Romeo Roma Hotel by Zaha Hadid Architects

The Romeo Roma Hotel is located on Via di Ripetta, close to Piazza del Popolo. The entire renovation project is inspired by Rome`s rich architectural heritage, filtered through the contemporary lens of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). In fact, the design for this particular project is one of the last works in which Hadid played a leading role.

While the interior has undergone spectacular changes, no architectural element that reflects the building`s remarkable history has been altered. On the contrary, all the baroque and Renaissance features have been skillfully highlighted. The exceptional domes that define the architecture of that period are showcased through a new interpretation. In the room décor, each different from the others, the curved wooden panels that adorn the surfaces magically borrow elements from the 16th century, bringing them to the present through a futuristic lens. After all, the Renaissance period (15th-16th century) began in Italy and spread throughout Europe. It also marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity, serving as a bridge between the medieval and contemporary eras.

In the new luxury hotel, the interior architecture is supported by construction practices that embody sustainability and a luxurious aesthetic that prioritises functionality. There are a total of 74 rooms, each adorned with intricate details on ceilings, walls, and furniture that reflect Italy`s craftsmanship traditions. The renovation revealed "hidden" frescoes, restoring them to their original glory. The predominant materials are Carrara Statuarietto marble and Nero Marquina, combined with ebony, cedar, and Makassar chestnut wood. The brass accents that adorn the vaulted ceilings and surfaces aim to balance beauty with functionality. The curved wooden paneling creates a contemporary feel while preserving historical integrity, as the architects designed this "second skin" of wood to house essential mechanical and electrical services, ensuring it stands as an important aesthetic feature that does not compromise the original architectural structure.

The interior courtyard is enclosed by a retractable glass roof that allows natural light to flood the lobby, while an underground gallery houses the ruins of an ancient Roman workshop. In some rooms, unique historic frescoes can be found, while all are equipped with state-of-the-art modern technology. In Rome, the eternal city with a history spanning over 2,800 years and founded in legend by the myth of Romulus and Remus—two children raised by a she-wolf—renowned chef Alain Ducasse is opening a restaurant. This is his second establishment, following the one at the Romeo Hotel in Naples, offering the exceptional experience of contemporary French cuisine for which he has earned numerous Michelin stars.

Photography by Chris Dalton