The Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel was the setting for a truly spectacular event: the 90th birthday celebration of legendary actress Sophia Loren. On September 20th, close to 200 guests, including prominent figures from the world of film and music, gathered to pay tribute to Italy’s beloved star. The evening was a whirlwind of elegance and emotion, with Sophia Loren, radiant in a Giorgio Armani creation, blowing out 90 candles surrounded by love and admiration.
The celebration was not only a tribute to a cinematic icon but also marked the grand unveiling of the Sophia Loren Presidential Suite, the only one in the world dedicated to the actress. This unique suite, designed to feel like her personal Roman residence, offers fans a truly immersive experience into her life and world. The project, developed in close collaboration with Loren’s son, Edoardo Ponti, reflects her passions, habits, and timeless style.
Guests were treated to a specially curated menu of Loren’s favorite dishes, inspired by her personal cookbooks and prepared by Executive Chef Heros De Agostinis. The dining experience was enhanced by tables named after some of Loren’s most iconic films, such as ‘A Special Day,’ ‘La Ciociara,’ and ‘The Sunflowers.’ The evening culminated with a breathtaking nine-tier birthday cake adorned with white chocolate roses, Loren’s favorite flower, crafted by Pastry Chef Daniele De Santi.
The highlight of the evening was a moving performance by singer Laura Pausini, who serenaded the crowd with “Lo Sí” from the soundtrack of ‘La Vita Davanti a Sé,’ a 2020 film starring Sophia Loren, directed by her son, Edoardo Ponti. Loren’s performance in the film earned her the prestigious David di Donatello Best Actress award.
The Sophia Loren Presidential Suite itself is a testament to the actress’s life and legacy. Adorned with her favorite white roses, curated books, and photographs of her beloved hometown, Pozzuoli, the suite invites guests to step into the world of the iconic actress. It’s a place where visitors can connect with the essence of Loren’s life, in a hotel she holds dear.
“Mia madre has always loved this hotel,” added her son, Edoardo Ponti. “She knows every corner but is especially fond of this suite where, on many occasions, she has gazed out over the Piazza della Repubblica with the Fountain of the Naiads and beyond towards the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. She first stayed here when visiting Giuseppe Marzio Prontrandolfo, who, in addition to his role as the hotel’s Head of Institutional Relations, is a dear friend of whom my mother is particularly fond. They have known each other for twenty years, and it is thanks to him that this collaboration with Anantara Palazzo Naiadi began. This suite feels like her Roman home, and we hope the guests who choose to stay here will feel the same.”
The suite features a personal beauty station stocked with Sophia Loren’s favorite cosmetics, a cozy movie corner with a DVD player showcasing her most iconic films, and a curated playlist of her favorite songs. Family photos adorn the walls, while her biographies, authored works, and cherished reads make up a small library. The space is scented with her signature perfume, adding to the immersive experience. Guests can indulge in coffee served just as Loren enjoys it, accompanied by two savoiardi biscuits. The hotel’s expert chef is available to prepare some of her favorite dishes, made from recipes found in her cookbooks, ‘Recipes and Memories’ and ‘In Cucina con Amore.’ To complete the experience, exclusive arrival and departure gifts, carefully curated by Loren’s son, renowned film director Edoardo Ponti, and the hotel team, add a special touch to this one-of-a-kind stay.
“Edoardo is known around the world for his work,” emphasizes Giuseppe Marzio Pontrandolfo. “He has spent a lot of time building this project with us. He did so because he, too, is very close to this hotel. Edoardo stayed here while working on the short film, ‘La Voce Umana’ and the 2020 film ‘La Vita Davanti a Sé,’ with which his mother won the David di Donatello award for best actress.”
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel is thrilled to unveil the world’s first and only suite dedicated to Sophia Loren, offering guests an authentic, immersive experience that reflects the life of the iconic actress. This unique suite invites visitors to step into the world of Loren, who has long considered the hotel her home in the heart of the Eternal City.
