Corner, our townhouse B&B for the weekend. Chic and intimate this would be our humble home for the next few days, however, it was not so humble and rather more luxurious…

This 20th century building perfectly combines classic style and class with modern facilities and touches of contemporary design. Fresh and light, the small guesthouse radiates a Mediterranean ambience to inspire all five of the senses. The tiled marble flooring, mosaics, frescoed walls and old-style furniture blend with the more modern lighting and amenities representing the famously elegant Italian style. The staff were smiley and friendly, welcoming us in and we felt as if we were being welcomed home. Our eyes lit up as we entered the room, the marine blue reflecting off the walls and into our eyes. I then caught site of the charming and lavishly embellished marble fireplace – this was Italian elegance at its finest.

The room was small but cosy and yet gave us all the room we needed. Our clothes fit snugly behind a modern sliding wardrobe door which was also a handy full length mirror. The modern double bed oozed comfort with its luxurious bedding and soft, thick mattress. Light streamed in from long windows and framed a beautiful view out over the Aventino neighbourhood. Our room came with an iPad which controlled all the appliances in the room from the air conditioning to the television – a nifty addition! The bathroom sparkled with glossy tiles and smooth laminate floor, I took this shimmering invitation and went straight to freshen up whilst my husband had a mini-siesta on the plush bed.

We wandered down to the hotel’s restaurant, and finest dining area. We were anxiously awaiting the flavours created by Chef Fabio Balsadarre, on the romantically decorated terrace. Leafy vines wind round criss-crossed framing and glass walls allow in the shining light. Bulbs hang low, dimly lighting the outdoor patio and creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. When we dug into the food the night got even better, absolutely divine from start to finish!

In addition the restaurant, The Corner also has a laid-back dining space, called Bistreet. Placed on the ground floor it looks out onto the Roman streets. Its leather seats and sleek design is elegant and inviting, and a great atmosphere in which to refuel before beginning an exciting day in the city. Our next day in the beautiful land of Rome, we stopped by Bistreet to grab a “cappuccino & cornetto” a quick-fire way to recharge and set back out into the city again.

On our second day we followed the winding staircase that sits snugly between the hotel’s restaurant and the lounge garden up to this outdoors space. The space is charming and beautifully decorated with pretty domes under which you can sit. My husband and I sat under a resplendent stained-glass dome, enjoying the afternoon sun on this sunny terraced space whilst we enjoyed an aperitif. That night we decided to venture down to the hotel’s secret club and did we feel like exclusive guests! When we arrived we were accompanied to a 70s style telephone box, where we were told a code. At the double doors we had to enter this code and as if by magic the doors slowly opened revealing the lavish interior which had a touch of British charm to it. Sleek furnishings, grand fireplaces and even a library characterise this elusive space. The cocktails were sweet and crisp, and the music the perfect atmosphere.

On our last day we decided to indulge in the hotel breakfast, and were we glad we did! Breakfast at the hotel encourages you in linger over your perfectly blended coffee and contemplate having another slice of cake…or if you’re like me there’s no hesitation involved, you just take one! It’s served in a delightful conservatory that really makes a great wake-up for the day! Once we set off from the hotel that one last time I turned to my husband and demanded; “we can’t leave until we’ve seen the sunset over Rome!”