Rhinoceros Roma
11 September 2025
Rome, a city where ancient ruins meet contemporary culture, has always been a destination that thrives on contrasts. From the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to its buzzing piazzas, trattorias, and contemporary art scene, the Eternal City offers so much culture to discover.
For travellers seeking a stay that reflects this contrast between past and present, Rhinoceros Roma – the visionary project of Alda Fendi – offers something unique: a cultural landmark that is as much a living work of art as it is a boutique hotel.
LOCATION
Located between Circo Massimo and the Roman Forum, Rhinoceros Roma places guests at the very heart of history. From the windows, the view opens onto the Arch of Janus – the oldest surviving arch in Rome and once the grand entrance to the city. The neighbouring courtyard marks the site of the ancient market where exotic animals were once traded, a detail that lends the hotel its distinctive and evocative name.
Piazza Venezia is just a 10-minute walk away, while the Colosseum can be reached in only 15 minutes on foot, making it an ideal base for exploring some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. With layers of Roman history unfolding in every direction, staying here offers a rare sense of immersion – where the story of the Eternal City isn’t just outside your door, but right beneath your window. We loved the walk across the river to Via della Paglia – home to some of the best street restaurants in the city.
Spend 24 Hours with us at Rhinoceros Roma
24 Hours at the most unique Hotel in Rome. We arrived back in the Eternal City for a stay at @rhinocerosroma , the visionary project of Alda Fendi, daughter of the founders of the Italian fashion house. Perfectly placed between Circo Massimo and the Roman Forum, it was only a short walk from Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum.
Inside, we stayed in one of the 24 unique apartments designed by Jean Nouvel, where historic character blended seamlessly with modern design – original features alongside contemporary kitchens, home automation, and curated details. As guests. The building is highly unique, with a gallery on the ground floor, and stunning artwork throughout the floors turning the building into a living work of art.
Our evening was spent dining above Rome, with the rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views and a menu of seasonal Italian plates reimagined with a modern edge.
We finished off our stay with a slow morning in the room – the apartment comes fully stocked with refreshments, and pastry are hand delivered so you don’t have to do a thing. Modern design inside, ancient Rome outside – and 10/10 service! A truly unforgettable Roman escape. 🇮🇹✨
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THE ROOMS
The 24 apartments at Rhinoceros Roma were designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, who set out to merge the spirit of the building’s past with the ease of modern living. Original features of the palazzo are carefully preserved – exposed stone, vaulted ceilings, and textured walls – while sleek additions bring the spaces firmly into the present. Each apartment feels individual, with layouts and details that reflect the building’s historic character rather than conforming to a standard hotel style.
Alongside this sense of heritage, guests can expect contemporary comforts that elevate the stay. Home automation systems, fully equipped kitchens, and curated designer furnishings create an atmosphere of quiet luxury, while thoughtful details such as indulgent toiletries and soft lighting make the apartments feel both functional and inviting. It’s a blend of old and new that allows guests to feel part of Rome’s history without sacrificing the modern touches that make a stay seamless.
EXPERIENCES
Staying at Rhinoceros Roma means being immersed in a cultural experience as much as a hospitality one. At its core is Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti, the visionary foundation that transforms the hotel into a living gallery. Exhibitions change regularly, bringing together contemporary works, classical pieces, and collaborations with world-renowned institutions such as the Hermitage. Guests are invited to wonder through the gallery, making art not just something to observe but something to live alongside during their stay. It’s an experience that deepens the connection between the city’s past and its evolving creative present.
Beyond the gallery walls, the hotel encourages exploration of Rome itself – offering guests the use of sleek electric cars to glide through the city with ease. From zipping across the cobblestones to discovering neighbourhoods just beyond the centre, it’s a modern way to navigate the Eternal City. Combined with the art-led atmosphere inside (across all floors), these touches turn a visit into something far richer than a hotel stay.
DINING
Perched on the rooftop of Rhinoceros Roma, the restaurant and bar open out onto sweeping views of the city – domes, ruins, and terracotta rooftops stretching as far as the eye can see. As the sun sets and the city lights turn on, the panorama transforms turning every occasion into something unforgettable. Whether your looking for an aperitivo cocktail, or a romantic dinner for two, the rooftop offers an atmosphere that feels both elevated and effortlessly Roman.
For those who value waking up at their own pace, the stocked fridge and hand delivered coffee and pastries ensures an indulgent start to the day. We enjoyed breakfast from our room, and utilised the stunning stainless steel kitchen to make eggs. It’s a thoughtful detail that reflects the hotel’s residential character, allowing guests to linger in the privacy of their space before stepping out into the city. Combined with the restaurant’s contemporary reimagining of Italian flavours, and the rooftop bar’s convivial aperitivo culture, dining at Rhinoceros Roma captures the full rhythm of Roman life – rooted in tradition yet refreshed with modern perspective.
CONTEMPORARY AND HISTORIC
What truly sets Rhinoceros Roma apart is the way it creates that home away from home feel – putting your right at ease in the most unique of settings. The apartments may feel like private residences, but the service is every bit as attentive as a five-star hotel. From seamless check-ins to personalised touches, the team anticipates needs with ease, creating a stay that feels both elevated and effortless. (The direct communication via WhatsApp has a great feature).
Staff are not only welcoming but deeply knowledgeable about the property and its story – from Alda Fendi’s vision to the building’s layered history – which enriches the entire experience. This combination of striking design, cultural immersion, and outstanding service makes Rhinoceros Roma a rare find in the Eternal City. More than a hotel, it’s a place where art, history, and hospitality come together – and for us, it was a 10/10 stay.
TOP PICKS
RoomDeluxe Apartment
RestaurantRooftop Terrace
To do Fondazione Alda Fendi Gallery
Written by
Holly M-Beedie
Group Editor at Inside Lifestyle
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