Palazzo Dama

Opulent, boutique, hip

Lungotevere Arnaldo Brescia 2, ROME 00196

39-06-8956-5272

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At a Glance

In a city rife with exclusive family homes and luxurious private palaces, this Art Nouveau villa near Piazza del Popolo and the Villa Borghese offers the rare opportunity to bask in the opulence of a turn of the 20th century residential property.

Indagare Loves

  • The outdoor pool, a rarity for Rome’s boutique hotels
  • The romantically lit cocktail bar
  • Antique furniture and eclectic art from Giardi’s private collection

Review

Like many late 19th century noble residences, the building that today is home to the Palazzo Dama had changed hands several times. Before being transformed into one of Rome’s newest boutique luxury hotels, the Art Nouveau structure was an office building, stripped of its original grandeur by the banal proceedings within. Enter architect Antonio Giradi, an avid traveler who set about rejuvenating the villa and reclaiming its noble roots.

The ambitious project drew on a handful of original fixtures, which are further enriched by modern additions that respect the villa’s historic style. The entrance to the hotel is discrete, with small lettering on the building next to wrought iron gates, where you follow a short path before entering what feels like your wealthy, stylish cousin’s mansion. Walking into the lobby, you are enveloped in soft light, surrounded by cream-colored walls, marble floors, stunning archways, and beautiful moldings around the ceilings from which chandeliers hang liberally.The thirty rooms and suites are decorated in a palate of royal blue and beige and accented with antiques Giardi has collected in travels. The high ceilings make the rooms feel very spacious and airy. The restaurant, bar and ground-floor communal areas are similarly embellished with Giardi's global treasures and a glittering chandelier originally from the Plaza Hotel in New York hangs in the bar.

The outdoor pool, tiled in turquoise hues, is immersed in a citrus and olive garden, and there is a small gym in the basement. On Friday and Saturday nights, the hotel’s private club hosts the Roman outpost of the Paris-based nightclub Raspoutine with private entrance for hotel guests. (We recommend booking a room on a higher floor to avoid the late-night noise from the club.)

Who Should Stay

Chic couples or families with sophisticated teenagers seeking tranquil outdoor spaces and poolside relaxation while rubbing elbows with the wealthy Romans who treat the property like a private clubhouse.

Written by Katie Parla

What's Nearby

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