Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
This very glamorous luxury hotel is the splashiest new opening in Rome, a city full of splashy new hotels. It represents a homecoming for the jewelry-turned-hospitality brand born in the Eternal City in 1884.
What to expect
Wall-to-wall marble, polished wood and plenty of gold accents, not to mention a life-size ancient statue of Augustus from the Torlonia Collection: It’s clear no expense was spared in the making of Bulgari Hotel Roma. As you might imagine, it attracts a wealthy, well-dressed crowd. This is definitely the kind of place where you’ll want to fare bella figura, as they say.
Background
Built in the 1930s, the building is an archetypal example of Rationalist architecture by Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo. It was inaugurated as the headquarters of INPS (Italy’s social security agency) and still has original details like mosaics on the facade and frescoes in a street-facing alcove.
Location, location, location
The hotel occupies a prime location on the Piazza Augusto Imperatore in Campo Marzio, facing the Mausoleum of Augustus, with the Ara Pacis just steps away. It’s also a short walk to the fashionable Via dei Condotti, which is home to Bulgari’s flagship jewelry store.
Where you’ll sleep
The hotel has 114 rooms and suites outfitted with plush beds, premium linens and bedside tables with built-in charging ports. Some of the rooms have an outdoor balcony with seating overlooking Via della Frezza. Several types of marble were used for the bathrooms, and the color carries over into the room, so some have pale green accents, while others have reds or yellows. Some bathrooms are also adorned with mosaics depicting Bulgari brooches. All come with Bulgari bath products.
Dining & drinks
Bulgari’s longtime collaborator, the Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito, has overseen all the food and beverage outlets at the hotel. There’s Il Caffè on the ground floor, which serves international classics all day long. La Terrazza is the glamorous rooftop lounge (open to the public from 6pm on). The showpiece, though, is Il Ristorante - Niko Romito on the fifth floor, where the chef has created a menu of contemporary Italian cuisine in an elegant space with mahogany walls and a terrace.
Service notes
The Bulgari Hotels brand prides itself on five-star service and the staff were certainly on their best behavior for the opening. My only — very minor — complaint is that the room service club sandwich was delivered without the condiments I requested, an oversight I wouldn't expect from a hotel of this caliber.
Spa time
When I arrived at the Bulgari Hotel Roma for the opening, I knew I was in for a treat; I didn't know I'd also have the best massage of my life at the spa. The interiors are beyond inspiring, too: An indoor pool is adorned with hulking marble columns, stained-glass windows and glittering mosaics inspired by the ones in the Baths of Caracalla. There's also a gym and a small salon.
Family perks
For families traveling with furry friends, the hotel provides pet beds, blankets, bowls, tents, toys, carriers, and water bottles.
You should know...
Bulgari Hotel Roma includes a very chic ground-floor library that’s open to the public, as well as a lounge reserved exclusively for hotel guests. And don't miss the small patisserie, where chocolates and pastries are displayed in glass cases like jewels.
Accessibility
The hotel has an elevator and ADA-friendly rooms and bathrooms.
Features & amenities
- City setting
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Spa
- Fitness room
- Rooftop terrace
- Pets allowed
- Family friendly
Contacts
Bulgari Hotel Roma
10 Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Rome
Tel. +39 0636080400
Website
