rhinoceros
Cutting-edge industrial-luxury meets ancient Rome. Raw textures — bare plaster, crumbling fresco, stripped wallpaper — sit alongside polished concrete, Philippe Starck sofas, and B&O smart TVs. Jean Nouvel's philosophy is that every mark left by the palazzo's centuries is worth keeping. The effect is genuinely unlike anywhere else.
Ask for an apartment facing the Arch of Janus — the illuminated arch at night is something
Why It Matters
Founded by Alda Fendi and designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, this is one of Rome's most architecturally significant hotel projects. Guests get after-hours access to the on-site Rhinoceros Gallery (which has shown works attributed to Michelangelo, El Greco, and Picasso) and wake up metres from the Arch of Janus, the Forum Boarium, and Palatine Hill. The rooftop is widely considered one of the best sunset-watching spots in the city.
Alda Fendi — youngest daughter of the fashion dynasty — bought a crumbling 17th-century palazzo in Rome's oldest neighbourhood and handed the keys to Jean Nouvel. The result is 25 apartment-style rooms spread across six floors, each one a layered collage of exposed brick, original tilework, stainless steel, and home-automation systems. There's no lobby to speak of, no cookie-cutter rooms, and no pretending this is a standard hotel. It shares the building with Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti, an active contemporary arts foundation whose gallery occupies the ground floor.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Deluxe Apartment
A bigger version of the Superior at 41–62 sqm, also with a king-size bed and views over ancient Rome. The range in size reflects Nouvel's decision to work with the existing palazzo layout rather than standardise — you might get 41 sqm or you might get 62. Worth asking when booking if size matters to you. Same industrial-meets-minimalist aesthetic throughout.
King · 52 sqmMaster Suite Apartment
The largest standard configuration at 68–78 sqm. Spacious by any city-centre standard, with a generous open-plan living area, designated dining space, and king-size bed. Some units in this category have views toward the Temple of Hercules Victor. The same raw aesthetic as the rest of the building — exposed brick or plaster, polished concrete, stainless steel — but with more room to actually appreciate it.
King · 73 sqmPenthouse Apartment
Top-floor unit with panoramic views. Guest reviews highlight the penthouse as among the best rooms in the building — some families take it alongside a neighbouring apartment for group stays. Fully equipped kitchen with coffee machine. The views from the upper floors are the best in the building.
King · 68 sqmStudio Apartment
The entry-level option, but don't mistake entry-level for small. 40 sqm for two guests, open-plan, with an industrial-meets-minimalist palette: exposed brickwork or plaster, wood-panelled ceilings, stainless-steel panels. Full kitchen with hob, oven, fridge, dishwasher, toaster, Nespresso, and kettle. Twin beds make it practical for colleagues or friends travelling together.
Twin beds · 40 sqmSuite Apartment Double
46–67 sqm with a king-size bed, open-plan living and dining, and rooftop views. The standout feature here is the freestanding bath alongside a separate walk-in rain-head shower — a significant upgrade from the other apartments. Polished concrete floors and original-timbered ceilings. This is the room that gets mentioned in reviews. The views from the bath have been described as surreal.
King · 57 sqmSuperior Apartment
Slightly more compact than the Studio but with a king-size bed and separate living and dining area. Views of ancient Rome. Same full kitchen setup as other units — hob, oven, dishwasher, Nespresso. The Superior is the right pick for a solo traveller or couple who want a real bed without paying suite prices.
King · 37 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Launched in 2025, the hotel hosts a rotating artist residency where artists stay in an apartment and create works inspired by the space. These works are exhibited in communal areas, meaning guests encounter new original art throughout the building.
The Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti gallery occupies the ground floor of the palazzo and is open to the public. Hotel guests get free private tours and can access the gallery after it closes to the public. The programme rotates roughly every six months and has shown works attributed to Michelangelo, El Greco, and Picasso, as well as contemporary and experimental art.
The hotel offers exclusive guided tours of Rome led by local experts. Guests can contact the hotel to arrange a personalised itinerary.
Guests can arrange a private dinner prepared by a personal chef in their apartment. Organised through the hospitality team.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Ground-floor gallery run by Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti. Open to the public and to guests after closing hours. Rotating exhibitions every ~6 months.
Breakfast is included in the room rate and delivered to your apartment door in a basket. Contents: baked goods, fresh seasonal fruit, tea, coffee, a selection of jams, fresh milk, homemade granola, fruit juices, and yoghurt. There is no communal dining room.
Guests receive priority reservation access to the hotel's partner restaurants in Rome.
Every apartment has a full kitchen with hob, oven, fridge, dishwasher, toaster, Nespresso machine, and kettle. Also stocked with kitchenware. Designed for both short and long stays.
Each apartment has a touchscreen home automation system controlling lighting throughout the room. Some guests find the learning curve steep.
Two terrace levels on floors 5 and 6, with views over the Forum Boarium, Palatine Hill, the Circus Maximus, and the Arch of Janus. 360-degree panoramas. Currently home to Retrobottega restaurant.
There is no swimming pool on the property.
No gym or fitness centre is mentioned on the official site or in editorial reviews.
Concierge team assists with restaurant reservations, guided tours, and general city recommendations. Guests note staff quality consistently.
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