JK Place Roma

If you’ve ever been to the Eternal City, then you know that it can be described as pure magic. We’ve never been disappointed by this dreamy destination: food, architecture, beautiful people, food, fashion, history, countryside, food, art, sunshine, and more food. Its stand-out feature? How to decide? It is all just so wonderful – with one exception: its hotels. I’ve never stayed in a hotel in Rome that is worth a recommendation (even the fancy places are disappointing and the inexpensive ones are ‘you get what you pay for’). Until now: JK Place Roma is not only the best hotel I’ve had the pleasure of staying at in Rome, but, maybe, anywhere. It is spectacular.

Crazy, hectic, lots of yelling, screaming and getting lost – our taxi journey from the airport on the way to JK Place was quintessential Rome. And, of course, we had the most endearing of Italian nonni driving our car who misinterpreted our poor Italian words directing us down each incorrect but lovely mediaeval street. Once we finally found the right direction, the approach to JK Place is as unassuming and understated as the hotel itself.

Occupying a stately 17^th-century palazzo, we eventually found our destination tucked neatly down a tiny passage walking distance from the Spanish Steps, away from the tourists and all their commotion. A simple entrance transitions from charming cobblestones into a sumptuous lobby. The decor strikes a balance of modern restraint and traditional luxury it’s a gleaming example of less is more. Think of your favorite feature in the current issue of Architectural Digest, and that’s probably along the right lines.

Now, some perspective: my partner Andrew Goetz and I are the founders of MALIN+GOETZ. Our skincare brand is a modern interpretation of traditional apothecary ideas, aim being to make skincare easy, effective and a pleasure. May I be so bold as to suggest that, to us, JK Place is the hotel version of our philosophy? It is simple, modern, elegant, luxurious, and, every single detail is designed with a subtlety that, as a whole ­– like Rome itself – is overwhelmingly gorgeous. It is an all-encompassing experience of perfection.

The moment we stepped through the door, our charming (and handsome) host got up from his desk and walked over to greet us, escorting us into the main art-filled sitting room. Whisking away our bags, they processed our check-in somewhere out of sight, leaving us to relax with prosecco and olives – the perfect tonic, since our flight from Zurich had been cancelled due to a strike (in true Italian fashion) and what should have been a one-hour hop had turned into a tiring full day in transit.

Drinks and snacks downed amid this soothing space of art, antiques and fabulous fabrics, we were next gracefully ushered upstairs. Hidden behind a mirrored, paneled door in the corner of the art-directed living room, is the elevator. Now this was one of our favorite things: not only is the lift like a secret door for those in the know (because, who would dare interrupt this elegant decor with an unsightly commercial elevator?), it is also a cosy walnut-sheathed room in itself, complete with a plush grey-velvet sofa. Why bother with our bedroom at all?  Golden-touch designer Michele Bönan who is responsible for JK Place Roma’s glamorous siblings in Capri and Florence has taken this chic to the next level – literally.

Our suite on the fourth floor was at the end of a pristine white-plastered hallway. Adoor opened to a formal foyer and a walnut-wood passageway took us past closets and a bath (I’ll get to that in a moment) and into our light-filled bedroom – Dior Grey, of course, with intricate moldings and finishes. No detail is overlooked – an intimacy-insuring canopy on the rosewood four-poster, with crisp white linens on an overstuffed down bed. And, most importantly, French doors led to a private set-back terrace that offered a welcome breath of fresh air (did I mention that it was 60 degrees and sunny in mid-January?).

The most memorable part of our little apartment though was the striped-marble bathroom. Dressed floor to ceiling in shiny grey Carrera stone, it also opened to our second terrace (sì!) next to the bath. Having arrived in Europe days before from frigid New York and having head here via Zurich, I couldn’t resist toweling off on our private porch after a hot shower. As you can imagine, we love trying out competitors’ skincare and bath products and I was only too happy to test the Natura Bissé goodies generously supplied for our grooming needs. Rivalling the awe inspired by the elevator, we were next impressed by the secret hand-sized chrome door on the wall next to the toilet. When touched – hey presto – carta igienica (‘toilet paper’ sounds much better in Italian). Can life get more decadent?

Yes. Each morning, and one evening of three, we ate in the restaurant. When traveling, my partner and I are generally of the mindset that you need to spread your wings, leave the hotel, and explore. This is especially true for restaurants and even more so in Rome, the world’s food capital. However, business travel and exhaustion forced our first meal to be at JK Café. And for that we’re grateful. While dining in hotels never feels special, or, it feels like you are eating in a hotel, the opposite can be said of here. What a surprise and what a treat! Service was impeccable and dishes such as truffle fries and moreish sliders were an absolute delight. While we spent our time out of the hotel at delicious traditional local Roman trattorias, JK Place restaurant was the opposite. It is sophisticated fine dining in every Italian tradition.

Honestly? We could hardly make ourselves leave. The location, decor and service are divine. We cannot wait to go back – and we definitely have a hotel to recommend in Rome. In fact, it’s reason alone to travel to Italy.