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Oct 18, 2023

Inside Bulgari Rome, A Stunning New Luxury Hotel In The Eternal City

Aerial View of Bulgari Rome Hotel overlooking the Mausoleum of Augustus, the

Aerial View of Bulgari Rome Hotel overlooking the Mausoleum of Augustus, the first Roman Imperator

The stars were aligned at the gala opening of Rome's stunning new Bulgari Hotel this week, as Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin, along with Bulgari celebrity ambassadors Zendaya and Priyanka Chopra, welcomed over 500 guests to the iconic Roman jewelry brand's latest addition.

The spectacular 151,000 square foot property has six floors with multiple outdoor terraces, all featuring outrageous views of Rome. This is the second hotel for the brand in Italy, having opened in Milan in 2004, and the multi-year restoration project made sure to protect the historic exterior of the building on Piazza Augusto Imperatore while renovating the interior to perfection. There is even a Pentelic marble statue of the Roman emperor greeting guests in the lobby as they arrive.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin and Zendaya at the Bulgari Hotel Roma ... [+] opening event at Bulgari Hotel Rome on June 08, 2023

The unique Rationlist architectural building with classical proportions was designed by Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo and built after 1936, initially as the Italian Social Security Agency. Its unique position along the Tiber River overlooks the enormous Mausoleum of Augustus and the Ara Pacis, an altar created in 13 BC to honor the return of Augustus to Rome.

The luxurious interiors are by ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, and one of my favorite areas of the hotel is the enormous green outdoor terrace that P’Arcnouveau designed, featuring over 4,500 plants.

La Terrazza on the rooftop of Bulgari Rome

I marveled at the dramatic circular foyer filled with Chiampo marble and Barovier & Toso Murano chandeliers (albeit with gold dust.) The hotel seems overwhelming but only has 114 rooms, including 48 suites, and like their famed jewels, do not come cheap. Prices range from $1,500 to $38,000 per night.

I spoke with famed Three Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito who oversees the enormous task of five venues, including the restaurant, bars, and cafe. His Il Ristorante – Niko Romito is a mahogany walled wonder filled with Bulgari artwork and is located on the hotel's fifth floor. With seating for 54, the high-end restaurant also features views over the tomb of Emperor Augustus and a large terrace. Chef Niko created a masterful contemporary Italian menu which Chef Emilio Di Cristo will lead.

Bulgari Bar

The Bulgari Bar features a fantastic black marble bar top with 60 Murano glass twirls that are hand blown with gold dust by Barovier&Toso. There is also an outside bar and two large terraces, one that looks onto Via di Ripetta and the other onto Piazza Augusto Imperatore.

My favorite suite is the enormous and pricey (38,000 euro per night) Bulgari Suite on the second floor. The 3,200 sf suite includes a master bedroom, walk-in closet, large bathroom, steam shower, and bathtub made from a single block of arabesque Corchia marble whose shape is inspired by the Baths of Caracalla. There is a private kitchen, bar, and large dining room with a marble table from Agapecasa, which Mangiarotti designed. Also there are two amazing Duplex Suites (604 and 606) on the top floor of the hotel where many of the visiting celebrities and VIPS will want to stay.

The Bulgari Suite

The 16,000 sf Bulgari Spa is breathtaking and designed like ancient Roman baths, with marble columns surrounding the indoor swimming pool while colored glass is filled with warm light. The spa includes eight treatment rooms designed by Augustinus Bader, and the Spa Suite offers a large bath in ivory onyx. There is also a fitness center, salon, and Gymnasium training center created by Lee Mullins. Add in a hair salon and styling booths for fashionable events, and this is the perfect escape for wellness.

Spa Swimming pool at the Bulgari Hotel Rome

Bulgari Hotels and Resorts are planning more openings in the future following the recent Tokyo property this Spring. The Bulgari Resort Ranfushi located in the Raa Atoll of the Maldives opens in 2025, and a waterfront Miami property also in 2025. The Bulgari Resort Los Angeles opens in 2026.