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Rome’s grandest 2023 hotel openings
ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI ROME
Hugging Piazza della Repubblica, Palazzo Naiadi (right) keeps some impressive company, sharing the square with Baths of Diocletian (also visible through the glass floors on the lower level), the National Roman Museum, and Santa Maria degli Angeli church. Originally built in 1887, luxury Thai brand Anantara took over the refurbishment in 2022 and reopened the 5-star palazzo in May. Known for its retreat-like ethos, think rattan, glass lamps, world-class spa (inspired by its ancient neighbour of course) and chic interiors that are easy on the eye.
ROME EDITION, ROME
The hotel brand with a (green) heart and designer Ian Schrager's first foray into Italy (Milan and Como are next) landed in Rome in April and boy, is she pretty. Owned by Marriott, the building was constructed in the 1940s and was originally a bank (look carefully and you’ll see touches of its former life). There are 91 rooms and suites with signature Edition touches including faux fur throws (Schrager’s grandmother kept things cosy with fur blankets).
SIX SENSES
Known for its commitment to wellness and eco-friendly design, Six Senses Rome (inset) in bustling shopping street Via del Corso, is a welcomed haven to a city constantly on the move. Housed in an 18th-century palazzo, Six Senses opened in March and offers 96 glorious rooms and suites. Once you step inside, you won’t forget where you are – from the grand marble staircase and newly restored 600-yearold columns, to the baptismal bath dating back to the 4th century and Aurelia the She-Wolf named the hotel’s mascot – symbols of the Eternal City are everywhere.
BULGARI HOTEL ROMA
There are seven Bulgari properties around the world, but for this stylish grand dame located in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, nothing beats this 139-years-in-the-making homecoming. Opening in June, the hotel looks onto the Ara Pacis Augustae (or the Altar of Peace of Augustus), while the 114 rooms and suites are decorated and divided into four colour palettes inspired by the city – white, yellow, red, and green. Rome is full of museums, over 60 in fact, but you may as well start in the hotel foyer, touring the Bulgari jewellery through the decades.
NOBU HOTEL ROMA
Nobu’s first foray into the Italian hotel market is already causing fanfare, long before the hotel opens its doors, but co-founder, Robert De Niro, isn’t complaining. Taking over the Grand Hotel in Via Veneto, the historic heart of Rome, Nobu Hotel and Restaurant is set to open at the end of 2023. Nobu’s Milan restaurant (designed by Armani) opened in 2000; this Rome project is a long time in the making. It will include 116 guest rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace, full-service spa, fitness centre and of course, signature Nobu restaurant offering 24-hour in-room dining.
