Located steps from the celebrated Via Veneto in the heart of Rome, The Rome EDITION is an integral part of the revival of the neighbourhood which will see the addition of 5 new major luxury hotels within the next 3 years. All the major attractions are within easy reach, including the Piazza Barberini, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the ever-beautiful Borghese
The choice of The EDITION could not have been better, considering its exceptional individuality, therefore bringing very new and distinctive vibes to Rome’s luxury hotel sector Conceived, conceptualised, and programmed by the visionary entrepreneur, Ian Schrager the intimate 91-room Rome EDITION is the perfect reflection of ‘ultimate sophistication through simplicity” Its attention to detail, refinement, good taste and high design aesthetic make it set to become a meeting place for Romans and travellers alike.
It is also probably one of the most consistent luxury hotel chains, both for product and service but also for the concept of the F&B. There are indeed such similarities but each hotel also has locally inspired cues. Do expect some of the finest luxury beds, linen, towels, bespoke amenities by Le Labo. Regardless of the room type or category, you will find a comfortable spot to catch up on or read a book. Rooms are also flawlessly soundproof outdoor and indoor.
The comfy beds are custom designed in Canaletto light walnut wood ; Peperino stone and custom bedside tables sit alongside singular Italian artwork that adorns the walls. Each room also has a custom-made chair in beige leather, walnut wood herringbone flooring and comes equipped with a 55-inch-television. In the bathroom, guests will find a custom Carrara marble basin leaning on walnut wood, brushed brass fixtures – perfect water-pressure!
It also boasts an impressive WOW factor which emerges from the details – the highest quality of materials and finishes, with impeccable lighting, without overlooking comfort – whether it is the room or the public spaces. You will be impressed by the abundance of bespoke furniture and decor pieces. Lighting adorns all spaces in an almost theatrical manner. Unlike many luxury hotels. The EDITION Rome opens to guests with a most impressive majestic lobby which is also very tall, hence the unique sense of luxury,
Built in the 1940s and formerly occupied by one of the main Italian banks, the building is a striking example of the rationalist style and was created by Cesare Pascoletti in collaboration with the famed architect Marcello Piacentini. The stunning central staircase of rare cipollino marble from the quarries of Apuane is testament to their genius. Original features are retained throughout, including the central courtyards and original statues and lamps.
The hotel has three unique bars, a rooftop lounge, bar and pool, a show-kitchen restaurant, a well-appointed urban wellness space with gym and treatment rooms, and a courtyard garden where guests can while away the time sipping their favourite drink or sampling the peerless food menu from adored Roman Chef Paola Colucci, the hotel’s chef partner. The 91 rooms, including 17 suites, have all the design elements the brand is renowned for: the muted tones, the accents of walnut wood and stunning custom designed furniture.
The EDITION Rome has partnered with Italian Chef Paola Colucci, the self-taught founder of Roman favourite restaurant Pianostrada. Colucci came to cooking later in life, after spending 20 years in finance she left the industry to fulfil her lifelong passion of cooking and opened her first restaurant nine years ago. Alongside her best friend and business partner, Chiara Magliocchetti, Colucci’s two daughters, Alice and Flaminia Spognetta, make up the female-led team.
The focus at The Rome EDITION will be seasonality and freshness. Guests can expect show-stopping flavours in dishes at Anima including Chef Colucci’s version of spaghetti with roasted tomatoes and veal with tuna sauce, alongside some of the best tomato and burrata in all of Italy. There will be a heavy emphasis on Italian wines, though other countries will of course be represented too, with a list that is primarily driven by emotion and has a heavy focus on food pairings. The light-filled restaurant with chartreuse and blue upholstered furniture will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In a first for the city, the hotel has an expansive lush garden that will be both piazza and dining space. It is here in the private Garden that guests begin their journey as the hotel unfolds like acts in an opera. A Roman street scape leading into the heart of the hotel, it is an indoor-outdoor space, a jungle abundant with more than 400 plants and a cascade of climbing Jasmine over the façade.
A dramatic bronze metal awning overlooks teak wood banquettes and free-standing furniture along with an Italianate arrangement of lanterns to give it the feel of a traditional Roman garden. The Garden provides outdoor seating for Anima one side and a relaxed all-day terrace on the other, offering a menu of light dishes available throughout the day until late evening. Featuring old favourites and new creations the menu is accompanied by a modernist cocktail list inspired by Italian gardens and the Mediterranean.
As with all EDITION hotels, the social heart of the hotel, The Lobby, sets the tone. The Lobby is EDITION at its most dynamic. It is a place to relax and make merry; a place to see and be seen or play a few games of pool on the custom-made table. The spaces does feel like one’s living room. Located on the ground floor, two unique bars set the benchmark for mixology in the city: Punch Room and Jade Bar.
The Punch Room, EDITION’s signature bar concept, is an award-winning speakeasy-inspired bar concept that follows the standard set at other EDITION properties worldwide. Born in the 17th century, traditional punches utilised the exciting new ingredients discovered on the trade routes. The five traditional ingredients of punch highlighted spirits from Europe and the colonies, spices and citrus from Africa and the east, teas from China and India, and sugar from the Indies. Taking inspiration from traditional recipes, Punch Room puts a modern spin on the drink.
The dark walnut wood bar, with its Rosso Levanto marble fireplace and custom armchairs in rosewood and dark brown leather, is a place where guests can unwind with friends under low lights. The perfect spot to recline on the amaranth-coloured velvet sofas and explore Punch cocktails that examine the influence of the Roman Empire, it is a convivial and relaxed space.
Jade Bar is an intimate mixology destination, designed to attract true connoisseurs and aficionados. Advanced techniques create a kaleidoscope of cocktails from a limited range of spirits and seasonal ingredients, effectively creating a gallery of flavour which changes throughout the year. The elevated experience of Jade Bar is an ode to the Roman passion for honouring the finest of nature’s offerings. The intimate jewel box-like space has floor-to-ceiling green antique marble picked out with accents of satin brass and gold. Guests are encouraged to relax on the emerald velvet banquettes and take in the Jeff Koons-inspired sculptural pieces, while enjoying the unique offering.
Located on the seventh floor, The Roof offers unobstructed views across the city skyline and landmarks including the Pantheon, Acqua Paola Fountain, and Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle. The secluded spot features a large bar area, a travertine plunge pool haloed by daybeds in solid oiled teak, as well as custom bronze metal vases dotted along the outside edge of the terrace. It is a rare indulgence in Rome to enjoy a rooftop pool, but it can prove to be vital with temperatures soaring the record highs in the summer months.
The hotel has a soft opening from May last year, a challenging period post pandemic when supplies and deliveries were very much delayed. Recruiting and training the right human resources probably took some more time. Less than a year from opening, during my stay early February, service was at a good standards, with some smaller space for improvement. I am confident the service will improve especially at venues such as breakfast.
Oliver Petcu in Rome
The Rome EDITION
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