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ROMEO Roma Hotel by Zaha Hadid Architects

Where Design, Art, and Hospitality Redefine Luxury

ROMEO Roma Hotel by Zaha Hadid Architects
Gallery entrance, photo by Jacopo Spilimbergo

ROMEO Collection expands its presence in Italy with the launch of ROMEO Roma, a boutique hotel that redefines contemporary luxury. Located near Piazza del Popolo, inside a 16th-century palace, the 74-room hotel brings together design, gastronomy, well-being, and sustainability. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, this space is an evolution of hospitality, where history and innovation come together in a setting that prioritizes thoughtful craftsmanship and artistic expression.

A Legacy of Design

One of Hadid’s final projects, ROMEO Roma integrates her signature architectural language with the structure’s historic foundations. The hotel embraces eco-conscious materials such as Macassar ebony, Nero Marquina marble, and Carrara marble, reinforcing a connection between past and present. Inside, fluid, sculptural elements contrast with frescoed ceilings, resulting in an interaction of eras that feels both deliberate and effortless. The focus on sustainability is evident in the use of resource-efficient materials and environmentally responsible design choices. These elements demonstrate that forward-thinking architecture can both respect and preserve historical spaces.

Reception, photo by Chris Dalton, courtesy Romeo Collection

A New Kind of Urban Retreat

At the heart of the hotel designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is an internal courtyard, envisioned as a space where guests can unwind in a setting that encourages conversation and connection. Framed by the palace’s original facades, this open-air hub features IL BAR, LA SPA Sisley Paris, and IL CORTILE, an all-day dining destination that brings together contemporary flavors in a relaxed atmosphere.

Above, LA TERRAZZA, in collaboration with Krug, offers a vantage point over Rome’s rooftops, setting the stage for exclusive events and refined aperitifs. The space is designed to offer a retreat from the city’s rhythm. At the same time, it remains deeply connected to its cultural energy.

ROMEO Roma Hotel by Zaha Hadid Architects
Bistro, photo by Chris Dalton, courtesy Romeo Collection

Sustainability as a Guiding Principle

Like ROMEO Napoli, this new location follows a philosophy of conscious luxury, where environmental responsibility is central to the guest experience. Every design element reflects a commitment to reducing impact while maintaining a high level of comfort. This approach is evident in material selection, waste reduction initiatives, and energy efficiency. Each choice is made with sustainability in mind, ensuring that luxury and responsibility coexist.

The guest rooms and suites embody this vision, offering a balance of historical details and modern functionality. Carrara marble, lava stone, and solid wood are chosen not only for their aesthetic value but also for their ability to regulate temperature and improve acoustics. Integrated technology allows for customizable lighting and climate control, ensuring a tailored experience. Select suites offer additional features, including whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and private terraces. These terraces provide panoramic views of the city, creating a unique setting for relaxation. The noble floor preserves original Renaissance frescoes.

Premier Room, photo by Chris Dalton, courtesy Romeo Collection
Premier Room, photo by Chris Dalton, courtesy Romeo Collection

An Immersive Art Experience

More than a hotel, ROMEO Roma functions as a living gallery, housing contemporary works by Christian Leperino, Mario Schifano, Mimmo Paladino, and Francesco Clemente. Alongside these, historical artifacts uncovered during restoration, including a marble bust of Livia Drusilla, wife of Emperor Augustus, offer a tangible link to Rome’s past. This integration of art and design ensures that every corner of the hotel serves as a reflection of both cultural legacy and modern creativity. As Vittorio Sgarbi describes, ROMEO Roma transforms hospitality into an experience where art becomes an intrinsic part of daily life, rather than something confined to museums.

Alain Ducasse Arrives in Rome

A major addition to Rome’s culinary scene, Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse Roma marks the celebrated chef’s first venture in the city. Following his success at ROMEO Napoli, Ducasse now brings his expertise to redefine Roman cuisine through a contemporary lens. His approach mixes traditional Italian ingredients with innovative techniques, creating an experience designed for those who appreciate refined dining with a modern perspective.

ROMEO Roma Hotel by Zaha Hadid Architects
Il Restaurante Alain Ducasse, photo by Chris Dalton, courtesy Romeo Collection

“Opening in Rome is a great joy. First of all, because I deeply and sincerely love Italy, and then because this new restaurant, in the heart of the capital, is a prestigious and very special place,” Ducasse shares. From haute cuisine to breakfast service, every detail reflects his signature balance of precision and creativity.

A Sanctuary of Well-being

For those seeking relaxation, LA SPA Sisley Paris offers a 1,200 square meter wellness retreat. It features signature Phyto-Aromatiques treatments, which harness the power of natural plant extracts. The indoor/outdoor pool provides a striking visual experience, with a transparent floor revealing ancient ruins beneath. This design element creates a connection between past and present in an immersive way. The spa also includes a hammam, salt wall, and gravitational tub. A state-of-the-art fitness center completes the space, offering a setting for both physical and mental restoration.

Gym, photo by Chris Dalton, courtesy Romeo Collection

Expanding the ROMEO Collection

With the launch of ROMEO Roma, the ROMEO Collection continues its expansion, with ROMEO Massa Lubrense set to open in 2025. Each property within the collection is guided by a philosophy that prioritizes cultural engagement, sustainability, and innovation. More than a place to stay, ROMEO Roma offers an experience that connects guests to Rome’s rich artistic and architectural heritage, while simultaneously introducing them to a new standard of hospitality.

Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
Design: Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher
Concept Stage
ZHA Project Director: Paola Cattarin
ZHA Project Architects: Fulvio Wirz, Mariagrazia Lanza
ZHA Project Team: Christos Sazos, Daniel Fiser, Grace Chung, John Morrison, Konstantinos Psomas, Kyle Dunnington, Ludovico Lombardi, Melodie Leung, Monir Karimi Kakhki, Natassa Lianou, Ovidiu Mihutescu, Pasquale Lorusso, Peter Logan, Sofia Papageorgiou, Thomas Sonder
Schematic Design Stage
ZHA Project Director: Paola Cattarin
ZHA Project Architects: Fulvio Wirz, Mariagrazia Lanza
ZHA Project Team: Christos Sazos, Daniel Fiser, Francesca Gulizia, Gaganjit Singh, Grace Chung, John Morrison, Kyle Dunnington, Konstantinos Psomas, Marco Guardincerri, Pasquale Lorusso, Sofia Papageorgiou, Thomas Sonder
Design Development Stage
ZHA Project Director: Paola Cattarin
ZHA Project Architects: Fulvio Wirz, Mariagrazia Lanza
ZHA Project Team: Andrei Dino, Cristina Capanna, Daniel Fiser, Delfina Bocca, Diego Ariza, Dieter Matuschke, Francesca Filosa, Gaganjit Singh, Grace Chung, Gigi Ho, Hangyul Jeong, Ivo Ambrosi, Konstantinos Psomas, Kyle Dunnington, Leonid Krykhtin, Luca Melchiori, Luciano Letteriello, Marcello Maioli, Mattia Santi, Michael Rogers, Paola Salcedo, Pavlos Symianakis, Qiuru Pu, Ripple Patel, Roni Man, Ryan Anthony Szanyi, Shibani Choudhury, Thomas Sonder, Vincenzo Barilari, Ying Zhu
Artistic Supervision Stage
ZHA Project Director: Paola Cattarin
ZHA Project Architect: Mariagrazia Lanza
Client: Romeo Gestioni spa
Client Representative and Project Manager: Romeo Design – Ivan Russo
Consultants
Structural Engineers: Studio Beta srl
MEP Consultants: Spring srl
Lighting: Corte Gherardi snc
Water Features: Fluidra Engineering Slu
Special Structures: EOSS Architettura
Interior Furnishings: ARTE+PARTNERS-BRAGA spa, Barretta srl, Devoto Design srl
Construction Company: Mannelli Costruzioni srl, Ga.Re.Co. srl

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