The landmark hotel originally opened 1894 by hotelier César Ritz is showing off a multimillion-dollar renovation. The St. Regis Rome has raised the curtain on the new interiors by star designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, also behind luxury hotel projects like the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, the Peninsula Shanghai and the Savoy in London. The idea was to preserve the classic, Old World bones of the building, while elevating it with contemporary colors and functionality for the 21st-century traveler. From the library and lobby to the 138 guestrooms and 23 suites (including the over-the-top Bottega Veneta suite), every space of the hotel got a makeover. The price tag for the top-to-bottom overhaul? More than $45 million.
Demonstrating a sleek, polished style, the monumental lobby—designed with columns, arched entryways and moldings—is illuminated with natural light, not to mention the 15-foot Murano glass chandelier. You’ll also find noble Roman patterns and materials like travertine and bronze alluding to Rome’s historical tradition of artisanship. Overall, the new look is an opulent homage to Rome with sculptural busts, mosaics and objets d’art decorating the spaces. Also note that the Ritz Ballroom—which first debuted in 1894 as the very first public ballroom in Rome—has undergone a six-month, artisan-led restoration, touching up the tromp l’oeil frescoes.
Situated near Piazza della Repubblica and the Quirinale presidential palace, the property was originally inaugurated as the Grand Hotel, and morphed into The St. Regis Rome nearly two decades ago. Fun fact: As part of the renovation project, the St. Regis Butlers are now sporting new uniforms designed by haute couture fashion designer Giada Curti.