The Renaissance of Hotel Romeo Roma by ZHA
In the heart of Rome, a city revered as a palimpsest of architectural wonders, a 16th-century masterpiece Hotel Romeo Roma has been reimagined for the 21st century by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA).
The newly opened Hotel Romeo Roma brings together historical grandeur, contemporary design, and cutting-edge sustainability, marking a new era in luxury hospitality. Housed in the historic Palazzo Capponi on Via di Ripetta, this boutique hotel blends Zaha Hadid’s avant-garde vision with the Eternal City’s deep-rooted architectural legacy.
The story of Hotel Romeo Roma began in 2012 when Alfredo Romeo, founder of the ROMEO Collection, acquired the Palazzo Capponi, an iconic structure dating back to the Renaissance. Over its 500-year history, the building has evolved, integrating components from different eras, including 1950s wings added during its tenure as the Italian government’s Istituto Nazionale Assistenza Infortuni sul Lavoro (INAIL). Decades of administrative use, however, had stripped much of the palazzo’s interiors of their original elegance.
Under the direction of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), led by Paola Cattarin, the transformation began in 2015. Inspired by Rome’s vaulted ceilings, from ancient Roman groin vaults to Baroque trompe l’oeil masterpieces, ZHA’s design honours the tradition of reaching for the skies while introducing a futuristic reinterpretation of these architectural forms.
The Past and the Presnt
Rome’s architectural evolution is evident in Palazzo Capponi’s layered history, and ZHA embraced this complexity. The hotel’s design re-establishes a processional flow, beginning with the entry and leading through a transformed courtyard, now enclosed by a retractable glass roof. This lobby acts as the nexus from which restored staircases ascend to guest rooms and the serene garden beyond.
The building’s irregular layout allowed ZHA to reject the repetitive modularity typical of hotels, instead celebrating individuality. Each of the hotel’s 74 rooms and suites offers a unique spatial experience, reflecting Italy’s artisanal heritage. Materials like Carrara Statuarietto marble, Nero Marquina marble, Makassar ebony, and hand-polished cedar were carefully chosen for their aesthetic, acoustic, and thermal properties. The design extends beyond walls and ceilings, with bespoke furniture and intricate details showcasing ZHA’s virtuosity.
Painstaking restoration unearthed forgotten treasures within the palazzo, including displaced 17th-century frescoes that had been covered and repainted during INAIL’s occupation. These frescoes have been meticulously restored and now adorn select rooms, offering guests a glimpse of the building’s storied past. The noble floor, or piano nobile, is particularly significant, featuring rooms with original frescoes overlooking Via di Ripetta.
Beneath the hotel’s garden lies another remarkable discovery: a Roman bottega workshop featuring opus reticulatum, a decorative stonework technique over 2,000 years old. To preserve this archaeological find, a subterranean gallery was created, with its glass ceiling doubling as the base of the hotel’s swimming pool. This space bridges millennia, allowing guests to experience layers of Roman history.
A Contemproary Urban Resort
At the heart of Hotel Romeo Roma is an enclosed courtyard designed as a tranquil urban oasis. This “square within a palace” houses amenities like IL BAR, the all-day dining space IL CORTILE, and LA SPA Sisley Paris. Combining modern design, artistic installations, and greenery, the courtyard offers a serene escape from Rome’s bustling streets.
The hotel’s rooftop terrace, LA TERRAZZA, provides panoramic views of the city, creating a stunning backdrop for special events or leisurely evenings with a glass of champagne in hand. This harmonious blend of gastronomy, well-being, and architecture captures the essence of the ROMEO Collection’s philosophy.
Conscious Luxury and Sustainability
True to ROMEO Collection’s commitment to ethical luxury, Hotel Romeo Roma incorporates eco-conscious practices into its design and operations. Materials like Sicilian rock salt, lava stone, and tadelakt were selected for their sustainability and functionality. Energy-efficient systems and waste reduction measures ensure that the hotel’s environmental impact remains minimal without compromising comfort or elegance.
ZHA’s innovative approach to integrating modern amenities within a historic structure is evident in the meticulous “second skin” crafted for the interiors. This thin cavity houses mechanical and electrical services while preserving the integrity of the palazzo’s original walls. It is a testament to the delicate balance of honoring the past while meeting the demands of contemporary luxury.
Redefining Hospitality in the Eternal City
Hotel Romeo Roma is more than just a hotel—it is a reimagined cultural landmark that celebrates Rome’s architectural and artistic legacy while pushing the boundaries of design. Zaha Hadid’s signature fluid forms and dynamic lines, combined with historical elements like frescoed ceilings, create an environment where tradition and innovation coexist in harmony.
As Alfredo Romeo aptly describes, “Our mission is to add value to properties through a deep integration of design, art, and management know-how, capable of meeting the needs of an increasingly aware and demanding clientele.”
With Hotel Romeo Roma, this mission comes to life, offering a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the Eternal City.
By merging the grandeur of Renaissance architecture with the forward-thinking vision of one of the world’s most iconic architects, Hotel Romeo Roma sets a new standard for conscious luxury. It invites travelers to explore Rome not just as a destination but as a living, breathing tapestry of history and innovation.
Image Credits: Chris Dalton
