Since the 19th century, Hotel d’Inghilterra Roma – Starhotels Collezione has been a favoured home for international patrons and Roman nobility due to its magnificent location, just a few steps from the iconic Spanish Steps and the glamorous Via Condotti, and its innate elegance.
The hotel will reopen its doors on September 27th, after an extensive restyling that enhances its historical charm, celebrating its legendary history.
The Hotel d’Inghilterra traces its roots back to the mid-16th century, when it was the noble residence for the guests of Palazzo Torlonia, located across the street. The property has recently undergone a significant conservative renovation that began in 2023.
The entire restyling project was inspired by the Grand Tour era, during which time cultured travellers sought out prestigious accommodations like Hotel d’Inghilterra, and it involved the restoration of the exteriors and the historic façade protected by Soprintendenza – the office for the Protection of Historic and Artistic assets, as well as upgrading all guestrooms and suites on the upper floors.
Now after extensive remodelling of the communal areas and guestrooms on the first three floors, the number of rooms and suites have been reduced from 84 to 80 to create more space for luxurious interiors.
This latest phase has strong ties with the hotel’s extraordinary heritage and significance. Spearheaded by Elisabetta Fabri, Starhotels’ President and CEO, the renovation benefited from her vision and guidance. Curated by Starhotels’ design team, the project involved immense study, research, and deep respect to all historical nuances, drawing inspiration from the Grand Tour era.
This meticulous approach ensured the preservation of Hotel d’Inghilterra’s heritage through conscious choices of colour palettes and stylistic details. Old images and photographs of the building were sourced, and documents dating back to the 19th-century were key to this laudable renovation. This conservative restoration extended beyond the façade, encompassing the meticulous restoration of furniture, fabrics, and key hotel areas, such as the original reception desk, along with the preservation of significant architectural elements.
As part of “La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory” initiative, Starhotels’ patronage project to promote high Italian craftsmanship, Italian master craftsmen contributed to the hotel restoration. This collaboration has imbued the hotel with a renewed, authentic splendour, seamlessly integrating touches of Made in Italy design.
“It has been a privilege to oversee the restoration of this Roman jewel, the Hotel d’Inghilterra. Preserving its legacy was paramount, just as it was for the Helvetia & Bristol in Florence.” comments Elisabetta Fabri “Here in Rome, we had the unique opportunity to translate the timeless elegance experienced by Grand Tour travellers into a contemporary haven for today’s discerning guest. The result is a space that celebrates its heritage while offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a true second home for those seeking beauty, well-being, and a touch of Italian magic.”
Restored grandeur meets intimate charm: reimagining Hotel d’Inghilterra’s common spaces
Stepping into the hotel, guests will be immediately enveloped by the splendor of a classic Palazzo Romano, respecting the original architectural design. The reception area will be reworked based on the historical layouts, and a new second reception for VIP guests, located alongside a concierge desk, will be in a dedicated room adorned with a leafy wallpaper, that evokes the lush landscape of a Roman garden. Honoring the property’s history, the iconic black floor with white inserts, covering almost the entire ground floor has remained untouched.
The intimate seating area, featuring mustard yellow and darker tones, recall a private residence. Inspired by historical photographs, the designers are reintroducing plaster palm trees to the foyer and corridor, further evoking the hotel’s rich heritage. The walls will be adorned with Dedar wallpapers and custom-made fabrics crafted by Rubelli for Starhotels. Additionally, some antique pieces continue to enhance the Library’s brown-toned spaces, alongside classic chester sofas. Restored chandeliers and antique lamps by Bronzetto will enlighten the area, along with contemporary pieces designed by Jacques Garcia for Zonca.
New Delights Await: Cafè Romano Expands and an intimate Spa Unveils
The famous Cafè Romano restaurant, open also to non-residents, will be expanded with an additional indoor room for local guests. The restaurant will be connected to the lobby to design a true Italian salotto. A new lovely outdoor seating area has been added in Via Borgognona, a pedestrian street dotted with elegant boutiques, the perfect spot for a coffee break, a light lunch, or an al fresco dinner. Menu will offer a delicious selection of the highest expression of traditionally modern Italian and Roman cuisine, in line with Starhotels food philosophy.
The Bar, beloved by enthusiasts of classic cocktails like the Martini, retains its original counter and meticulously restored wall paneling. The warm interiors with classic wood paneling, which have welcomed guests from the cultured European world over the years, have been further enhanced with antique mirrors with hand-crafted gilded frames to complete the timeless ambiance.
A highlight of the renovation will be the new Terrazza Romana on the sixth floor, an exclusive rooftop cocktail bar open to external guests as well and a perfect location for private events. It offers unparalleled views of the Eternal City, a panorama that embraces the entire heart of Rome.
A further addition to the Hotel d’Inghilterra will be an intimate Spa, that will offer treatments to the guests. A cosy corner to relax and restore the body after a day spent exploring the city.
Renovated suites & rooms reflect hotel’s rich heritage
As in a private residence, the rooms differ from one another and express their own personality and historical references. Each one has its own distinct character and design, thanks also to the unique artisanal pieces designed in each room by master artisans, in a balance between antiquity and modernity.
Fabrics on the first and third floors are all custom-made for Starhotels by Rubelli in three different colours with a nod to historical colour gradings, such as mustard yellow, green and blue, and sky blue. Rubelli also designed custom-made textiles for the rooms with dedicated patterns that feature stars, cornucopia, and pomegranate, symbols of hospitality.
Carrara marble and imperial Bardiglio have been chosen for the bathroom floors to recall the grandeur of past times.
On the second floor, a more respectful restoration of the original design was chosen, working with the iconic English wallpapers by William Morris, inspired by the past but reimagined with a contemporary touch.
But within the renovation of this historical property comes also a restoration. Thanks to the collaboration with local craftsmen, the beautiful patinated door knobs throughout the hotel have been recovered, re-chromed, and re-brassed. Also Poignee, a renowned Roman brass craftsman, has contributed to the bathroom fittings. The ceiling cornices have been mindfully restored by Stucchi Italia to ensure they were exactly as they were once upon a time. While Fersini Restauro, an artisanal workshop in the heart of Rome, just a few steps from the hotel, meticulously restored various antique furnishings to preserve the hotel’s heritage. Handcrafted lamps by local artisans Lumis grace many of the rooms, while the suites and other spaces boast antique pieces from the hotel’s collection.
Rooms and suites on the upper floors, restored during the previous renovation phase in 2023, have been preserved thanks to this interplay between maintaining historical values and incorporating contemporary luxury interiors. Among these, the elegant Penthouse Suite, that boasts a magnificent 70 sqm terrace and a stunning panoramic view, overlooking the Eternal city. On the fifth floor, the Balcony Suites captivate a refined simplicity that complements the hotel’s classic soul: the sober charm of black and white, expressed in the geometric patterns of coverings and decorations, plays on harmonious and balanced contrasts.
General Manager Massimo Colli, concludes: “The Hotel d’Inghilterra, with its heritage, splendour and wonderful location in the heart of Rome, represents a unique proposition for the travellers who are looking for a luxury but still authentic stay in the Città Eterna. Our charm, together with the service we are famous about, the sense of Italian hospitality we have always represented over the centuries, have already made us stand out. Thanks to this conservative refurbishment, this historical Palace will be again the home away from home for the 21st century modern traveller”.
The Hotel d’Inghilterra reopens on the 27th of September.
