W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, has made its stylish and spirited Italian debut, with the much-anticipated opening of W Rome in December 2021. The 162-room hotel, spanning two adjacent 19th century palazzos, makes a captivating entrance as it redefines discerning hospitality in the heart of the Eternal City
Designed by Meyer Davis Studio, the hotel juxtaposes the city’s traditional architecture and cultural heritage with a unique interpretation of Roman design in a way that is captivating, glamorous, and quintessentially W. An eclectic mix of colourful leather furniture meets stone walls representative of the building’s past, whilst reflective surfaces add a modern, contemporary touch. Boundaries are blurred between public and private spaces as surprises reveal themselves throughout the guest experience – including a hidden door in one of the bathrooms leading to the intimate Parlapiano, a secret garden inspired by one of Borromini’s churches featuring traditional Italian stone complete with kissing benches, lush foliage, topiary and water fountains.
The 147 stylish guestrooms and 15 suites provide a city apartment feel with many offering private balconies and terraces, a selection of which have iconic views of the city and landmarks such as the Istituto Svizzero. With an open-plan living space, the rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows wrapped in red wine velvet curtains and wooden herringbone-patterned floors that blur into modern marble bathrooms. Fuelled by Rome’s past, present and future, the compelling interiors inject striking colour blocks and bold graphic prints of burnt orange, dramatic red and foliage greens into the buildings’ authentic and unmistakable charm. Glamorous and inviting, the 100-square-metre Extreme WOW (Presidential) Suite, offers an extraordinary terrace that extends along the entire guestroom, adding rare and much-sought-after indoor and outdoor living in the bustling city. The suite’s décor sees historical Roman architectural elements mixed with cutting-edge, in-room technology and custom-designed modern furniture.
Bringing Sicilian flair and unrivalled gastronomic talent to Rome’s dining scene is the Michelin-starred Ciccio Sultano, who delivers a contemporary, imaginative interpretation of traditional Sicilian cooking methods. With a playful use of authentic Italian flavours and indigenous ingredients from Sicily, the signature Giano Restaurant introduces guests to a fusion of Sicilian cuisine with Roman culture. Locals, as well as guests, can enjoy all-day Italian-style dining with a delectable menu of sharing plates and fresh homemade pasta dishes.
At the heart of W Rome is an open-air courtyard, Giardino Clandestino, is a must-go destination in the city to socialise and enjoy live entertainment while indulging in an Aperitivo Eterno with Sicilian street food specialties.
World-renowned Pastry Chef Fabrizio Fiorani is the master behind Zucchero x Fabrizio Fiorani – the destination for sweet treats at W Rome. Everything from freshly made pastries to homemade gelato is creatively and expertly curated. Those dining at Giano will receive a coin for the sweet machine in Zucchero, full of handmade chocolates – another unexpected surprise of the W Rome experience.
Located on the ground floor, the hotel’s W Lounge comes alive at night, buzzing with live music, DJ sets, and an innovative cocktail menu showcasing exceptional mixology with infused spirits and unexpected ingredients. Bar manager and mixologist Emanuele Broccatelli sees a great cocktail as a form of art. He creates sips inspired by the modern culture and history of Rome, prepared using essences of seasonal fruits, herbs and flowers that together form a drink list that has nature at its core.
Panoramic views are abundant at Otto Rooftop Bar, home to the WET Deck complete with a plunge pool, a tranquil escape serving cocktails, crudo and pizza. Here Pierdaniele Seu, an award-winning pizza chef, brings his creative twist on pizza making. Considered the rising star of pizza in Italy, Seu firmly believes in using the highest quality ingredients and attention to detail when it comes to the maturation process of the dough. Each pizza combines new and classic flavours inspired by the dishes of great chefs around the world, including the signature ‘Pizza Tartare’ which is topped with raw tuna, pistachio and lime.
Wellness at W Rome has been curated by Italian athlete Pietro Boselli, with the first FUEL x Petra Studio Gym and personal training programme. From high-intensity sessions to boxing and yoga, Boselli will offer guests and locals high energy workouts unlike anything else in the city. From high intensity Tabata training sessions to zen yoga flow classes on the hotel’s rooftop, Boselli offers personalised workouts like no other in the city, combining his expertise of fitness and nutrition. Pietro believes gyms are not just places to work out, but they can be a moment of reflection where connections can be made.
Rates start from £628 per night. Book here: www.marriott.co.uk
