First Look: W Rome
W Hotels has made its Italian debut with the opening of W Rome. Spanning two 19th century palazzos on Via Liguria, the 162-room hotel is owned by alternative investment firm King Street Capital Management, with Omnam Investment Group as development manager and Italian firm Kryalos SGR as asset manager.
“W Rome marks our first opening in Italy, adding a distinct take on modern, social luxury to the city’s hospitality scene,” says Candice D’ Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands for EMEA at Marriott International. “From unforgettable dining experiences to the thoughtful design rooted in the history and culture of the city, W Rome is a destination where international jet setters and local tastemakers will meet the unexpected.”
Designed by Meyer Davis, the hotel juxtaposes the city’s traditional architecture and cultural heritage with a unique interpretation of Roman design. An eclectic mix of colourful leather furniture meets stone walls representative of the building’s past, whilst reflective surfaces add a modern touch. Boundaries are blurred between public and private spaces throughout the guest experience – including a hidden door in the bathroom leading to the intimate Parlapiano, a secret garden inspired by one of Borromini’s churches featuring traditional Italian stone complete with kissing benches, lush foliage, topiary and water fountains.
Guests are welcomed via the W Lounge, which features a skylight and patterned glass window allowing light to flood through the bright and airy open space. Eclectic seating areas are surrounded by sculptures and pieces of art, while black and grey marble flooring run throughout. A hand-painted mural wraps walls that look onto reflective stainless steel welcome pods. Painted by Italian artist Costanza Alvarez de Castro, the mural is inspired by Roman gardens and invites discovery by telling the story of the destination’s geography.
The 147 guestrooms and 15 suites provide a city apartment feel with many offering private balconies and terraces, a selection of which have views of the city and landmarks such as the Istituto Svizzero. With an open-plan living space, the rooms offer floor- to-ceiling windows wrapped in red wine velvet curtains and wooden herringbone patterned floors that blur into modern marble bathrooms. Fuelled by Rome’s past, present and future, the interiors inject colour blocks and bold graphic prints of burnt orange, dramatic red and foliage greens into the buildings’ authentic charm. The Presidential Suite – or ExtremeWOW – offers an expansive terrace, adding indoor and outdoor living in the bustling city. The suite’s décor sees historical Roman architectural elements mixed with in-room technology and custom-designed modern furniture.
Bringing Sicilian flair and gastronomic talent to Rome’s dining scene is Michelin- starred Ciccio Sultano, who delivers an imaginative interpretation of traditional Sicilian cooking methods. With a playful use of authentic Italian flavours and indigenous ingredients from Sicily, the signature Giano Restaurant introduces diners to a fusion of Sicilian cuisine with Roman culture, serving a menu of sharing plates and homemade pasta dishes.
At the heart of W Rome is open-air courtyard Giardino Clandestino, a social and live entertainment venue offering an Aperitivo Eterno with Sicilian street food specialities. Elsewhere, Pastry Chef Fabrizio Fiorani is the master behind sweet treat destination Zucchero x Fabrizio Fiorani. Everything from freshly made pastries to homemade gelato is creatively and expertly curated. Those dining at Giano will receive a coin for the sweet machine in Zucchero, full of handmade chocolates – another unexpected surprise of the W Rome experience.
Located on the ground floor, the hotel’s W Lounge comes alive at night with live music, DJ sets and an inventive cocktail menu, while the rooftop terrace is home to the Wet Deck, complete with a plunge pool and Otto Rooftop Bar – offering panoramic views over the city paired with a menu of cocktails, crudo and pizza.
Wellness at W Rome has been curated by Italian athlete Pietro Boselli, with the first Fuel x Petra Studio Gym and personal training programme for the W brand. From high-intensity sessions to boxing and yoga, Boselli will offer guests and locals a range of energetic workout sessions unmatched by anything else in Rome.
Completing the offer is W The Store, where Daria Reina – the artistic director, photographer, travel editor, Italian tastemaker and co-founder of Chez Dede – brings her Franco-Italian style with a locally inspired capsule collection. The series has been curated in W Rome’s signature ‘Live Eternal’ colour palette, which aims to inspire guests to connect to the past, be in the moment and anticipate the future. Exclusive to The Store at W Rome, Reina has designed a soon-to-be released bag inspired by all that W Hotels brings to Italy.
