The List

Bulgari Roma
Bulgari Roma
Bulgari Roma

22

Bulgari Roma

Rome

The jewel of the Eternal City

Tell me about the design: Overlooking the Mausoleum of Augustus and Richard Meier's Ara Pacis Museum, the Bulgari Hotel Roma occupies a 1930s rationalist palace brought back to life by the acclaimed Italian firm ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, where the building's crisp modern lines create a living dialogue between ancient history and contemporary Roman elegance.

What should I expect? Stepping through the doors, guests are greeted by hand-cut marble mosaics, Murano glass and original Gio Ponti vases, all in dialogue with stones that have witnessed imperial Rome. The five-metre-high entrance hall unfolds beneath a Barovier & Toso chandelier and the serene gaze of a marble statue of a seated Augustus, restored by Bulgari in homage to the city's emperor.

Shades of style: The hotel's rooms and suites unfold in four colour moods – white, yellow, red and green – facing either Piazza Augusto Imperatore or the characterful Via della Frezza. Bathrooms clad in rare marbles and bespoke mosaics echo the gemstones of the Maison's high jewellery. The Bulgari Suite, with its Corchia marble bathtub carved from a single block and inspired by the Baths of Caracalla, is the property's ultimate private sanctuary.

What to order? Forget the usual morning scramble. At Il Caffè, you can order maritozzi (cream-filled, cloud-like buns), eggs Royale with wild salmon and organic juices whenever the craving appears. Whether you choose the sunlit dining room or a table beneath the monumental porticoes, tropical greenery creates a quiet screen from the buzzing streets of Rome.

Dinner with a view: The hotel's culinary direction is entrusted to chef Niko Romito, who gives classic Italian dishes contemporary clarity. On the fifth floor, at Il Ristorante, Romito offers a tasting journey with signature plates such as crispy suckling pig with orange, alongside an à la carte selection that includes his celebrated Vitello Tonnato and Spaghetti al Pomodoro. Just beyond, a sweeping terrace opens to unforgettable views of Rome and becomes the perfect stage for an aperitivo at sunset.

Dreamy downtime: The heart of the Bulgari Spa is a mosaic lined pool fed by two bronze spouts that recall Morpurgo's fountain, flanked by eight ribbed arabesque marble columns rising from the water to the ceiling. Inspired by the grandeur of ancient Roman baths, the spa also features a calidarium and private treatment suites with Augustinus Bader rituals: an immersive tribute to the city where Bulgari was born.

Key Information