Transcending Eras / Bvlgari Hotel Rome

More than a luxury destination—a cultural landmark.

Bvlgari unveils a contemporary landmark where history, luxury, and design seamlessly converge. Roman traditions, culture, and art are reinterpreted, setting a new standard of opulence. With breathtaking rooftop vistas and interiors meticulously crafted to perfection, the hotel redefines the essence of elegance in the heart of the Eternal City.

In the heart of Rome, Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari unknowingly laid the groundwork for a future empire of luxury when he opened his first store on Via Condotti. Over a century, Bvlgari evolved from a jewelry house into a global symbol of elegance and Italian savoir-faire, boasting eight iconic hotels worldwide. But something was missing: a presence in the city where it all began. That chapter is now written with the opening of the Bvlgari Hotel Roma, perfectly situated in Campo Marzio, overlooking the Mausoleum of Augustus and housed in the former National Institute of Social Security building.

The rationalist-style structure, designed by Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo in the late 1930s, contrasts its functionalist origins with the lavish refinement Bvlgari is known for. Its clean lines and minimalistic facade now envelop opulent interiors where Italian spirit and craftsmanship reign supreme. The hotel lobby immediately sets the tone, anchored by an original statue of Augustus from the Torlonia Collection, perfectly positioned to face its historical counterpart across the Mausoleum.

Though the building has been transformed, elements like original frescoes and the mosaic façade have been meticulously restored, blending heritage with modern luxury. ACPV ARCHITECTS brought Bvlgari’s Roman origins to life through imperial marble, bold colors, rich textures, and custom fabrics bearing the maison’s signature motifs. Iconic pieces of Italian design—Gio Ponti’s Ginori vases, Fontana Arte and Flos lamps—are seamlessly integrated, alongside centuries-old traditions like Venetian glassblowing. The rooftop bar’s glowing glass baguettes and a striking handblown chandelier by Barovier & Toso highlight this artisanal craftsmanship. The chandelier, with 25 lamps mirroring the eight-point star embedded in the lobby’s marble floors, is a quintessential Bvlgari touch.

Every detail reflects the brand’s DNA, from custom textiles and bathroom accents to the lounge’s floor design, inspired by the 1930s parquet of the original Via Condotti boutique. Throughout, Rome’s essence is palpable, seamlessly blending history with contemporary luxury, heralding a new chapter in the Eternal City’s timeless story.

Rome’s essence is felt across the rooms, where different time periods blend into each other, giving rise to a new era of contemporary luxury and historical pride.

The 144 suites at the hotel embody a luxurious blend of ancient grandeur and modern sophistication. Each offers views of the Piazza or the captivating Via della Frezza in the historic city center. Bathrooms, crafted from sumptuous marble in four palettes, echo the opulence of the Augustan era while complementing the sleek furnishings of the suites. This interplay of epochs is epitomized by the iconic ‘Arco’ lamps, whose custom stone bases match the marble hues, uniting past and present. Select bathrooms feature handmade mosaic rosettes inspired by archival Bvlgari designs, crafted by Friul Mosaic using a unique reverse assembly technique. The Bvlgari Suite extends this meticulous detail with walls adorned in a sophisticated rhombus motif of travertine, black marquina, calacatta, and onyx, embodying Italian elegance.

Spanning 14,000 square meters across seven floors, the hotel offers five dining venues and a range of amenities, including a reading room, gym, spa, and a 20-meter pool. The library, overlooking Via della Frezza, blends historical charm with the hotel’s Roman roots. Its mid-century Albini-designed bookshelves hold volumes on jewelry and Rome’s rich heritage, accessible to Fine Arts Academy students and visitors upon request, reflecting the hotel’s cultural commitment.

The Spa, inspired by ancient Roman baths, features an indoor pool adorned with iridescent Bisazza mosaics that echo the Caracalla baths’ intricate designs. Grand marble columns rise from the water, and stained-glass windows enhance the regal ambiance. Bronze cannelle, crafted using a traditional Greek wax technique, pay homage to the Morpurgo fountain. This fusion of historic and contemporary luxury epitomizes Roman opulence.

Another striking space evoking the imperial splendour is the hotel’s Spa, inspired by ancient Roman baths. At the heart of the experience is the indoor pool, adorned with iridescent Bisazza mosaics that echo the intricate designs of the renowned Caracalla baths—an aesthetic that also inspired the Diva’s Dream jewellery collection. The grand marble columns rising from the water, along with stained-glass windows, create a regal atmosphere, while bronze cannelle, crafted using an ancient wax technique traditionally employed for Greek statues, pay homage to the Morpurgo fountain. This fusion of luxurious details encapsulates the very essence of Roman opulence.

Another striking space evoking the imperial splendour is the hotel’s Spa, inspired by ancient Roman baths. At the heart of the experience is the indoor pool, adorned with iridescent Bisazza mosaics that echo the intricate designs of the renowned Caracalla baths—an aesthetic that also inspired the Diva’s Dream jewellery collection.

At Bvlgari Roma, dining options cater to every mood. Il Café, inspired by Belle Époque cafés, serves Italian classics in a cozy setting framed by banana trees, wicker chairs, and burnt orange banquettes. The sleek Bvlgari Bar, with its black marble counter and hand-blown Murano glass details, offers a refined atmosphere. La Terrazza, the 360-degree rooftop terrace, boasts some of Rome’s best views, surrounded by lush greenery, including over 200 aromatic herbs, exotic plants, and fruit trees. Unique to the Rome location is Italy’s first Bvlgari Dolci chocolatier and patisserie, offering fine chocolates and reimagined Italian pastries like Sicilian cannoli and millefoglie, crafted by the hotel’s renowned chef. Open to the public, it invites both guests and locals to indulge in a luxurious experience where they can unwind in an elegant setting while enjoying a selection of Italian pastries, such as Sicilian cannoli and millefoglie, reimagined by the hotel’s renowned chef.

The main culinary attraction is Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, where Italian tradition meets modern finesse. Guests enter through a sophisticated walnut-inlaid passage into a warm space defined by rich wood tones and intimate seating. Romito’s menu honors his Abruzzese roots, elevating simple ingredients with a contemporary touch—a style that earned him three Michelin stars. The kitchen is led by Emilio Di Cristo, formerly sous-chef at Bvlgari Resort Dubai. A highly recommended sharing menu showcases the chef’s innovative approach to classic flavors.

The Bvlgari Hotel Roma is more than a luxury destination—it’s a cultural landmark. With sustainable practices and initiatives like the “Punto Luce Delle Arti” School, created in partnership with Save the Children, it enriches the local community. Located in Ostia, the school offers free educational support to Roman youth, reinforcing Bvlgari’s commitment to its home city.

The Bvlgari Hotel Roma has quickly turned into a new cultural landmark in its birth city, offering luxurious accommodations and unforgettable experiences for both guests and local visitors, while simultaneously giving back to its community. In addition to its sustainable practices, the brand leads several initiatives, such as the “Punto Luce Delle Arti” School. Created through a collaboration between Bvlgari and Save the Children, this school in Ostia, a Roman suburb, provides free educational support and activities to local youth. With such initiatives, the hotel doesn’t just stand as a symbol of luxury, but also as a reflection of the brand’s commitment to the enrichment of the roman community.

Transcending Eras / Bvlgari Hotel Rome

Credits:

Location: Bvlgari Hotel Rome / @bvlgarihotelroma 
Words: Camila Correa / @cami.correahg
Editor: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei

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