The Rooms of Rome - Palazzo Rhinoceros
Art-forward industrial-minimalist. Raw historic surfaces meet polished concrete and stainless steel. Feels more like living inside a curated art installation than staying in a hotel.
Ask at check-in for a private guided tour of the gallery — it's complimentary for guests and gives real context to the art installations throughout the building
Why It Matters
Jean Nouvel's design is the main draw — he preserved the building's layers of decay and history, installing trompe l'oeil murals of the original interiors alongside sleek modern fittings. Guests have complimentary access to the Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti gallery, which has hosted Michelangelo's Crouching Boy from the Hermitage and regularly mounts serious contemporary art exhibitions.
A 17th-century palazzo in Rome's ancient Velabro neighborhood, conceived by Alda Fendi and overhauled by architect Jean Nouvel into 25 fully serviced apartments that double as an art gallery. This is not a hotel with art on the walls — the building itself is the art, with exhibition spaces woven across all six floors and Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti rotating shows happening all around you. Each apartment is named after the word 'thought' translated into a different language, engraved on the door alongside a haiku. Flaking plasterwork and original tile purposely left in place sit alongside stainless-steel kitchens and industrial panels. There is no lobby, no pool, no spa — and no attempt to be a conventional hotel. But there is a rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of Rome, a rooftop bar with a DJ, and staff consistently rated among the best in the city.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Deluxe Apartment Double
The range varies 41–62 sq m depending on the specific unit. King bed, open-plan living and dining space. Same Nouvel design language throughout — industrial materials alongside the building's preserved historic layers. Comfortably sized for a couple on a week-long stay.
King · 51 sqmDeluxe Apartment Single
Same Nouvel design as the double categories but configured for solo travelers. Size runs 37–44 sq m. Small double bed, full kitchen, and the same complete amenity package. A solid option for someone traveling alone who still wants proper apartment-style living.
Small double · 40 sqmMaster Suite Apartment
The largest category at 68–78 sq m. Generous open-plan living and a separate dining space make this work for longer stays. Polished concrete floors, exposed brickwork or plaster, and wood-paneled ceilings. At almost 70+ sq m, there's genuine breathing room — guests consistently note feeling like they have a full Roman apartment to themselves.
King · 73 sqmStudio Apartment
Compact open-plan studio with Nouvel's signature industrial-minimalist treatment: exposed brickwork or plaster, wood-paneled ceilings, stainless-steel panels. Full kitchen and ensuite with walk-in rain shower. The entry-level option, but not a compromise — still a proper apartment.
Twin beds · 40 sqmSuite Apartment Double
Step up in space runs 46–67 sq m, with the key upgrade being a freestanding bath alongside the separate rain shower. Rooftop views from some units. Polished concrete floors and original-timbered ceilings give it a more characterful feel than the lower categories.
King · 56 sqmSuite Apartment Single
Suite-level space for solo travelers at 46–67 sq m. Tiled floors (which vary by unit), generously proportioned open-plan layout, and a designated dining space. Same full kitchen and premium amenity setup. Good value for a solo traveler who wants real space.
Small double · 56 sqmSuperior Apartment
Slightly compact for a superior category but well-appointed. King bed, open-plan living and dining area, full kitchen. Same industrial-meets-minimalist aesthetic — exposed brickwork or plaster, stainless steel, wood-paneled ceilings.
King · 37 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Exclusive guided tours of Rome led by local experts, arranged through the hotel's hospitality team. Personalized itineraries available on request.
A private dinner prepared in your apartment by a chef, bookable through the hospitality team. Request via email at hospitality@rhinocerosroma.com.
Complimentary guided private tour of the Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti gallery spaces that wind through all six floors of the building. Exhibition spaces include air shafts that host sound and visual installations. The gallery rotates serious contemporary art shows and has hosted Michelangelo's Crouching Boy via the Hermitage. One of the better perks in Rome for art lovers staying at a hotel.
A compact two-seater electric car available to guests for exploring Rome. Included in the 'Rome at Your Rhythm' package via Mr & Mrs Smith. A genuinely fun and practical way to navigate the city without fighting Rome's parking chaos.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Guests receive priority reservation access at partner restaurants in Rome.
The hotel can arrange grocery shopping on behalf of guests to stock your apartment kitchen.
800 sq m of gallery space across all six floors of the palazzo, including air shafts used for installations. Guests get complimentary private tours. Open to the public separately.
Continental breakfast delivered to your apartment door. Basket includes baked goods, fresh seasonal fruit, tea, coffee, jams, fresh milk, granola, juices, and yogurt. Fridge stocked daily.
Two panoramic terraces on floors 5 and 6, offering 360-degree views over the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Circus Maximus. Home to the rooftop restaurant and bar.
Every apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen with hob, oven, fridge, dishwasher, Nespresso machine, toaster, and kettle. Home automation systems included.
24-hour front desk and concierge services, plus WhatsApp connection with the team. Staff consistently rated 9.7/10 by guests.
Airport transfers bookable in advance (contact 72 hours prior). From approximately €50 each way.
BUILD YOUR THE ROOMS OF ROME - PALAZZO RHINOCEROS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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