Rome, known as the “Eternal City,” is a timeless destination that captivates travelers with its rich history, architectural wonders, and vibrant culture. While the city’s allure remains constant, a new wave of hotels has emerged, offering modern travelers a fresh perspective on the Italian capital. These innovative accommodations combine contemporary design, impeccable service, and a deep appreciation for Rome’s heritage, making them the perfect choice for discerning visitors.
Palazzo Roma
Nestled near iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Spanish Steps, Palazzo Roma is a breathtaking 18th-century palazzo transformed into a luxurious haven. Its bold pops of color, stunning restored frescos, and impressive collection of art create a captivating ambiance. Explore the eccentric music room, once the palace’s ballroom, or marvel at the hall of clocks, adorned with antique timepieces and a floor-to-ceiling map. Each bedroom is a testament to playful elegance, boasting plush furnishings, gold detailing, four-poster beds, and artfully clashing prints. Indulge in a delectable breakfast at the fresco-filled restaurant, overseen by chef Federico Sartucci, where you can savor raspberry-topped maritozzi followed by poached eggs, pecorino mousse, and crispy guanciale. In the evenings, relish traditional Roman fare like polpette and amatriciana. The warm and familiar service, led by restaurant manager Andrea Pazzogna, adds to the authentic Roman experience.
JK Place Roma
Experience the charm of JK Place Roma, a stylish boutique hotel just steps away from the Spanish Steps. Housed in a former part of the 17th-century Palazzo Borghese, this intimate haven offers exceptional service and a true sense of exclusivity. The hotel’s knowledgeable staff can guide you to hidden gems in the city, ensuring an authentic Roman adventure. From the verdant palms and Roman busts in the lobby to the glamorous, Michele Bönan-designed rooms, every detail exudes refined elegance. Savor an Aperol Spritz on your private terrace while taking in the breathtaking sunset over Rome. Afterward, indulge in a traditional suppli platter or a creamy carbonara at the hotel’s restaurant, followed by a digestif in the cozy library bar.
Bulgari Hotel Roma
Adding another layer of history to the grand Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Bulgari Hotel Roma occupies a meticulously renovated Mussolini-era Rationalist building. This opulent haven, located just a short walk from the Roman jewellery house’s headquarters, embodies the Bulgari brand’s signature style with glittering mosaic details, rippled marbles, lacquered wood, and crisp neutrals. While the glamorous Bulgari formula is evident, the hotel seamlessly incorporates an Italian design rigour that pays homage to the building’s 1930s origins. Immerse yourself in the lavishly appointed spa complex, inspired by the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla, featuring a dramatic 20-meter pool with eight columns of arabesque marble. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience in sparkling niches of black and gold, home to relaxation areas and 19th-century replicas of classical statues. Beyond its luxurious amenities, the Bulgari Hotel Roma showcases a deep reverence for the city’s history, partnering with the Torlonia Foundation to restore its collection of sculptures. This hotel not only embodies Rome’s past but also paves the way for its future.
The Rome Edition
The first outpost of the modish Edition hotel group, co-created by Studio 54 hospitality legend Ian Schrager, the Rome Edition is a stylish haven tucked away a few blocks behind Piazza Barberini. Its prime location puts you within steps of the glamorous Via Veneto, famously immortalized by Fellini in La Dolce Vita, and a stone’s throw from iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Stepping into the colossal lobby, with marble-clad walls offset by opulent green velvet drapes, you’ll immediately feel transported to a sanctuary away from the city’s bustle. Each room, adorned with walnut-panelled walls and Carrara marble sinks, offers a unique blend of Italian design culture and modern comfort. Explore the hotel’s communal spaces, from the leafy outdoor terrace to the two jewel-box bars, the speakeasy-style Punch Room and the decadent Jade Room. The pièce de résistance is the roof terrace, complete with a pool and breathtaking views stretching all the way to St. Peter’s.
Six Senses Rome
Six Senses Rome, the luxury hotel group’s first foray into an urban property, is a testament to the city’s rich history. Housed in a building that has witnessed centuries of transformation, its interiors pay homage to ancient Roman building techniques and the grandeur of Baroque splendor. The lobby, tucked away in a small piazza, features an airy atrium, open-plan interiors, and light-drenched outdoor spaces that host a variety of dining options, from wood-fired pizzas made with ancient grains to a gelato counter. The hotel’s serene ambiance, meticulously curated by Spanish architect and industrial designer Patricia Urquiola, creates a sanctuary-like experience. Indulge in the sprawling spa facilities, inspired by ancient Roman baths, featuring marble walls etched with laurel, scented steam showers, saunas, and an ice fountain. Experience the perfect blend of hi-tech and homely, where the old and new worlds seamlessly converge.
Palazzo Vilòn
While the entrance to Hotel Vilòn, tucked down a cobbled side street near the River Tiber, might seem unassuming, its history is anything but. Situated within the vast complex of the former Palazzo Borghese, this boutique gem offers impeccable service and just 18 rooms, each adorned with the owners’ impressive collection of contemporary art and photography. The hotel’s restoration, overseen by architect Giampiero Panepinto and film production designer Paolo Bonfini, resulted in a stylish, off-kilter decor. Experience the ultimate luxury with the Palazzo Vilòn, a self-contained three-bedroom apartment next door, offering a private butler and all the amenities of the neighboring hotel. This Roman Baroque masterpiece, accessed through a rear façade overlooking the Tiber, boasts pastel blue and putti-filled frescos, gilded surfaces, and breathtaking views across the palazzo’s private gardens. If you seek unabashed splendor and ultimate privacy, Palazzo Vilòn is a truly exceptional choice.
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome
Stepping into the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome is a sensory journey. The marble colonnade out front dates back to the late 19th century, while the Art Deco arches of the lobby are adorned with enormous Murano chandeliers. The hotel’s suites offer a blend of Italian glamour and contemporary design, with cool marble floors, cherry-red tile bathrooms, and chrome and leather furniture. The hotel is built on the remains of public baths dating back to the 4th century, when Emperor Diocletian would send his subjects to cleanse their bodies and souls. Visible through plexiglass flooring, these ancient remains serve as a reminder of the city’s rich history. The on-site spa at Anantara incorporates these ancient rituals into its offerings, including a “Diocletian bath ritual” using millennia-old ingredients like sage, lavender, honey, laurel, and olive oil. This unexpected oasis of wellness offers a moment of tranquility in one of Rome’s busiest corners.
