Ultra-exclusive Romeo Roma is visionary architect Zaha Hadid's last hotel project
Romeo Roma, a spectacular new five-star property in Rome's historic center, is built inside a 16th-century landmarked palazzo. The innovative interiors span eras: Original Renaissance frescoes in five 'noble-level' suites are juxtaposed with the late British-Iraqi architect's futuristic forms while an ancient marble bust of empress Livia Drusilla unearthed during the renovation sits near contemporary works by Francesco Clemente, Mario Schifano and Christian Leperino. The glass-bottomed pool, meanwhile, reveals remarkable Roman relics discovered just below.
With its striking mix of antiquities and avant-garde elegance, this is a new address for travelers seeking extraordinary accommodations. And it's ultra-exclusive – so much so that apart from Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse, which is open to the public, access inside is limited to hotel guests.
13 Romeo Roma is located in Rome's historic center, close to Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps.
The ROMEO Collection
13 Five of the suites feature original Renaissance frescoes.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
The 74-room addition to The Romeo Collection, the luxury Italian hospitality brand founded by Neapolitan lawyer and entrepreneur Alfredo Romeo, opened in December. The first Romeo hotel debuted in Naples in 2008 and a Massa Lubrense location on the Sorrento Coast, across from the island of Capri, is slated for later this year.
The Rome edifice unites the best of the design, culinary and wellness worlds. Just last month, it won a coveted spot on the Prix Versailles' 'World's Most Beautiful Hotels' in 2025 list for its 'exceptional architecture and design.'
13 The museum-like lobby is decorated with antiquities, contemporary art and a lipstick-red piano.
GIULIA VENANZI
13 The swimming pool's glass bottom reveals ancient Roman ruins that were unearthed during the excavation.
The ROMEO Collection
Romeo bought the building on the tony Via di Ripetta, steps from Piazza del Popolo, in 2012. Originally the palace of the Serroberti-Capponi family, it changed hands several times before becoming headquarters of the Jesuit journal Civiltà Cattolica and then, from 1951 onwards, offices of the Italian government's Italian Workers' Compensation Authority.
Romeo enlisted Zaha Hadid to radically transform the edifice. A rock star in her field, she was twice awarded Britain's Stirling Prize for architecture and in 2004 became the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize, known as the 'Nobel Prize of architecture.' She had already begun working on Romeo Roma when she died in 2016 of a heart attack, and her practice completed the project posthumously.
13 A glossy walnut-clad room has a Zaha Hadid fireplace, among other amenities.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
13 A corridor with ebony, marble and steel accents.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
13 The Penthouse Suite has a private rooftop terrace.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
As many elements of the building are listed, Zaha Hadid Architects devised a 'second skin' that fits inside the original structure. Not only are the archistar's signature undulating walls and vaulted ceilings in Macassar ebony, marble, steel and textured brass seductively chic, but they conceal the systems and smart technology.
The project lasted more than a decade, slowed by the discovery – and careful preservation – of a Roman wall and workshop beneath the courtyard. Working with the finest materials, from Macassar ebony and Canaletto walnut to Italian marble, artisans crafted the intricate cladding and flooring that accents every space. The polished rooms and suites are appointed with furnishings by B&B Italia, Poltrona Frau and custom pieces from Romeo Design. They are simultaneously warm and state-of-the-art.
13 Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse is the Michelin-starred chef's first restaurant in Rome.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
13 La Terrazza, the chic rooftop bar operated in partnership with Krug champagne, boasts panoramic views of the city.
GIULIA VENANZI
The gastronomic program is equally cutting-edge. Michelin-starred French chef Alain Ducasse, whose first restaurant in Italy opened last year at Romeo Napoli, unveiled his second signature outpost in the country on-site. Guests choose between à la carte specialties or four-, six- or nine-course tasting menus made with seasonal Italian ingredients. Standouts include Mediterranean blue lobster with red berries and rhubarb and chocolate and coffee from Alain Ducasse Manufacture in Paris paired with buckwheat ice cream.
The restaurant also serves a sumptuous à la carte breakfast with sweet, savory and pastry options. The cloud-like French toast with whipped cream is not to be missed.
13 Il Cortile restaurant offers all-day al fresco dining in the leafy courtyard.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
13 Il Bar has a novel ceiling design that allows light to pass through.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
Il Cortile, meanwhile, offers all-day classic Italian fare in the leafy courtyard.
Il Bar serves craft cocktails made with local ingredients and wine while La Terrazza, a skybar with panoramic views of the Eternal City, is a partnership with French Champagne house Krug.
13 The wellness center includes La Spa Sisley Paris, a salt room, hammam, floating room, pool and more.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
13 The wood-lined Fitness Center is geared with Technogym equipment.
CHRIS DALTON PHOTOGRAPHY
Relaxation is on the menu at La Spa Sisley Paris. Book one of the famed French beauty company's Phyto-Aromatic facial and body treatments, then laze in the salt room, hammam, floating room and emotional shower enhanced with colored lights and aromatherapy.
Or take a dip in the indoor-outdoor pool, which starts inside the spa, winds under a footbridge and ends in the courtyard. With the 2,000-year-old Ripetta port visible through the transparent floor, it's an amazing past-meets-present experience.
Rooms from $2,950 at TheRomeoCollection.com/en/romeo-roma/.
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Business Insider
2 hours ago
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3 hours ago
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