# Rodolphe Parente Designs Experimental Roma Hotel French designer blends Roman heritage with 1970s hedonism in new hotel project. - **Source:** [Yatzer | Live Beautifully. Explore Endlessly.](https://brifing.si/source/57804b69-e268-401e-a34d-76c69a2bf2e6) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2d9eb8ab-20a9-4d64-a33a-08a506e1938c ## Architectural Heritage Reimagined Located in the historic Ludovisi district, the 82-room Experimental Roma occupies a former bank building. Designer Rodolphe Parente interprets Rome’s storied architectural legacy through a French perspective. By blending classical grandeur with mid-century Italian design, the hotel creates a space that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking, honoring the area's cinematic history. ## Materiality and Contrast Parente utilizes a sophisticated interplay of materials to define the hotel's atmosphere. Warm ochre plaster and polished terrazzo reflect traditional Roman architecture, while stainless steel and chrome accents introduce a sharp, futuristic edge. Brass details and lacquered surfaces add layers of refinement, creating an eclectic environment that balances history with contemporary luxury. ## Dual Design Philosophies The hotel rooms are categorized into two distinct design families. The theatrical style draws inspiration from Roman palazzi, featuring upholstered headboards and dramatic drapery. Conversely, the minimalist gallery-style rooms utilize ribbed stainless steel and floating lacquer tables. This duality allows guests to experience contrasting interpretations of Italian design within the same property. ## Curated Artistic Dialogue The hotel’s art collection was curated alongside Maurizio Faraoni, director of the Galleria Ugo Ferranti archive. The selection emphasizes Conceptual and Minimalist movements from the 1970s and 1980s. By echoing the works of artists like Cy Twombly and Christo, the collection reinforces Parente’s commitment to a sophisticated, historically informed aesthetic throughout the hotel. ## Functional Design Details Bathrooms serve as focal points, utilizing geometric floor tiles and glossy blue or burgundy panels. Parente incorporates confectionery-colored sanitaryware, such as powder-blue and buttery-yellow fixtures, to contrast with earthy plaster walls. Murano-style glass sconces and chain-mail vanity skirts demonstrate his ability to transform functional elements into unique, high-design artistic statements. ## Convivial Hospitality Spaces The Ludovisi e Cadore restaurant and the Experimental Cocktail Club extend the hotel’s design language into social settings. Mustard banquettes, classical reliefs, and brass-gridded paneling define these spaces. These areas maintain the group’s identity, established in 2007, by fostering a convivial atmosphere that blends international hospitality standards with local Roman character. ## Culinary Cross-Pollination Chef Giovanni Passerini leads the restaurant, reinterpreting Italian classics through techniques refined in France. The menu features dishes like tonnarelli cacio e pepe with black truffle and ricotta ravioli enriched with Normandy butter. This culinary approach mirrors the hotel’s design philosophy, successfully merging Italian ingredients with a distinct, globally-oriented French perspective. ## Rooftop Integration The roof terrace serves as the final synthesis of Parente’s design narrative. Featuring minimalist sunloungers, fringed parasols, and a swimming pool, the space overlooks Rome’s iconic terracotta rooftops. It acts as a bridge between the hotel’s interior modernity and the city’s ancient skyline, providing a scenic conclusion to the guest experience. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.yatzer.com/experimental-roma-rodolphe-parente — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._