Bulgari to make hotel mark in Rome

Bulgari Hotels & Resorts has announced that it will open its ninth property in its hometown. Bulgari Hotel Roma is set for a June 2023 opening, where it will add to the brand’s existing portfolio of hotels across the likes of Milan, London, Paris, Dubai and Shanghai.

The new Roman hotel will be located in the central Piazza Augusto Imperatore in the heart of the Campo Marzio neighbourhood. The building, originally built between 1936 and 1938, was designed by architect Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo – and now restored by ACPV Architects – with traditional Roman materials and colours, including ochre Travertine marble and burnt red brick, and is embellished with frescos, mosaics and sculptures. On the building’s façade, on top of a large fountain, a Latin inscription reads: “This is the place where the Emperor Augustus’ soul flies through the air.”

A unique connection between the new Bulgari hotel and the history of Emperor Augustus runs through the whole property, for instance through the presence of an original statue depicting the Emperor, and the strong use of marble – a common feature in ancient Rome – throughout. The rigorous rationalist architectural appeal of the building however remains counterbalanced through unique touches like a 70m² mosaic by Ferruccio Ferrazzi across the property’s Southern face, and frescos by Antonio Barrera in the atrium.

“The opening of Bulgari Hotel Roma is a real milestone for Bulgari as it will be finally possible to welcome our guests in the Maison’s hometown, the city which has been a source of inspiration for all our magnificent jewellery creations since the brand’s founding,” says Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari. “The Bulgari Hotel Roma is a real ‘temple’ of luxury hospitality embodying all the brand values such as exceptional craftsmanship, precious materials, Italian contemporary yet timeless design, excellence and glamour. We are thrilled to open such an amazing property and we envision the Bulgari Hotel Roma to shine as the ultimate luxury experience crafted by the Roman Jeweller of Hospitality in the Eternal City.”

Interiors

As for interior design, the hotel comprises 114 rooms, most of which are suites, each decorated in one of four colour palettes: white, yellow, red or green. The jewel in the hotel’s crown, the 300m² Bulgari Suite, boasts a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom with vanity table, steam shower and a white marble carved bathtub. Furnished with pieces from Antonio Citterio’s Flexform and Maxalto collections and custom tapestries by Venetian textile manufacturer Rubelli, the space can also be extended by opening up into the suites next door.

As is the case with many of Bulgari’s properties, Italian craftsmanship remains spotlighted across Bulgari Hotel Roma, including through made-to-measure tapestries inspired by iconic Bulgari patterns and hand-made Murano crystals and lamps.

F&B at Bulgari Hotel Roma

F&B offerings at Bulgari Hotel Roma are abundant, with five signature dining options curated by three Michelin-star chef Niko Romito. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito presents a contemporary Italian menu in a warm space of mahogany wood walls, Bulgari artwork and comfortable ‘banquettes’ style tables, accompanied by a large outdoor terrace and private dining room available for hire. On the same floor, The Bulgari Bar, featuring a large black marble counter decorated with Murano crystal cones, also comprises a large lounge-style terrace and outdoor bar corner.

Terraced spaces continue across the property, peaking on the rooftop at La Terrazza, which is furnished with cabanas and offers views of the Roman skyline. The landscaping of the space, led by Parc Nouveau, has seen it brought to life as a typical Roman terrace, hosting more than 200 vases of local plants and flowers that are inspired by ancient Roman villa gardens. Rounding off the hotel’s F&B are the Lobby Lounge and Il Caffé, relaxed spaces ideal for brunch or coffee.

Culture and Wellness

As for additional amenities, Bulgari Hotel Roma boasts a Reading Room, dedicated to Roman art, design and history, as well as a Bulgari Dolci boutique, a spot for sweet treats and pastries. Meanwhile, the hotel’s 1500m² Bulgari Spa is a Roman Baths-inspired space, with marble columns and coloured glass windows. Nine treatment rooms, a 25 metre pool and vitality pool made from mosaic tiles are available to guests.

The news of Bulgari’s Rome imminent opening comes following the opening of Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, and the announcement of Bulgari’s plans to expand its portfolio into The Maldives and Miami in 2025, and Los Angeles in 2026.