Grandiose architecture and the impressive interior design by Meyer Davis reflect Rome’s multifaceted history and lively culture
W Hotels Worldwide, a brand of Marriott International, will redefine the hotel scene in the Italian capital with the opening of W Rome in October. The historical palazzo exudes spirited luxury from the outside and inside meets an exciting interpretation of the Roman lifestyle – in a fascinating, glamorous and unique way that is typical for W Hotels. The Omnan Group developed the soon-to-be-opening hotel in collaboration with the award-winning design firm Meyer Davis, founded by Will Meyer and Gray Davis. It will embody the unique spirit and incomparable character of Italy.
The W Rom extends over two neighboring buildings from the 19th century on Via Liguria and houses 162 guest rooms and suites. It is in a prime location near the famous Spanish Steps and the exclusive boutiques of Via Condotti. The hotel also has one of the few rooftop bars with a panoramic view of the Eternal City. The designers at Meyer Davis have created a place where the past, present and future of Rome meet and old contexts form unexpected new combinations. From the interplay of fabrics and surfaces to seductive structures, every detail in every single room is well thought out.
“W Hotels ‘debut in Italy will provide a surprising, inspiring hotel experience where daring and playful design can be expected,” said Candice D’ Cruz, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Meyer Davis created a combination of the provocative and bold style of W Hotels with imaginative interior design. The result is a unique interpretation of tradition and modernity, which allows the typical Italian attitude towards life as well as the charm and culture of Rome to flow into every detail of the house. “
In a city of immense historical importance, in W Rome, the inimitable colors and patterns of Italy meet a fusion of different epochs with outstanding design. The Italian glamor of the 1970s pervades the entire building, with traditional architecture merging with contrasting color blocking and daring graphic patterns in various shades of burnt orange, dramatic red and green tones. An eclectic mix of colorful furniture meets stone walls that refer to the building’s history, while reflective surfaces give the house a modern flair.
Will Meyer, co-founder of Meyer Davis, says: “Usually we see projects as an exercise of subtraction to find the essence of a property and focus on reduction. This project required a different approach in order to work out the maximalist approach of W Hotels. We were inspired by the city’s multi-layered history and built our storytelling from the incredible collage of cultures and influences – from ancient times to modern times – that make Rome one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. This amalgamation of historical epochs and visual elements creates another playing field that the guests can discover. “
A typical W Welcome
Guests are welcomed in the W Living Room, which features a stunning skylight and a patterned glass window that lets light pour into the bright and airy space.
Black and gray marble floors run through the entire room with its diverse seating and elegant sculptural works of art.
A mural painted by the Italian artist Costanza Alvarez de Castro is inspired by Roman gardens and invites you to explore. It tells the story of the destination’s stunning geography. Transitional areas between the rooms neutralize the view and atmosphere, while a digital gallery screen pays homage to Rome and its rich culture; his images change as soon as a guest enters the room.
The focus of the W Lounge Bar is a unique bar with a curved, reflective mirror structure and a granite counter made of atropical leaves. The lounge floor is covered with a large marble mosaic inspired by Italian fashion. Lighting panels throughout the room create a layered effect on the ceiling, thanks to which the room atmosphere can be changed from daylight to night.
The transitions between public and private spaces are fluid throughout the hotel. A hidden door in the public bathroom that leads to the intimate Parlapiano – a “secret” garden – invites guests to discover the unexpected. Inspired by the Borromini Church, a traditional Italian stone church with a “kissing bench”, lush foliage, topiary and water fountains, this area offers a quiet retreat within the hotel.
Stylishly glamorous guest rooms in W Rome. © Marriott International
Open living areas, fine brass decorations and private balconies with views of the Eternal City
The 162 guest rooms and suites are decorated in strong and at the same time calming colors, so that guests feel like they are in their own luxurious city apartment. Open living areas and stylish design go hand in hand, while the materials used come together in a natural way: dark oak doors contrast with highly polished brass decorations.
Local materials are used to tell the hotel’s story. Traditional herringbone wood floors blend in with modern marble when guests reach the bathroom, creating a thoughtful blend of past and present throughout the space. The wine-red, ceiling-high velvet curtains on the windows are a real eye-catcher and give the rooms a touch of special luxury. A selection of the guest rooms offer private balconies and terraces with magnificent views of the city, including famous landmarks such as the Istituto Svizzero.
The Extreme WOW Suites offer a glamorous experience in a class of their own, with their incomparable city gardens and spacious terraces, which enable unique, distinctive living indoors and outdoors. When furnishing the suites, historical Roman architectural elements were combined with the latest technology in the room and bespoke modern furniture.
The WET Deck on the roof terrace of W Rome. © Marriott International
Oasis in the city: WET Deck and Rooftop Bar Otto
The rooftop terrace houses the WET Deck and Rooftop Bar Otto and offers guests the perfect place to sit back and soak up the Roman sun while taking in the panoramic views of the city. In the Rooftop Bar Otto, guests can relax on large sofas in a lounge-like seating area, which will be surrounded by lemon trees and green walls. Blue and white, cheerful Gio Ponti tiles line the pool, bright sun-yellow parasols frame the patterned sun loungers. This playground for adults presents a “different” side of Rome: Everything here is geared towards creating a sophisticated and sociable and at the same time relaxed feeling.
Giano restaurant
Gourmets can look forward to the hotel’s incomparable culinary offerings being led by the celebrated Italian chef Ciccio Sultano, who brings his Sicilian streak to W Rome. Driven by his passion for taste and the combination of traditional Italian ingredients with a touch of modernity, the Giano restaurant offers a taste revolution in an indoor-outdoor space. The floor paved with stone patterns, the dark wooden walls, soft velvet sofas and the lush green of the leaves characterize the restaurant.
More information and bookings at www.w-rome.com