Discreet Elegance at Palazzo Dama

In a beautiful, cosmopolitan, and historic city like Rome, visitors aren’t hard-pressed to find an elegant hotel to book. However, if you are looking for something special and unique, dig a little, and you might discover such gems as Palazzo Dama, a five-star luxury boutique hotel inconspicuously situated beside the banks of the Tiber River in a residential neighborhood. Seemingly far removed from the busier streets nearby, it feels like a private retreat. The hotel’s unpretentious manner is obvious immediately upon arrival, with e-bikes positioned alongside the property for guests to borrow during their stay. 

A Welcome Invitation 

After entering through the ornate steel doors, guests will feel the calm, welcoming ambiance of a private home, with lovely parquet floors, soft mood lighting, and light-toned furnishings that bring an airiness to the space. The reception experience sets the tone for the entire stay, where guests are warmly invited to settle in as though friends or family were greeting them. Once the elegant villa of the noble Italian Malaspina family, Palazzo Dama still retains its aristocratic beauty and splendor. Its subtle grandeur draws visitors in and makes them want to linger for longer.

The common areas feel like walking into a fairytale set within a luxurious villa, with ornate cornices, high ceilings, velvet sofas, and glamorous salons with seating perfectly arranged for guests to gather and converse. Small touches, such as neatly stacked books throughout the entryway, curated artwork, brass accents, and chandeliers, highlight the hotel’s charming appeal and historic value.

Sitting rooms are purposefully arranged to encourage guests to make themselves at home, whether they are tucking into a cozy corner of the parlor with a cappuccino or relaxing on the restaurant terrace with an afternoon apéritif. It’s here that the saying “Mi Casa, Su Casa” truly comes to life.

Old-World Charm and Sophistication

With fewer than 30 rooms and suites, guests maintain exclusivity and privacy during their stay. The room interiors are in soothing tones of deep blues, greens, grays, and creams, with rich velvet textures, brass accents, and modern artwork for an upscale, romantic atmosphere. The large windows allow plenty of natural light to illuminate the space and highlight the elegance of the room. The bathrooms are just as inviting with beautiful marble surfaces, huge walk-in showers, and some with freestanding tubs that make it easy for guests to luxuriate for as long as they would like.

World-Class Peruvian Cuisine at Pacifico Restaurant

Just as impressive as the hotel itself is the on-site Peruvian restaurant, Pacifico. The chef draws inspiration from the Peruvian-Nikkei cooking traditions, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cooking techniques. After Japanese immigrants settled in Peru in the late 1800s, they introduced unique methods for preparing meals, with intention and precision. These techniques (umami, flavor philosophy, and raw preparation) in combination with select Peruvian ingredients (local fish, ají peppers, and sweet potatoes) are used to create some of the most spectacular culinary dishes, which are rarely duplicated. Enjoy signature dishes, such as Ceviche Puro: amberjack (ricciola) served with cancha (toasted corn), choclo (Peruvian corn), Tropea onion, and camote (sweet potato), Tiradito di Ricciola: A raw-fish dish (amberjack) prepared Nikkei-style with leche de tigre, aji amarillo, and avocado and lemon kosho. 

Pisco Bar – Cocktails Creatively Crafted with Theatrical Appeal

The hotel bar, Pisco Bar, is a destination unto itself, as it beckons the attention of those seeking a refined lounge atmosphere reminiscent of a private club. Its jewel-tones, smoldering lighting, lush banquettes, and dark wood interiors create an atmosphere of quiet luxury that is effortless. The variety of spirits available is cleverly displayed behind the bar on well-lit shelving, making it easy for guests and bartenders to see what is readily available.

The bartenders mix drinks in some of the most captivating ways that it is often seen as theatrical. Whether it’s a classic cocktail made with ginger or citrus, or a signature drink crafted based on guests’ preferences, you can be certain it will be prepared to total satisfaction.

A Secluded Poolside Retreat

A favorite of many Palazzo Dama guests is the outdoor pool, which offers simple elegance. Although in the heart of Rome, it feels miles away from the crowds, tucked neatly behind the hotel walls, beneath manicured citrus trees. Guests tend to relax for hours on the white and navy loungers or under the shaded parasols to escape the sun. The al fresco dining area serves as an extension of the pool area, enabling guests to enjoy dining throughout the day. Seating is arranged around a small garden area with the alluring scent of lemon trees overhead. With awakened senses, one might imagine they have left Rome and are now on the Amalfi Coast. 

Ideal Location for Exploration

The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring the many popular sites of Rome, such as the Piazza del Popolo (less than 5 minutes away), the Spanish Steps (10 to 12 minutes away), and Via del Corso, the city’s premier shopping area (three to five minutes away). Whether it’s taking advantage of the onsite DAHAM Health & Beauty SPA services and amenities (Finnish sauna, whirlpool, Turkish bath, emotional showers) or taking a spin around town on one of the hotel’s e-bikes, guests of Palazzo Dama can enjoy a tailor-made experience while in Rome. 

Written by Dawn Wilson

https://www.palazzodama.com/en/