rhinoceros is a Selected hotel located in Rome, Italy. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does rhinoceros have?

rhinoceros has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is rhinoceros located?

rhinoceros is located in Rome, Italy, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book rhinoceros?

You can view more details and booking information for rhinoceros through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

rhinoceros | Selected in Rome, Italy

Name: rhinoceros
Address: Rome, Europe, Italy
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: rhinoceros

Rhinoceros in Rome, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its distinctive blend of historic architecture and cutting-edge design, alongside exceptional service and a prime location amidst ancient Roman landmarks.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Rhinoceros is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as superb, exceptional, and wonderful. Review platforms often show high scores, with cleanliness receiving a perfect 20.0 on a 20-point scale, and staff, rooms, and services scoring 19.7. Guests highlight a feeling of being "part of the family" rather than just a guest.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Rhinoceros for its unique attributes. The hotel's setting within a 17th-century palazzo, which also houses the Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti art gallery, provides an immersive cultural experience. The blend of old-world charm with modern, industrial-style fittings is a significant draw. Other cherished highlights include the rooftop bar and restaurant offering stunning city views, the exceptional and attentive staff, and the spacious, well-designed apartment-style rooms complete with fully equipped kitchens.

Room Quality

The 24 unique apartments, also known as the Rooms of Rome, are masterpieces designed by world-renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. Each suite showcases his experimental design, seamlessly fusing classic Roman architecture with contemporary elements like exposed brickwork, stainless steel fittings, and high-tech smart home automation systems. Guests describe the rooms as spacious, fresh, extremely comfortable, and feeling like a "liveable work of art". Amenities include designer toiletries, flat-screen TVs, and modern kitchens with coffee machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers, making them ideal for longer stays. Some rooms offer stunning views of ancient Rome.

Dining Experience

Rhinoceros offers a distinct dining experience. The onsite rooftop restaurant, Le Restau De La Galerie (formerly Caviar Kaspia), draws influence from Roman traditions and celebrates Italian cuisine with Russian and French influences, providing a sophisticated atmosphere and spectacular city views. For breakfast, guests can enjoy a continental spread in their room, with fridges stocked with items like yogurt, eggs, granola, and fresh fruit, replenished daily. A basket of sweet and savory pastries can also be delivered to the door each morning. The inclusion of fully equipped kitchens in every apartment allows guests the flexibility for self-catering.

Service & Staff

The service at Rhinoceros is consistently highlighted as exceptional and beyond expectation. Guests frequently praise the staff as amazing, friendly, helpful, attentive, and accommodating, often making them feel like "part of the family". The team is noted for anticipating needs and providing personalized touches, such as direct communication via WhatsApp. Services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge/butler services, and multilingual staff.

Location & Accessibility

Rhinoceros boasts a superb and strategic location in the historic Velabro neighborhood, nestled between the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum. It offers breathtaking views of ancient Rome. Major attractions are within easy walking distance, including the Colosseum (15 minutes), Piazza Venezia (10 minutes), Palatine Hill, and the Arch of Janus. The hotel is also conveniently located a bridge away from the Trastevere and Testaccio neighborhoods, known for their dining options. Public transportation, such as the Circus Maximus Station, is a short walk away.

Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary and are not uniformly detailed in all reviews, Rhinoceros is perceived as a luxurious property. Many guests consider it to be worth the cost due to the unique experience, exceptional design, spacious accommodations, and top-tier service. Amenities such as complimentary continental breakfast and a free grocery shopping service add to the value. Some travelers suggest that for the unique experience and location, the pricing is justified, despite potentially finding hotels with better transportation links at a similar price point.

Common Complaints

Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few minor criticisms have been noted. One guest found the room layout to be "very confusing," with some design choices described as "incomprehensible," such as a hard-to-move faucet and bathrooms lacking shower doors, which could make them cold. Another reviewer mentioned that while the location is excellent for sightseeing, it might not be as close to train or metro stations compared to other hotels in a similar price bracket. An older review also noted a slow check-in process.