Check into Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel. Credit: Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel
Travelers come to Rome for its stunning architecture, rich history and mouthwatering cuisine, but a crop of hotels opening across the historic center will offer even more of a draw. These new stays will redefine luxury travel in Rome with opulent design, premium amenities and world-class service. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, prepare to be dazzled by the city’s newest accommodations.
HOTTEST NEW OPENINGS
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel
The Piazza della Repubblica’s two crescent-shaped colonnades surrounding a fabulous fountain of bathing nymphs make it one of Rome’s most cinematic locations. Anantara Palazzo Naiadi has taken up residence in one of the grandiose colonnades. The palatial hotel is a show-stopper, from its elegant white-on-white lobby to its panoramic rooftop. Anantara tapped executive chef Heros de Agostinis to helm its three unique restaurants, each already earning acclaim.
Why you should book it: The incredibly spacious 238 accommodations feature high ceilings and large bathrooms.
InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace
Via Veneto landmark InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace finally reopened following a top-to-bottom restoration and renovation. The neo-Renaissance palazzo built at the turn of the century was Rome’s favorite address for the glitterati, the literati, ambassadors and patricians. Designed by IA Interior Architects, the hotel’s revamped 160 rooms and suites blend neoclassical and contemporary styles. In a clever twist, the InterContinental has imported the beloved Italian restaurant Scarpetta from New York City.
Why you should book it: For the grand hotel vibe and Charlie’s Rooftop bar, one of Rome’s most beautiful terraces.
In its soft opening, the Rome property brings grand hotel glamour into the 21st century. Hotelier Ian Schrager’s partnership with Marriott spawned a new approach to luxury hospitality that emphasized casual elegance and authenticity. The Eternal City’s 93-room EDITION will embody the brand’s ethos and introduce a new vision of contemporary design.
Why you should book it: The Punch Room cocktail bar, rooftop terrace and pool and event areas will make it the life of the party.
Bvlgari Hotel Roma (June)
Finally, Bvlgari comes home. The luxury brand originated in Rome in 1884 as a jewelry artisan, so it’s no surprise that its design-forward hospitality incarnation would return to the Eternal City to much fanfare. Taking over Piazza Augusto Imperatore — the historic center’s famous piazza dedicated to Emperor Augustus — the gorgeous, sprawling hotel will offer 114 rooms and suites. Culinary phenom Niko Romito will oversee Bvlgari’s food and beverage offerings, including his highly anticipated eponymous restaurant. Inspired by the famous Ancient Roman Baths, the spa will provide an over 16,000-square-foot wellness oasis.
Why you should book it: Bvlgari Roma is destined to be the city’s “it” location.
Six Senses’ first property in Italy provides an urban oasis. Designer Patricia Urquiola embraced elements of the historic palazzo’s 18th-century aesthetic, like the original marbles and ornamentations, while incorporating modern-day style. The luminous, well-designed 96 rooms showcase Urquiola’s preternatural flair for combining color, materials and curves. The hotel receives bonus points for its lovely rooftop and bi-level signature spa.
Why you should book it: The Via del Corso location is unbeatable — it’s a short walk from almost all of Rome’s most iconic sites, like the Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Colosseum.
ROMEO Roma (October)
This 74-room boutique hotel was one of the last projects from the late Iraqi-British superstar architect Zaha Hadid. Although many of the details have been kept under wraps, if the hotel is anything like flagship property ROMEO Napoli, you can expect slick cutting-edge design, contemporary art, indoor and outdoor pools, a rooftop lounge and Romeo’s signature Sisley Paris spa. Rumor has it that ROMEO plans to bring little Naples to the Eternal City with a Neapolitan-inspired bistro.
Why you should book it: The Hadid design, the spa and Il Ristorante from heralded chef Alain Ducasse.
OTHER NOTEWORTHY OPENINGS
Just a few doors down is Palazzo Ripetta, which quietly arrived on the city’s hospitality scene in December. Designer Fausta Gaetani transformed the baroque palazzo into a boutique hotel with 78 richly colored, lavishly contemporary rooms and suites.
Palazzo Roma (summer)
Around the corner on Via del Corso, Shedir Collection (whose properties include Vilòn Roma and Maalot Roma) will open its latest stylish spot, Palazzo Roma. The hotel plans to be the collection’s crown jewel with a private garden surrounding a historic fountain and 39 rooms and 19 junior suites boasting 16-foot ceilings and marble-clad bathrooms.
Nobu Hotel Rome (soon)
For a long time, Via Veneto was the La Dolce Vita address, until a few decades ago when luxury hotels began migrating toward Piazza del Popolo. Fortunately, the serpentine street returns with this soon-to-open modern addition. Nobu’s mammoth 122 accommodations include the signature Nobu Suite and an expansive wellness center. Expect a Nobu restaurant and room service sushi, available 24/7.
