ROMEO Hotel Roma, Rome’s brand new ultra-luxury design hotel (REVIEW)

Privately owned Italian luxury hospitality group ROMEO Collection has opened earlier this year ROMEO Hotel Roma, its second hotel after ROMEO Hotel Naples. Located just steps from Piazza del Popolo, in the heart of the city, within a superbly renovated historic 16th-century palace, the new ultra luxury 74-room boutique hotel is redefining the concept of urban resorts, embodying the concept of conscious luxury by blending art, architecture, design, gastronomy, and well-being in a timeless setting. Most notable is the fact that in less than 6 months from opening, the hotel has reached a consistently high service standard.

Designed by world renowned architect Zaha Hadid, ROMEO Hotel Roma is one of her last projects, seamlessly merging the centuries-old history of the building with contemporary, futuristic architectural elements. This balance of tradition and innovation is not only visual but also extends to sustainability, with the use of eco-friendly materials and cutting-edge techniques to minimize environmental impact. The majority of the furnishing is custom made especially for the hotel.

Every corner of the hotel boasts a unique WOW factor – striking, sleek and bold, while conveying a hard luxury feel. The attention to details is truly impressive, with the finest quality of materials, furnishings and finishes. No expense has been spared with details such as lighting, ambiance and soundproofing. Interiors are as much functional and comfortable as they are pleasing to the eye. There is a sense of prestige and grandeur which few luxury hotels command nowadays.

Premium materials, such as Macassar ebony, Nero Marquina marble, and Carrara marble, create a dialogue between tradition and innovation, grounding the hotel in its Roman context while exploring new frontiers of sustainable design. Hadid’s signature dynamic, fluid lines harmoniously blend with historical elements like frescoed ceilings, creating an environment where past and present coexist in perfect harmony.

Sustainability and respect for historical heritage are at the core of every design decision at ROMEO Roma, proving that conscious luxury can coexist with avant-garde architecture. At the heart of the hotel lies a unique internal courtyard, designed as a contemporary urban square where design and conviviality meet. This space, the vibrant core of the hotel, invites guests to socialize and relax in an exclusive atmosphere. Do not miss the very unique and quirky play-room for children and adults alike!

Surrounded by the historical facades of the palace, the courtyard houses some of the hotel’s most iconic experiences: IL BAR open all day, LA SPA Sisley Paris, and IL CORTILE, an all-day dining service, that creates a continuous dialogue between gastronomy, well-being, and architecture. The sheer size of the courtyard is truly staggering, among the largest such space among the city’s top luxury hotels. It lends a unique sense of space, comfort and serenity.

With designer furniture, artistic installations, and carefully selected greenery, the courtyard transforms into an urban oasis, where the hectic pace of Rome seems to dissolve. This “square within a palace” is much more than just a passageway; it reflects the very essence of ROMEO Roma – a meeting point for history, culture, and innovation, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Eternal City.

Additionally, LA TERRAZZA rooftop in collaboration with Krug offers unique moments with an exclusive selection of Champagne and breathtaking views over Rome’s rooftops, perfect for special events or luxurious aperitifs. The exquisitely manicured landscaping is one-of-a-kind recreating a space which is yet another venue of the hotel which has a very distinctive offering for both residing and visiting guests.

Like ROMEO Napoli, ROMEO Roma embodies the philosophy of conscious luxury—an approach to luxury that goes beyond opulence, embracing sustainability, ethics, and environmental responsibility. Every design decision, from material selection to resource management, is made with a focus on reducing environmental impact without compromising comfort or aesthetics. This ethical luxury is also reflected in the use of natural materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste reduction, ensuring that guests enjoy a stay that respects both the planet and its people.

The rooms and suites at ROMEO Roma are the perfect synthesis of contemporary design and historical tradition. Each space is enhanced with high-quality materials such as Carrara marble, lacquered wood, lava stone, glass and Krion, chosen not only for their refined aesthetic but also for their functionality in improving acoustics and naturally regulating room temperature. All accommodations, regardless of category, offer unparalleled standards of privacy and serenity.

The quality of bedding is of the highest luxury standards, providing an ultimate quality of sleep – you will love the Fili d’Oro custom-made satin cotton linen of a very high thread density. Complementing the luxurious accommodations is a bespoke line of Aesop bathroom amenities. Showers in all the rooms and suites include Spa functions, such as steam and sauna, as well as chromo and sound features. All bathrooms are designed with a futuristic aesthetic, with a striking contrast of materials.

Advanced technology integration allows for intuitive control of the environment, with customizable lighting, whirlpool tubs, hidden televisions, and integrated fireplaces in some suites, offering a tailored stay. Some rooms feature private terraces, providing spectacular panoramic views of Rome’s rooftops, creating unique and unforgettable relaxation spaces. There are also functional spaces for guests with a business purpose stay.

The noble floor, a focal point of the hotel, houses rooms adorned with original historical frescoes, including a highly valuable frescoed room with views over Via di Ripetta. Here, the dialogue between Renaissance architecture and contemporary details and innovative solutions comes to life, celebrating the beauty of tradition while embracing the comforts of modern design. The diversity of interior design allows for a diverse room types in terms of layout and views.

ROMEO Roma is not just a hotel, but a true living art gallery. Every space is enriched with works by contemporary artists like Christian Leperino, Mario Schifano, Mimmo Paladino, and Francesco Clemente. Alongside these modern pieces, the hotel displays historical artifacts uncovered during restoration works, such as the white marble head of Livia Drusilla, wife of Emperor Augustus, offering guests a unique connection with the history of Rome.

Art, like design, is an integral part of the ROMEO experience, turning every stay into a cultural and sensory journey. The artworks not only decorate but also tell stories that bridge the past and present, immersing guests in a world of beauty and reflection. Every piece of art tells a story, conveying a sense of sophistication and elegance. The overall feel is exclusive, like a private club reserved for the most discerning guests.

The opening of ROMEO Roma marks a milestone for Rome’s culinary scene: for the first time, the renowned chef Alain Ducasse, a global icon of haute cuisine, brings his culinary vision to Rome through an exclusive partnership with ROMEO Collection. Following the success of the restaurant at ROMEO Napoli, Ducasse now brings his innovative approach to Roman gastronomy, blending traditional flavours with cutting-edge techniques.

Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse Roma located within ROMEO Roma, is a temple of culinary excellence, where tradition and modernity merge, enhancing the finest Italian ingredients with cutting-edge techniques. Even breakfast, a key moment for the group’s hospitality, is curated by the chef, offering an exclusive selection of a-la-carte options that combine quality, refinement, and the unmistakable Ducasse touch. You will be surprised by many beautifully interpreted dishes. Service is exceptional !

Led by a team personally selected by Ducasse, the restaurant offers a fine dining experience that redefines the gastronomic standards of luxury hospitality in the Eternal City rivalling the finest restaurants of the best luxury hotels in Rome. The choice of Ducasse is a testament to ROMEO Collection’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with prominent figures in global culture and culinary arts. Most ingredients are locally sourced and dishes are predominantly Italian.

ROMEO Roma offers a sanctuary of tranquility in the heart of the city with a 1,200-square-meter wellness area, signed Sisley Paris. LA SPA Sisley Paris is a sanctuary for body and mind, offering treatments based on the Phyto-Aromatiques philosophy, which combines plant extracts and natural essences for a sensory relaxation experience. The indoor and outdoor heated pools, feature a transparent base, revealing the archaeological remains beneath, creating  a visual connection with the history of Rome.

In addition to the treatments, LA SPA Sisley Paris includes a gorgeous hammam, a gravitational tub, a salt wall, Tadelakt-finished steam rooms and a fitness center equipped with the latest Technogym technology, providing a comprehensive well-being and regeneration experience. Some of the suites of the hotel feature built-in Technogym Kinesis equipment. The Spa boasts exceptional customer service standards, with highly skilled and trained therapists.

With its opening, ROMEO Roma joins ROMEO Napoli and will soon be followed by ROMEO Massa Lubrense (Amalfi Coast) in 2025, sharing the same dedication to conscious luxury and hospitality that leaves a lasting positive impact. It is remarkable for that the properties are not only privately owned but also privately operated with the owners being firmly involved in the operations – thus showing confidence in a long term vision.

Oliver Petcu in Rome

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