Marie-Louise Sciò is the creative mastermind behind some of Italy‘s most stylish hotels. If you’re an Italophile with an eye for design and glamour, you’ve likely either stayed at one of her Pellicano outposts, or have earmarked one for a future getaway.
Sciò’s family first acquired its most famous property, Il Pellicano, on the Tuscan coast in 1979. Since then, two others have followed – La Posta Vecchia hotel, near Rome, and Mezzatorre, in Ischia.
Marie-Louise Sciò by Giampaolo Sgura
All are known for a relaxed, understated form of luxury that’s become catnip for not only the fashion world, but also the A-list, from Jackie Kennedy and Sofia Loren to Harry Styles and Margaret Qualley. Its signature yellow-striped umbrellas are synonymous with sun-drenched, slow afternoons where there is nothing to do but people-watch. It’s not hard to see why Slim Aarons, visual architect of elite Mediterranean glamour, took many pictures at Il Pellicano. As the group’s CEO and creative director, Sciò has a huge role to play in how the hotels look and run. In 2027, she will open two new additions – La Badia Estate in Orvieto and La Suvera in Tuscany.
Sciò was born to an American mother and an Italian father. She was raised in Rome, a city that continues to shape her vision. “Rome completely shaped my approach at the Pellicano Hotels,” she says. “It taught me about proportion, light, and beauty in imperfection. It’s why Pellicano Hotels aren’t over-designed; they’re soulful. I care about how things feel, the quiet luxury of authenticity. Service too – in Rome, hospitality is instinctive. People welcome you like family, not guests. That’s what we try to capture: elegance without pretension, warmth without performance.”
Here, she shares her guide to the Eternal City. Whether you’re looking for a low-key aperitivo spot, the best place for cacio e pepe or the culture destinations locals really love, this is Rome as seen through an insider’s eyes.
What makes Rome so special? How is it different to other parts of Italy?
Rome is a living museum wrapped in chaos and beauty. It’s timeless yet imperfect, an incredible layering of history, emotion, and sensuality. You can’t walk five metres without touching beauty.
The best time of year to visit is…
In the autumn. The light turns honey-gold, the heat softens, and the whole city exhales after summer. It’s Rome at its most cinematic.
How long should we stay to see it properly?
From three days to a lifetime. You can get the headlines in a weekend, but Rome is a place that reveals herself slowly, in layers.
Our first pitstop should be…
Nero’s Golden House – Domus Aurea. It’s one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world – vast, surreal, and still slightly mysterious.
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Your favourite hotel to check in at is…
Hôtel Locarno. An institution. It has that old-world, slightly bohemian Roman spirit that’s impossible to stage.
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Rome is packed full of culture spots – which are your favourites?
I couldn’t name them all here but as a starting point: the Galleria Borghese for its intimate grandeur; MAXXI for contemporary energy; and Palazzo Altemps for moments of quiet beauty away from the crowds.
Which tourist attraction is actually worth doing?
All of them, really. It just depends on your time. Rome is one of the rare cities where even the clichés – like the Colosseum or the Vatican – remain genuinely awe-inspiring.
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What are your favourite stores?
- Giuliva Heritage – Curated Italian fashion with timeless elegance and artisanal craftsmanship.
- Percossi Papi – Exquisite, hand-crafted jewellery made in a tiny atelier near the Pantheon.
- Atelier Bomba – A quietly magical Roman atelier rooted in craftsmanship and history.
- L’Archivio di Monserrato – It’s a world of its own – poetic, artisanal, and timeless.
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Are there any markets we should try?
Porta Portese. A Roman classic. Go early, and go with no agenda.
Where’s your favourite coffee shop?
Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè – it’s the quintessential Roman espresso bar. Stand at the counter; don’t sit.
What would be your dream itinerary?
A slow wander along the Forum, the Tiber, a coffee at Sant’Eustachio, and then letting the day unfold spontaneously. In Rome, there’s always something to discover.
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What’s the public transport like in Rome? Or can we walk everywhere?
You should absolutely walk everywhere – it’s the best way to take in all the beauty of the city. Especially Rome’s colours, they’re famous for a reason.
Which is your favourite restaurant and why?
Da Enzo al 29 – try all the classics and typical Roma dishes: gricia, cacio e pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana. And if artichokes are in season, don’t miss them!
What’s the one thing our readers should know about Rome that will help them on their travels?
That it’s still full of undiscovered beauty. Turn down the side streets, look up, walk without purpose – you’ll be rewarded.
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Are there any experiences we should definitely do?
- Explore Galleria Borghese home to Bernini sculptures, Caravaggio paintings, and Renaissance treasures.
- Visit Galleria Doria Pamphilj, a quieter, family-run palace gallery with masterpieces by Caravaggio and Raphael.
The one place only locals know about…
Monti or Monteverde. Both feel like miniature villages within the city, each with its own rhythm and charm.
For the best views head to…
The Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) or Monteverde. The whole city opens up beneath you.
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My go-to bar is…
Caffe Perù. A simple neighbourhood spot with character.
The drink to order at the bar is…
Bio wines. Romans are increasingly embracing natural, low-intervention wines, and the city has wonderful producers to try.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Planning the next one. Rome always leaves you wanting more.
If we buy one keepsake to take home, what should it be?
A meditation shawl from Atelier Bomba – perfect for flying and perfect for life.
In one word Rome is…
Majestic.
Is there a word or phrase Romans use often that we need to know?
Aho! It’s wonderfully Roman – half greeting, half exclamation, always expressive.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?