Roman poets and artists often celebrated the fascinating past of their capital city. While Virgil wrote between 29 and 19 BC, “imperium sine fine,” or “an empire without end” in his epic poem, Federico Fellini dedicated one of his masterpieces to the Eternal City. The capital of Italy retains its reputation for beauty, where art, gastronomy, fashion, architecture and other wonders lie around every corner.

Among the plethora of classical properties to stay at, Rome was however, missing a contemporary hotel. Until now. Marriott International’s EDITION Hotels made its debut a few months ago with the grand opening of the latest jewels of the iconic portfolio envisioned by hotelier, businessman and Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schrager. The Rome EDITION was born.

The EDITION brand is the hypest of the hotel landscape. With destinations from West Hollywood, Miami, Barcelona, Bodrum, Reykjavik, through to Dubai, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo among many other dreamy places. The EDITION simply encapsulates a tasteful approach to hospitality with a distinctive identity, and a consistent ‘visual language’ displayed around the world.

The newest property in Rome elevates the experience further with a spectacular location. It is perched between Via Leonida Bissolati and the gorgeous Piazza Barberini featuring Bernini’s Triton Fountain. All the major attractions are within easy reach, including the the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the ever-beautiful Borghese Gardens. Designed by ISC Design Studio, its façade is decorated with high natural foliage and large pots dotted around the impressive restaurant terrace. The greenery brings both elegance and mystery to this striking building.

Originally utilised by a large Italian bank, the architecture exhibits the distinctive architectural style. The hotel embodies the classic Italian glamour and is located near one of the most famous streets in Italy, Via Veneto, which was famously featured in the film La Dolce Vita. Constructed in the 1940s, the structure is a remarkable illustration of the rationalist architectural style, designed by Cesare Pascoletti in association with the renowned architect Marcello Piacentini.

Antonello Cocco, General Manager of The Rome EDITION speaks to Art is Alive: What’s the story of the Hotel and how did the concept come about? “Designed and programmed by the visionary entrepreneur, Ian Schrager, The Rome EDITION follows the design aesthetics that EDITION is known for, but with a pronounced Italian flare. Formerly occupied by one of the main Italian banks, it was important for the brand to keep the 1940’s building original features, such as the central courtyards and the stunning central staircase of rare cipollino marble, while bringing the EDITION modern luxury to life.”

The Rome EDITION is the true definition of luxury. Through simple lines, noble materials and beautiful art on the walls, the hotel brings comfort to local and international guests.

“Nothing has been left aside. From the location, the hotel is only a few short steps from Via Veneto, the most sought-after street in all of Italy, to the design – you’ll walk into a lush garden and a dramatic 22ft high ceiling, surrounded by Italian artworks & high, refined designs. After a long day, you can relax in your room, laying on comfy custom designed bed, sip a drink in one of our three unique bar or relax on a one-of-a-kind rooftop lounge.”. The top floor is indeed the cherry on the cake with a relaxing bar, a swimming pool and the most amazing view over the city including the Pantheon.  

The hotel celebrates La Dolce Vita and Italian Cinema. The area was indeed a location where movie stars historically stayed before their premiere, parties, and openings. This legacy is honoured in the breathtaking emerald dining room featuring a selection of beautiful black and white photos depicting iconic Italian movie stars.

“At Anima (restaurant) we have a wall with a curated selection of 115 black and white photographs by renowned Italian paparazzi photographer Elio Sorci. His photos captured the glamour and hedonism in 1950s Rome, which complements The Rome EDITION’s sophisticated style and contemporary design whilst bringing a sense of nostalgia and old-school glamour to the space.” Antonello Cocco continues.

These amazing black and white prints contrast with the green chairs arranged in a simple manner around tables which match the same-coloured carpet and subtle tableware. This chic green can also be found in the giant curtains of the glorious lobby. The EDITIONS know how to make an entrance. The palette works very well with the cream-coloured sofas and the marbled walls and flooring.

The high-ceiling lobby leads to the first bar, the most stunning intimate bar featuring a round mirrored artwork found in other EDITION Hotels around the world. This wall piece immediately catches the eye of guests as an invitation to enjoy a drink. Jade Bar is a cosy spot for mixology that caters to true enthusiasts and experts. With the use of sophisticated processes, a restricted selection of spirits and seasonal ingredients are combined to produce a kaleidoscope of cocktails that essentially create a year-round gallery of flavours. The Jade Bar’s refined experience pays tribute to the Romans’ love for the best that nature has to offer. The small, jewel-box-style room features floor to ceiling green ancient marble accented with gold and glossy brass details. It’s fantastic! Guests are invited to savour the exclusive offering while unwinding on the emerald velvet banquettes and admiring the sculpture that draws inspiration from Jeff Koons.

Its golden colour also resonates with the Salvador Dalí inspired chair depicted in “Femme à la tête rose”, 1935 (Woman with a head of roses). It is designed by BD Barcelona Design. Dalí humorously said: “A chair can be used even to sit on, but only on one condition: that we sit uncomfortably.” It is not the case there. Located on a corner of this large-scale lobby, this beautiful piece links the outside with the inside in a sophisticated way.

A second bar area near the checkin areas, this time features a warmer and darker colour palette of ruby and brown. Large sofas are placed in strategic locations and feature large fluffy blankets. A private salon hosts cultural events with talks, presentations and panel discussions for both corporate partners and guests. EDITION’s hallmark bar concept, The Punch Room, is an award-winning speakeasy-inspired bar concept that sets the bar high for other hotels across the globe. 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. With its Rosso Levanto marble fireplace and handcrafted rosewood and dark brown leather recliners, the dark walnut wood bar is a great spot for guests to relax with friends in the dim light.

“The idea was to create a home away from home, where guest can relax and enjoy all the best things Italy has to offer, from luxury design to excellent cuisine, with a seasonal menu curated by Chef Paola Colucci, the most intuitive chef in the city. Dolce Vita at its finest.” The founder of Pianostrada, a beloved restaurant in Rome, Paola Colucci, is a self-taught chef. Further highlights indeed include the Yves-Klein inspired restaurant leading to the entrance terrace. Responding to the emerald dining area, the marine blue salon features 70s inspired wooden panels and a baroque golden frame.

Breakfast, lunch and dinners are bookable at The Rome EDITION restaurant Anima which offers an exceptional experience. Service is fantastic with recommendations for the best meal and a sommelier for the best wines. The cuisine is Mediterranean-inspired with excellent Italian classics such as burrata and focaccia, seafood pasta among many other wonderful choices.

The menu features traditional Italian fare with a contemporary twist and an international perspective, created using family recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. Freshness and seasonality are some of the main drives at The Rome EDITION. At Anima, diners can anticipate mouthwatering tastes in dishes like Chef Colucci’s take on veal with tuna sauce and pasta with roasted tomatoes.

Food and drinks are served in the indoor-outdoor area with a cascade of climbing jasmine over the façade and a jungle full of more than 400 plants, reminiscent of a Roman streetscape that leads into the hotel’s heart. Teak wood banquettes, free-standing furniture, and an Italianate arrangement of lamps create the impression of a traditional Roman garden, all under the dramatic shade of a bronze metal awning. The garden offers Anima outside seating on one side and a laid-back all-day terrace on the other, where a elegant and delicious cuisine is served from midday till late at night.

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.

“From the paintings of Caravaggio and Raphael to the sculptures of Bernini and the films of Federico Fellini, Rome is a city filled with masterpiece – in other words, the perfect fit for the opening of the latest EDITION.” Antonello Cocco continues.

These are not the only references to art history. The rooms themselves feature Modigliani-inspired paintings. The cosy rooms set a new standard for Rome. The hotel is poised to become a gathering spot for both Romans and international travellers for its sophistication, refinement, attention to details, and elegance. The 91 rooms, including 17 suites, have all the design elements the brand is renowned for: the muted tones, the beautiful marble, the accents of walnut wood, the orchids, and stunning custom designed furniture. Additionally, all the modern technology is there alongside art magazines (the highly-respected CURA for instance) and fashion books.

The comfy and ultra large beds are custom designed in Canaletto light walnut wood and the expansive windows bring to life this uniquely Italian tableau; Peperino stone and custom bedside tables sit alongside singular Italian artwork that adorns the walls (the lobby has miniature copies of all Italian masterpieces around the world including Leonardo Da Vinci’s Joconda). Each room also has custom-made chairs 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, as well as the signature EDITION Le Labo products. The Rome EDITION is so unique and could be described as a new breed of boutique hotel that embraces the changing identity of the city, placing guests at the centre of it all.

What are the future developments of the EDITION hotels around the world? “It’s a very exciting time for EDITION, we have The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, The Singapore EDITION and The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai, Mexico opening soon.” EDITION Hotels, Ian Schrager’s relationship with Marriott International, marks the next chapter in the lifestyle hotel story. This brand combines the personal, intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience that Ian Schrager is known for with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott. This delicate balancing act encompasses not only great design and true innovation but also personal, friendly, modern service and outstanding, one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings… all “under one roof”. Ian Schrager’s ground-breaking concepts have changed the business and set industry standards that continue to be imitated throughout the world.”

With its impeccable, avant-garde and chic approach to hospitality and design, The Rome EDITION truly embodies refinement and elegant experiences. It is the best Rome has to offer at the moment!

What are Antonello Cocco’s top suggestions for cultural visits in the fantastic region? “Latium is a region rich in history and culture, and there are many places and experiences to explore. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, medieval architecture, or delicious Italian food. Rome of course guides the list with its historic and cultural treasures, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and the many museums, churches and monuments. But Latium is also home of Villa d’Este in the town of Tivoli, a stunning Renaissance villa with beautiful gardens and fountains. Viterbo, a medieval city with an incredible historic center, known for its papal palaces. Civita di Bagnoregio, the “Dying Town,” a picturesque and ancient hilltop village that’s accessible only by a pedestrian bridge. Latium has something for everyone.”

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Thanks PURPLE PR team and to Angelo Tropea, Antonello Cocco from The Rome EDITION.