Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has been appointed by real estate firm Antirion SGR to manage Rosewood Rome, which will open in 2023 in the heart of the Italian capital. Located in the former headquarters of Italy’s Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) overlooking the iconic Via Veneto, the 157-key property will extend an entire block, encompassing three historic buildings originally built in the early 1900s.

Initially designed by Italian architect and urban planner Marcello Piacentini, the former BNL headquarters will be given a new lease of life by Texas-based architecture firm, Jacobs, and Australian interior design firm, Bar Studio, whose transformation – overseen by Colliers International – will build upon Piacentini’s legacy and pay homage to the property’s roots as an exemplar of modernist Italian architecture.

The design will also take inspiration from the hotel’s location overlooking Via Veneto, one of Rome’s most elegant streets and a symbol of the celebrated Federico Fellini film, La Dolce Vita, with interiors that blend timeless style and contemporary comforts. In keeping with Rosewood’s guiding A Sense of Place philosophy, the city’s relaxed ambiance and devotion to dolce far niente, or the art of “doing nothing”, will influence the concept too; traditional architectural elements will be mixed with modern décor and detailing.

“Over the last several years, we have been searching for the right opportunities to evolve our European footprint and bring the Rosewood brand to new corners of the continent,” says Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group. “As one of Italy’s most vibrant cities with an undoubtedly rich legacy and charming character, Rome has long been at the top of the list of priority destinations in which to set the Rosewood flag, and we’re thrilled to be working with our partners at Antirion SGR on this project that will surely set a new standard for luxury lifestyle experiences in Rome.”

Upon completion, Rosewood Rome will offer 157 guestrooms – including 44 suites – as well as three dining outlets including a contemporary Italian bistro, a lobby bar and café, and a rooftop bar and terrace offering sweeping views of the capital. Additional amenities will include a modern Roman Bathhouse within the bank’s original vault and Sense, A Rosewood Spa located on the rooftop that will feature four dedicated treatment rooms and a wellness terrace with a reflecting pool and fitness centre. Elsewhere, dedicated event spaces will encompass three meeting rooms and a grand ballroom.

Ofer Arbib, CEO of Antirion SGR, comments: “We are honoured to embark on this exciting project with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. We could not think of a more suited partner to create a new world-renowned destination that celebrates the heritage and rich offerings of Rome while simultaneously extending a sophisticated interpretation of ultra-luxury hospitality.”

Rosewood Rome will be the brand’s fourth Italian property, joining Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany and the upcoming Rosewood Porto Cervo and Rosewood Venice, set to open in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Rosewood’s existing European properties also include Rosewood London and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris. The brand’s global pipeline now comprises eleven projects in region, including projects in the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Spain and the Netherlands.