‘Italy’s capital has recently witnessed a slew of exciting openings that is rapidly putting it on an equal footing with London and Paris’

If your name is Alfredo Romeo (no, not Alfa: Alfredo), you are an Italian property magnate with a huge personal art collection, have one hotel already (Romeo Naples) and want more, especially if the next one happens to be in Rome.

Romeo Roma is due to launch in early 2024 and, if my hoteldar is in working order, it is going to be quite something. Certainly, Signor Romeo couldn’t have picked a better moment to launch a thrilling new hotel in the Eternal City: since the relaxation of planning regulations, Italy’s capital has witnessed a slew of exciting openings (Six Senses, Bulgari, Ambasciatori Palace, Edition, Palazzo Ripetta) that is rapidly putting it on an equal footing with London and

Rome, Italy

Paris. Then there is the major renovation around nearby Piazza Augusto Imperatore, encompassing new restaurants, gardens and pedestrianised areas.

One of the last projects from the late world-renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, Romeo Roma occupies a 16th-century palazzo just steps from Piazza del Popolo and blends the prestige of history with avant-garde contemporary architecture.

As well as an international art collection, guests will find an open-air 22,000-square-foot courtyard with indoor and outdoor pools, a rooftop lounge and bar and a wellness centre by Sisley Paris. The gourmet restaurant Il Ristorante is by Signor Romeo’s friend Alain Ducasse, one of only two chefs in the world to hold more than 20 MicheBack lin stars. There is never a bad time to go to Rome, but 2024 seems like a particularly bellissimo momento.

How to do it

Various airlines – including Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Vueling – fly from UK airports to Rome, with fares from £34 return. One night at Romeo Roma (theromeocollection.com) costs an eye-watering £1,700 per night.

Fiona Duncan is a hotel critic whose favourite hotels in the world are Italian: they are often family-owned, don’t lose sight of tradition – and best of all, they are in Italy.