Rome, the Eternal City, whispers tales of emperors, artists, and revolutionaries. Its soul echoes through the grand buildings that have witnessed centuries of history. And among these architectural gems, Rome’s historic hotels hold a special place. Their walls have resonated with the footsteps of literary giants, the laughter of artists, and the whispers of royalty. Today, these hotels invite us to step back in time, to experience the grandeur of a bygone era, and to savor the timeless charm of luxury.
From Ancient Inns to Modern Marvels
Rome’s hotel scene is a tapestry woven with threads of history. From the first Renaissance inns to the Parisian-inspired hotels of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these structures have served as havens for the world’s most prominent figures. To celebrate this rich heritage and to honor the timeless art of hospitality, Federalberghi Roma established the Comitato Alberghi Storici. This esteemed group brings together over 40 hotels built before 1950, showcasing the evolution of luxury and the enduring allure of history.
Echoes of the Past: A Stroll Through Time
Let’s embark on a journey through time, visiting some of Rome’s most iconic historic hotels:
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Albergo del Sole, a haven of history: This hotel, once known as Locanda del Montone (The Ram Inn), boasts a captivating past dating back to 1467. Situated in front of the Pantheon, its internal garden, adorned with flowers and palm trees, offers a tranquil oasis within the bustling city. The hotel’s 18th-century frescoes and two commemorative plaques on its facade stand as silent witnesses to its illustrious past. Ludovico Ariosto, the renowned poet, and Pietro Mascagni, the celebrated composer, once graced its rooms. The hotel also hosted the enigmatic Count of Cagliostro, a magician and alchemist, and in more recent times, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, the iconic intellectuals.
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Grand Hotel de la Minerve, a palace of elegance: This first Italian grand hotel, housed in a 17th-century palace that once belonged to the Fonseca noble family, embodies Roman elegance and sophistication. The French Sauve family transformed it into a luxury hotel in 1835, following the footsteps of Napoleon. Its suites, named after the prominent personalities who have graced its rooms, whisper tales of Stendhal, Herman Melville, George Sand, and Vittorio Alfieri. Rinaldo Rinaldi, the first apprentice of Antonio Canova, the renowned sculptor, enhanced the hotel’s grandeur with exquisite decorative details.
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Grand Hotel Plaza, a hub for the elite: Located on Via del Corso in the Tridente area, the Grand Hotel Plaza, originally an inn, quickly became a gathering place for nobles, artists, politicians, and royalty visiting Rome. Its panoramic terraces offer breathtaking views, and the Roman Carnival once unfolded from its windows. The hotel’s illustrious guest list includes Pietro Mascagni, the Empress Carlota of Mexico, and renowned directors Luchino Visconti and Federico Fellini.
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Hotel de Russie, a paradise on earth: Situated near Porta del Popolo, this hotel, dubbed “a paradise on earth” by Jean Cocteau, the French poet, was converted into a hotel in the late 19th century. Its splendid secret garden, designed by Giuseppe Valadier, is a hidden gem, offering a serene escape. The hotel has welcomed a veritable who’s who of royalty, including the Romanovs, Prince Jérôme Napoléon, King Gustav of Sweden, Ferdinand and Boris of Bulgaria, earning the nickname “Hotel of the Kings“.
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Hotel Locarno, an Art Nouveau jewel: This refined Art Nouveau masterpiece on Via della Penna, named after its Swiss owners’ hometown, has been a haven for the world of art and culture since its inauguration in 1925. Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jorge Luis Borges, two giants of their respective fields, have graced its rooms, contributing to the hotel’s vibrant intellectual heritage.
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Hotel Hassler Villa Medici, a sanctuary of elegance: Perched atop the Spanish Steps, this hotel, founded by Albert Hassler, the Swiss hotelier, in 1893, has been a favorite of the Italian and foreign elite since the 1920s. The hotel’s Golden Book boasts a list of distinguished guests, including the Kennedy family, Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly, Charlie Chaplin, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
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Sina Bernini Bristol, a haven of grandeur: Inaugurated in 1874 as the Hotel Bristol, this hotel was reborn in the 1940s, incorporating the name of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the architect of the nearby Triton Fountain. The hotel’s enviable terrace, featured in the film “The Great Beauty” by Paolo Sorrentino, offers stunning views of the city. Throughout its history, the hotel has hosted the Emperor of Brazil, the Princes of Wales, the Rockefellers, and the Vanderbildts, who sought solace in Rome’s captivating charm.
Via Veneto: The Heart of the Dolce Vita
Via Veneto, one of Rome’s most iconic streets, embodies the spirit of the Dolce Vita. This Belle Époque street, with its luxury hotels and Parisian-style cafes, became a haven for movie stars and artists in the 1950s and 1960s, gaining international fame thanks to Federico Fellini’s masterpiece, “La Dolce Vita“.
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Majestic, a timeless masterpiece: Built in 1889, the Majestic, designed by Gaetano Koch, the architect of the American Embassy and the Bank of Italy, stands out for its unique “piano-like” layout. Its modernity, architectural design, tapestries, precious furniture, and frescoes by Domenico Bruschi in the ballroom have cemented its legendary status. Royals, princes, princesses, and show-biz stars have graced its rooms, making it a true symbol of Roman grandeur.
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Ambasciatori Palace, a Neo-Renaissance treasure: Originally built in 1900 to house ambassadors, this hotel, designed by Carlo Busiri Vici, embodies Neo-Renaissance style. After serving as the American Embassy Library following World War II, it reopened in the 1990s as the Ambasciatori Palace, preserving its original decorations and beauty.
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Grand Hotel Palace, a testament to Roman Modernism: This impressive hotel, built in 1927 and once known as the Albergo degli Ambasciatori, marks the transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco style. Its elegant wrought iron and bronze gate leads to a timeless atmosphere, adorned with stuccos, crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and stunning frescoes painted by Guido Cadorin. The frescoes depict the hotel’s owners, Marcello Piacentini and his family, along with an unexpected cameo appearance by Gio Ponti.
Rome’s historic hotels stand as guardians of the city’s captivating history. They invite us to step back in time, to imagine the lives of those who have walked their halls, and to experience the enduring allure of luxury, history, and style.
