Review: The Driving Experience at Hotel Eden, Rome - Vanity Fair
Moments away from the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and The Pantheon lies Hotel Eden—an exquisite example of cutting-edge cool with a hint of historic splendour. This Italian haven features swoon-worthy views over the Eternal City and boasts suites fit for A-Listers, many of whom are captured in the black-and-white photos lining the staircase leading to the rooftop restaurants.
Opulent without being overstated, the interiors are refined, but with enough marble and gilding to leave you in little doubt that this is a five-star establishment. From personalised card holders for your room keys to the fact that every member of staff addresses you on a first name basis (even if you haven't encountered them yet), the details make it clear that this is yet another example of the Dorchester Collection's exceptional service.
And among all that five-star magnificence, Hotel Eden has an extremely sexy trick up its sleeve: The Driving Experience. The newly launched add-on is available only for Eden's guests, but we'd still suggest getting in there quickly. How else can you explore the most beautiful city in the world in a rare Ferrari F8 Tributo, a Lamborghini or a top-end Maserati?
The experience also gives you a fabulous excuse to explore the Mountains of Lazio, as it includes a summit hike with a picnic lunch at the top. The immaculate Matteo (founder of The Driver's Club) starts by guiding you through the tricky roads of Rome—and with the city's notoriously testing local drivers, his guidance is invaluable—which give way to the long, open, winding roads where you can't see a town for miles. The first pit stop is a local restaurant serving porchetta focaccia, a local delicacy and the perfect energy boost for the climb to 2000m amid snow-capped peaks. Once parked, your climbing guide will give you snowshoes (season permitting) and poles for balance, plus a perfectly packed lunch hamper, before taking you up to the peaks, where the views of rural Lazio are truly magnificent.
Returning to the city and, more specifically, the timeless luxury of Hotel Eden, with the roar of the Ferrari engine behind you and fresh air in your lungs is enough to make anyone feel like an A-Lister. And don't worry if in the excitement of it all, you forgot to take any photos—when you return to your room a beautifully framed keepsake of the experience, along with a handwritten note, will be waiting by your bed-side table. Eden indeed.
The experience is for Hotel Eden guests only. For reservations, the point of contact for guests remains the concierge team. €3,600 for two people, including lunch. Book here.
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