The St. Regis Rome, back to shine in the Capital

A stone's throw from Piazza di Spagna and Via Veneto, an iconic place of hospitality and style

1891, London. During a reception, two distinguished gentlemen are conversing about their travels: none other than Cesar Ritz, the famous Swiss hotelier, and Marchese di Rudinì, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy. Rudinì complains that in Italy there are no hotel as elegant and modern as those found abroad. Ritz seizes the opportunity and, in three years’ time, Rome has its Grand Hotel, just steps away from Piazza di Spagna and Via Veneto, with the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian at its foot. For the opening reception, the banquet is prepared by the famous chef Auguste Escoffier, who would be in charge of the kitchens from then on. 

After 123 legendary years, The St. Regis Rome is still standing there, without having lost a grain of its charm. And today like yesterday, it is still the favorite hotel destination for diplomats, politicians, intellectuals and celebrities from every period, from the Kennedys to the Rolling Stones, from Sofia Loren to Gregory Peck, from Justin Bieber to Nicole Kidman. One of Rome’s icon places, which has lived through all ages, while retaining its values and identity intact. It is very clear, now that the multimillionaire renovations works, under the masterly supervision of famous French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, have brought the former Grand Hotel, currently part of the Marriott International group, to its original splendor. “The St. Regis Rome has always been associated with luxury and excellence and now our task is to highlight its glorious past and the heritage of the first Roman luxury hotel, while infusing the new spaces with a sophisticated and modern feel”, Giuseppe De Martino, the Roman hotel’s new General Manager, explains. 

 A two-day Grand Opening has worthily celebrated the hotel’s new appearance and revealed the newly-renovated sumptuous spaces, from the lobby to the new Lounge Bar and Library, to the 138 rooms and 23 luxury suite rooms, including the historic Ritz Ballroom, with its vaulted ceiling frescoed by Mario Spinetti and now protected by the Monuments and Fine Arts Office. 

Elegant pastel colors alternate in the rooms, while a magnificent black and gold palette decorates the lobby, which is further lit up in the tones of cream, white and dove-grey. The materials used to renovate the hotel, such as bronze and travertine, are evocative of the Eternal City’s architectural heritage. Imposing sculptures, mosaics and art objects are showcased side by side with elegant fabrics, such as carpets and velvet upholstery. Decorations are in keeping with the Roman tradition, further enriched with sparkling gold and silver details. Located in the brightly-lit lobby, the hotel’s throbbing heart, is the new Lumen, Cocktails & Cuisine lounge bar. The lunch, dinner and cocktail offerings have been completely revamped and the iconographic concept was curated by illustrator Gianluca Biscalchin.  

The hotel’s new course includes collaborations with high-end art galleries, such as Galleria Continua, which entrusted artist Loris Cecchini with the creation of the contemporary art installations placed on the hotel’s façade, in the lobby and ground floor rooms, the first of a series of art exhibitions on a six-month basis. 

The new uniforms, worn by the St. Regis Rome’s staff, were conceived and designed by high fashion designer Giada Curti. Butlers, concierges, waiting staff, bellboys and all employees working at the St. Regis Rome wear new elegant uniforms, custom-made down to the smallest detail. The Larusmiani fashion house, an example of high Italian craftsmanship, opened a corner inside the hotel in the shape of a huge travelling trunk. A 1962 Fiat 600 Multipla car ( featuring 24-carat-gold leaf appliques on the sides and fitted with a zero-emission electric engine) is the courtesy car to the hotel guests’ disposal, specially created by Garage Italia, the creative hub founded by Lapo Elkann. Furthermore, the hotel collaborates with IF Art Unique Experiences to allow hotel guests to visit Rome’s hidden gems. 

With its new, modern and elegant design, which oozes from every corner of the hotel, and innovative concept, The St. Regis Rome is ready to embrace a new era of glamour.