Inside Rome’s most expensive — and most extraordinary — new hotel

Rome is preparing for a significant year, marked by a Catholic jubilee, which occurs every 25 years. This event, commencing on December 24 with the opening of the holy door in St Peter’s Basilica, is expected to draw millions of pilgrims seeking plenary indulgence. Coinciding with this momentous period, a new luxury establishment, the Romeo Roma, has opened its doors on Via di Ripetta, near Piazza del Popolo, after over a decade of development. This is the second hotel from the family-owned Romeo Collection, situated within an elegant 17th-century palazzo. The Romeo Roma is among several ultra-luxury hotels that have recently launched or are under development in Rome, including the Bulgari, the W, the Edition, the Rosewood, a forthcoming Four Seasons, and a Nobu. The Six Senses, an IHG-owned wellness brand, also opened its first European hotel in Rome in early 2023. The Romeo Roma distinguishes itself with a starting rate of approximately £2,000 per night, positioning it as one of the world's most expensive hotels. This price point surpasses that of competitors like the Bulgari, a detail the hotel seems to emphasize. Key to the Romeo Roma's extraordinary appeal are its high-profile collaborators: Zaha Hadid, who designed the interiors, and Alain Ducasse, responsible for the culinary offerings. The hotel's design is characterized by avant-garde elements, featuring lacquered Macassar ebony and Carrara marble. The restoration of Palazzo Capponi, originally a government office, began in 2012 and uncovered an ancient workshop in the basement. The construction involved the careful integration of tons of wood, marble, and steel, all while preserving the historical integrity of the building, which includes a rotating head of Livia Drusilla in a glass case in the lobby. The lobby itself, formerly the palazzo's inner courtyard, now boasts a retractable glass roof, a vaulted steel lattice ceiling, a red Schulze Pollman grand piano, Rubinacci floor cushions, and an uplit waterfall that spells out “ROMEO” in rainbow-colored water. The rooms continue the space-age aesthetic, with Hadid’s signature curves evident in the ebony beds, mirrored TV stands, and sinuous white spa baths. Some rooms even feature original 17th-century frescoes discovered during renovation. The owner, Alfredo Romeo, expressed the challenge of merging historical heritage with innovative contemporary architecture and sustainability. Culinary experiences at the Romeo Roma are a major draw. Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse offers a ten-course tasting menu for £232, featuring dishes such as charred puntarelle and pink venison. Breakfast by Alain Ducasse, included in the room rate, provides an extensive spread and the Monégasque chef’s signature hot chocolate. The slightly less extravagant Il Cortile offers a Roman menu with pasta, pizza, and fish amidst Carrara marble columns and a shimmering ebony ceiling. The hotel also includes a Sisley spa with treatment rooms, a hammam, an infrared sauna, and a Sicilian salt relaxation room. The hotel caters to a distinguished clientele, as evidenced by the attendance of ambassadors from various countries at its opening. Despite its opulent nature, the hotel considers micro-level details, such as staff remembering coffee orders and personalized amenities like silk eye masks and branded toiletries. The owner, Alfredo Romeo, personally approved many details, including eclectic artworks and custom furniture. While some minor issues, like a lack of bathroom hooks or temperamental lighting, were noted, they are attributed to opening jitters. The article concludes by highlighting Rome's attractions during the jubilee year, including pedestrianized areas, renovated historical sites, and new cultural experiences, affirming the city's appeal beyond the hotel's luxury. #LuxuryHotel #RomeTourism #ZahaHadid #AlainDucasse #HotelDesign #JubileeYear #ItalianHospitality #ArchitecturalInnovation #HistoricalPreservation #LuxuryHotel #RomeTourism #ZahaHadid #AlainDucasse #HotelDesign #JubileeYear #ItalianHospitality #ArchitecturalInnovation #HistoricalPreservation

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