Finding Rome’s New Groove: My Stay at Chapter Roma
I’ve always believed that you can tell a city’s secrets by walking its backstreets, and on a sun-dappled afternoon in the Regola district of center city Rome, I did exactly that on my way to meet Eleonora Zamagni, Chapter Roma’s resident storyteller and all-around neighborhood oracle. Eleonora traced Regola’s timeline for me: from ancient river and fishing warehouses, through the dark days of WWII where families were deported, to today’s creative revival. As I stepped inside the hotel, I felt like I was entering a living chapter of that story—hence the name.
First Impressions: Where Old Brick Meets Bold Brass
Chapter Roma occupies a 19-century warehouse, and you feel that history the moment you cross the threshold. Rough, centuries-old bricks frame sleek steel beams; velvet sofas pop against raw-cement walls; flashes of neon graffiti flirt with polished brass fixtures. The textures echo Eleonora’s narrative—Roman grit softened by modern glamour—and the combination somehow makes both epochs shine brighter.
“Rough, centuries-old bricks frame sleek steel beams; velvet sofas pop against raw-cement walls; flashes of neon graffiti flirt with polished brass fixtures”
My Room: A Chic Urban Nest
Rome’s historic center isn’t known for spacious bedrooms, so my Chapter Double (about 25 m²) felt downright indulgent. Warm parquet underfoot, cool Carrara marble in the bathroom, and a French balcony that opened onto a jumble of terracotta rooftops. I geeked out over the little luxuries—Marshall Bluetooth speaker, custom bar cart stocked with Italian vermouth, fluffy robes that begged for a lazy morning. The walk-in rain shower, wrapped in granite and brass, was Instagram gold.
Chapter Double
Everything you could ask for and a little bit more (especially space)!
Eating & Sipping
Breakfast in The Market means a flaky cornetti beside a barista who takes latte art personally.
By late afternoon, the lobby morphs into Hey Baby bar—think vinyl playlists and cocktails laced with local Amaro.
One night I splurged on Campocori, the moody supper-club downstairs: handmade Ancient Roman Spaghetti and Onion Garum and so airy it felt illegal.
If you’re visiting in summer, head straight to the Hey Güey rooftop for mezcal margaritas under a dome-speckled skyline. It may be hot, hot, hot but the rooftop is where you’ll feel the evening breezes.
Chapter Roma Rooftop Bar, “Hey Güey” with fantastic views, cool breezes, and delightful drinks!
Beyond the Lobby: Experiences Worth Booking
Chapter Roma isn’t the type to hand you a map and wave goodbye. They can arrange a street-art safari through Tor Marancia, and a market-to-table cooking lesson that will have you rolling pasta like a nonna by noon. They’ll even set up a private mixology class if you want to master that perfect Negroni.
Why I’d Return
Story-Rich Design – Every brick and brushstroke nods to Regola’s layered past while feeling utterly now.
Value Luxury – Rates hover well below Rome’s five-star titans, yet you feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury.
Human Touch – From Eleonora’s neighborhood lore to the bartender who had a ice cold drink for me the moment I sat down, the staff vibe is genuine, not scripted.
Walk-Everywhere Location – Campo de’ Fiori is five minutes away; the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trastevere are easy strolls. Your step counter will thank you.
Parting Thoughts
Rome will always dazzle with marble columns and Caravaggios, but Chapter Roma shows the city’s pulse in 2025: creative, adaptive, and a little bit rebellious. If you crave a hotel that feels like a cool friend’s loft—one who hands you the keys and insists you raid the vinyl collection—put Chapter Roma on your shortlist. You will experience a glimpse into the time past and present and a new understanding of how the Eternal City keeps rewriting itself, one bold brick at a time.
