Unlike the traditional opulent establishments, these new hotels draw inspiration from modernist architects who transformed Rome during the 20th century.
Notable examples include the Bulgari Hotel, housed in a 1930s government building designed by Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo, and the Edition hotel, occupying a bank attributed to Marcello Piacentini. Some also incorporate 21st-century Scandinavian design elements, blending them seamlessly with Italian Renaissance art and Roman artifacts. Here’s a closer look at five innovative accommodations breaking away from conventional styles.
Six Senses Rome:
Located on Piazza San Marcello, Six Senses Rome, the first city hotel from a renowned beach resort and spa company, opened last spring. Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola transformed a historic palazzo into a contemporary retreat, featuring 96 guest rooms with modern furnishings. The highlight is the spa, boasting travertine marble, five treatment rooms, indoor plunge pools, a yoga studio, and biohacking treatments. Prices start at approximately $1,200 a night.
Palazzo Ripetta:
Originally remade in the 1960s by Roman architect Luigi Moretti, Palazzo Ripetta underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2022. The 78-room property now features the San Baylon restaurant, reinterpreting traditional Italian recipes, and guest rooms with a modern twist on classic conventions. Designed by Fausta Gaetani, the rooms offer various styles with pale walls, patterned upholstery, abstract art, and Murano glass lighting fixtures. Prices start at about $600 a night.
Bulgari Hotel Roma:
Last June, the former Italian social security agency headquarters became the Bulgari Hotel Roma. Milanese architects Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel preserved Morpurgo’s original decorative features, incorporating jewel tones and historic house imagery into the 110 guest rooms. Dining options include a restaurant and chocolate shop by three-Michelin-star chef Niko Romito. Prices start at approximately $1,750 a night.
The Rome Edition:
Tucked away on a quiet residential street, The Rome Edition offers a tranquil escape with a garden and a dramatic entrance beneath a high-ceilinged lobby. The 93-room hotel features intimate spaces like the Jade Bar and the speakeasy-style Punch Room. Guest rooms follow a neutral palette with walnut wood, Carrara marble, and cream-colored textiles. Prices start at about $1,750 a night.
Palazzo delle Pietre:
Conceived by lawyer Patrizia Albano and former Prada president Carlo Mazzi, Palazzo delle Pietre is an eight-room hotel near Piazza Navona. Open since 2019, it recently extended with Appartamenti La Corte, two well-decorated flats with kitchens and architectural artifacts. The larger apartment offers a rooftop terrace and private sauna. Prices start at about $650 a night, with a two-night minimum required.”
