Secret Shopper – A Guide to Shopping in Rome

Share

A high point of any Roman holiday is strolling cobblestone streets in search of treasures. Your finds range from incredible antiques and artworks to artisan-run boutiques, where you’ll often see makers handcrafting their wares through storefront windows late into the night. As seen in Quest Magazine, this is where to find the best shopping in Rome.

Just off-the-grid from heavily-touristed piazzas, D.O.M. Hotel Roma — built by the Gonfalone Fraternity in 15th-century papal Rome — on Via Giulia makes it easy to discover the neighborhood’s most exclusive retail addresses via private shopping, whether you’re looking for the perfect bauble at the Chopard boutique in Via del Babuino or a colorful, bespoke leather handbag at by-appointment-only Maison Halaby on hidden gem Via Monseratto (lined with charming shops like beautifully-curated, must-visit Chez Dede and Poltrone Couture). The boutique’s proprietor, Lebanese designer Gilbert Halaby, offers a warm welcome with tea, coffee, or an apertivo, and regales you with stories as he gets to know your taste in the cozy salon decorated with his paintings, textiles, and collections. Then he custom-makes the perfect purse.

That elevated style of personalized service extends to the hotel, where your retail finds are hand-delivered, so you have ample time to enjoy the on-property resto and bar, Achilli al D.O.M., serving classic Roman dishes as an outpost of Michelin-starred restaurant Achilli al Parlamento. As a rite of summer, the restaurant moves up to the rooftop terrace for the warm season, offering views of the Tiber River and Gianicolo hill, as well as fun cocktails and fresh, farm-to-fork meals.

You’ll want the perfect bag to keep all of your finds safe while exploring the capital city. An instant classic calling to mind the travel-worn steamer trunks of yesteryear, aluminum luggage is all the rage. The sturdy material will shield your belongings, but it’s prone to dents over time. Don’t fret: dings and divots are considered the cool traveler’s badge of honor.

Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Ker & Downey earns a small commission when you click through and make a purchase.

From left to right:

1. Created especially for frequent fliers, this roomy scene-stealer meets every airline criterion. Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Short Trip Packing Case | $1,195
   
2. A piece designed to last generations from the company that started the aluminum trend. Rimowa Original Trunk S | $1,600
   
3. Guaranteed for a lifetime of use at a price point ideal for building a set. AWAY The Bigger Carry On: Aluminum Edition | $495
   
4. Channel your inner James Bond with this sleek number by a brand whose cases carried moon rocks from the Apollo 11 mission. Zero Halliburton Geo Aluminum 3.0 International Carry-On | $950

The Ker & Downey designers can customize your journey to Rome to hit all of your desired stops and shopping spots. Contact us to start planning your Roman holiday.

Share