Rome has always been a city that pulses with creativity and history, but my stay at Rhinoceros Roma felt like I’d stumbled upon something truly special. Tucked away in the heart of the Eternal City, this avant-garde sanctuary is the creation of Alda Fendi, a visionary who’s transformed her love for art and design into something spectacular. And with the bold architecture of Jean Nouvel setting the stage, it’s a place where old-world charm and futuristic elegance dance effortlessly together.
From the moment I arrived, Rhinoceros Roma felt more like an art experience than just a hotel. Its 25 fully stocked apartments are luxurious refuges, but what drew me in was how every inch of the place pulses with creativity. Wandering through the spaces, I felt like I was part of an ongoing experiment where contemporary art and classic beauty collide.
An Ode to Creativity
The Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti, a non-profit arts foundation housed within Rhinoceros Roma, is at the heart of it all. I couldn’t resist diving into the exhibition spaces that seem to change with every breath. It was impossible not to be drawn into the latest showcase, ‘PROFILI E GESTI’, running from March 21 to August 31, 2025.
Collaborating with Galerie kreo, the exhibition brought together works by Pierre Charpin, Jaime Hayon, Jean-Baptiste Fastrez, and Chris Kabel. I was particularly fascinated by Kabel’s circular bench, sculpted from a single tree trunk – its simplicity belied the complexity of its craftsmanship – and Hayon’s playful ceramic vases.
My Rhinoceros Roma Experience
Staying here feels like living inside a masterpiece. Mornings began with coffee in hand as I strolled through the gallery spaces, savouring the contrast between the ultra-modern interiors and the timeless city just beyond the windows. And then, there’s the RhinoRide – a quirky, compact electric vehicle designed for guests to explore Rome with ease. But after a few glasses of the finest DOCG I decided against getting behind the wheel in a city where the traffic is chaotic to say the least.
Instead, I put on my Gucci Bees (when in Rome) and made my way through the labyrinthine streets of Trastevere. As I passed landmarks like The Colosseum and Circus Maximus, I felt the city’s history unfold around me, all whilst sampling the city’s delicious cuisine – and a walking Aperol or two.
And speaking of cuisine, Le Restau De La Galerie, perched on the two-level rooftop terrace of Rhinoceros Roma, is a sensory feast. Think inspiring cocktails and exquisite dishes served against a panoramic view of Rome’s iconic red rooftops. If you’re a fan of Steak Tartare, expect something exceptional here.
The Intersection of Heritage and Innovation
Rhinoceros Roma is more than a place to stay; it’s an invitation to live artfully. Whether I was lounging in my sleek, button-operated stainless-steel kitchen or marvelling at the latest exhibit, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this place exists in its own unique realm – where heritage and cutting-edge creativity meet in perfect harmony.
Checking out was bittersweet. The attentive team – a very special thanks to Stefano – had become like family, recommending farmers markets off the beaten tracks and out-of-this-world gelato spots. As I stood on the rooftop terrace one last time, gazing over the Eternal City, I realised that Rhinoceros Roma had offered me something few places ever have: a chance to experience Rome from a perspective that felt fresh, luxurious, and utterly inspiring.
Rates start from €400 per apartment per night, with City Tax excluded.
Via del Velabro, 9, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
