2 days ago
Opulence Meets History At The St. Regis Rome
St Regis Rome
Rome has no shortage of stunning five-star luxury hotels, but only a select few offer the rare combination of opulence and historical significance. The St. Regis Rome is one such gem. Originally opened as The Grand Hotel Rome, the property was designed by the King of Hoteliers, the legendary César Ritz—yes, the Ritz behind Ritz-Carlton. Ritz was instrumental in creating a hotel unlike any other in the city; prized for its modern amenities, it was the first in Rome to have electricity and hot water, and the first to have a public ballroom—luxuries that were revolutionary at the time.
Today, The St. Regis Rome continues to impress, offering a seamless blend of modern comfort and timeless elegance. Guests can expect all the hallmarks of contemporary luxury—high-speed Wi-Fi, sumptuous Rubelli fabrics, advanced in-room technology, artful lighting, and soundproof accommodations. But what truly sets this hotel apart is the way its renovation by Pierre-Yves Rochon preserved and elevated its Belle Epoque heritage.
The frescoed ballroom at The St Regis Rome
Think light-filled, cream-toned interiors that cater to today's discerning traveler, paired with charming historic details: an original antique elevator with a gilded interior and chandelier, and a curated collection of period furnishings—from ornate mirrors to stately grandfather clocks—all lovingly retained during the 2018 restoration. It's this thoughtful blend of past and present that makes a stay at The St. Regis Rome truly unforgettable.
Indeed, even the hotel's five-level open staircase is so stunning it makes a good argument for skipping the elevator. An ornate masterpiece that finishes with a ceiling fresco on the top floor—one can see it's blue radiance from the main floor, trimmed by the elaborate carving and detail on each level of the open staircase. Yet, the hotel's crowning glory is the ballroom—which one must make a point to see. Featuring a restored frescoed ceiling, original marble-clad walls, and breathtaking hand-blown chandeliers, the space is a regal gem in the heart of Rome. It even includes a Queen's Balcony, historically reserved for royal appearances.
Of course, no stay at The St. Regis Rome would be complete without the brand's signature Butler Service. Available 24 hours a day, the butlers are just a text, call, or email away—whether you need help unpacking, a freshly brewed espresso, they are on hand to manage the details.
Dining
Looking up from the main floor—to the painting on the ceiling at the top of the staircase
The hotel's main restaurant, Lumen offers a tranquil and elegant setting for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea. Happy hour brings the relaxed lounge vibes with live piano music and a buzzy cocktail scene. The dining room, adjacent to the lounge, enjoys the piano stylings along with a full menu of modern Italian options. It's hard not to love a restaurant that brings together live piano music and a menu of premium offerings such as flambeed king prawn, salt crusted fish and beef tartare. Be sure to stick around for the 7pm nightly Champagne sabering when guests are treated to an authentic sabering of a bottle of Champagne, and a nice free glass of bubbly.
During the summer months the Lumen Garden, located in the heart of the hotel, is a beautifully landscaped al fresco escape from the city's heat. Nosh on a dish of Sea bass carpaccio paired with a refreshing Rose and Gentian spritz.
The St. Regis Rome Spa Sisley Paris and fitness center offer a well-appointed retreat from a full day of touring in Rome, including sauna and full gym as well as facials, massages, manicures and pedicures.
The reviews of the St. Regis Rome are rife with superlatives: luxurious, exceptional, stunning, memorable, etc., and rightly so. It's a palatial experience from top to bottom and it's located within walking distance to most of the city's treasures. Mr. Ritz was a visionary when he established this property over a century ago and it's no wonder we still marvel in its riches today.
