The Rooms of Rome - Palazzo Rhinoceros

The Rooms of Rome - Palazzo Rhinoceros: A Unique Fusion of Art and Hospitality in the Eternal City

The Rooms of Rome - Palazzo Rhinoceros stands as a Michelin Key Selected property, offering a truly distinctive and immersive experience that transcends the traditional hotel stay. Housed within a meticulously renovated 17th-century palazzo in Rome's historic Velabro neighborhood, this establishment, conceived by Alda Fendi, seamlessly blends ancient Roman heritage with cutting-edge contemporary design by world-renowned architect Jean Nouvel. It functions as both an art gallery and a collection of 25 luxurious, serviced apartments, attracting guests who appreciate art, history, and innovative aesthetics.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guests consistently rate The Rooms of Rome - Palazzo Rhinoceros highly, often describing it as "superb" and "exceptional." The general consensus points to a unique and memorable stay, with many highlighting the blend of modern design within a historic setting. It garners excellent scores for location, cleanliness, comfort, and particularly, staff performance.

2. Key Highlights

The most celebrated aspects of Palazzo Rhinoceros include its groundbreaking design, its prime historical location, and the exceptional service provided by its staff.

• Design & Art: The property itself is an art installation. Jean Nouvel's design preserves ancient elements while introducing modern, industrial-style fittings, creating a "collage of history" where art, architecture, and history blend without boundaries. Guests appreciate the unique apartments that feel like "liveable works of art" and the presence of the Fondazione Alda Fendi - Esperimenti art gallery within the building.
• Location: Its central location between the Arch of Janus and the Mouth of Truth is deemed "absolutely perfect for exploring Rome," with major attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus within easy walking distance.
• Amenities: Each apartment is equipped with a full kitchen, B&O smart TV, free WiFi, minibar, Nespresso machine, and Diptyque bath products. The rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic city views are also significant draws. The hotel also offers a compact electric car, the RhinoRhide, for guests to explore Rome.

3. Room Quality

The "rooms," which are essentially spacious apartments, are a major highlight. They are described as large, fresh, and extremely comfortable, offering city or landmark views. Jean Nouvel's interior design thoughtfully incorporates the palazzo's past, featuring exposed brickwork, original tile work, and even trompe l'oeil murals of the original interiors, juxtaposed with sleek, contemporary elements like stainless steel kitchens and bathrooms. Each apartment is unique, ensuring a distinct experience for every guest. Fully equipped kitchens make them suitable for longer stays.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Palazzo Rhinoceros centers around its onsite restaurant, Le Restau De La Galerie (also referred to as Caviar Kaspia Roma), located on the upper levels. This upscale venue offers an extensive menu that pays tribute to Roman traditions and Italian cuisine, with some Russian and French influences due to the Caviar Kaspia outpost.

For breakfast, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast delivered to their room, with fridges stocked daily with items like yogurt, eggs, granola, and fresh fruit. A basket of sweet and savory pastries can also be delivered. The rooftop bar is frequently praised for its lively atmosphere, great music from a DJ, and stunning panoramic views, making it an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at The Rooms of Rome - Palazzo Rhinoceros consistently receives exceptional praise, with a rating of 9.7 for staff performance. Guests highlight their friendliness, helpfulness, and the personalized attention they receive, often feeling like "part of the family" rather than just a guest. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, and even 24-hour WhatsApp connection with staff, enhancing the feeling of attentive service. Instances of staff going "above and beyond" to resolve issues are also mentioned.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated in the Velabro neighborhood, the hotel boasts an "amazing location" amidst Roman relics, including the Arch of Janus and the Mouth of Truth. It's perfectly positioned for exploring historical sites, with the Colosseum about a 15-minute walk, the Roman Forum within a 15-minute walk, and the Circus Maximus within a 10-minute walk. The vibrant Trastevere neighborhood, known for its bars and restaurants, is also easily accessible across the Ponte Sublicio bridge. Public transportation, with Circus Maximus tube station approximately 15 minutes away, further enhances accessibility. The property is also about a 26-minute drive from Ciampino airport.

7. Value & Pricing

While explicit pricing details vary, The Rooms of Rome - Palazzo Rhinoceros is considered a luxury 5-star aparthotel. Guests generally perceive it as being worth the cost due to its unique concept, stunning design, prime location, and exceptional service, often rating its value for money at 8.6 out of 10. Given its distinctive blend of art, luxury accommodation, and historical immersion, it caters to travelers seeking an inventive and upscale residential-style experience rather than a conventional hotel stay.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Check-in process: One guest reported a 20-minute wait during check-in and an empty counter on the ground floor.
• Lack of certain amenities: One review mentioned the absence of a full-length mirror and a microwave in their apartment as "very very minor adds."
• Parking: Parking is not provided on-site. One guest experienced their car being towed due to an unadvertised marathon, highlighting that doing Rome on foot is recommended.
• Breakfast not included in rates: Breakfast is available at an extra cost.

Sources

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