A Look Inside: Corinthia Rome – Bank Vault Transformed Into Rome’s Hottest Hotel
Corinthia Hotels makes its Italian debut in the most Corinthia way possible, by taking over a grand neoclassical palazzo right on the historic Piazza del Parlamento. The building isn’t just any palazzo either. This was once a stronghold of the Bank of Italy. Designed by Pio and Marcello Piacentini, the property was constructed between 1913 and 1921.
Rather than a straightforward renovation, the team behind this project have carefully reimagined as a hotel, the project preserves the architectural integrity, from its monumental structure to its original 1920s frescoes. Hospitality design studio GA led the restoration, stripping back later interventions to return the structure to its original proportions, uncovering mosaics, stuccoes, painted ceilings, cornices and marble detailing that had been buried for decades.
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The location is as good as it gets in Rome, tucked into the Campo Marzio neighbourhood, just moments from the Pantheon, the Roman Forum and the Spanish Steps.
The 60 rooms and 21 suites are designed to feel like private residences rather than hotel rooms, generous in size, flooded with natural light, with high ceilings and large windows looking out over either Rome’s rooftops or the tranquil inner courtyard. Restored architectural details are balanced by contemporary furniture.
The suite collection runs the full range of Roman character: from the duplex Campo Marzio Suites to the Chigi Suite with its sweeping rooftop terrace, and the Arte Suite. Sitting above it all is the Aurea Penthouse, inspired by the Domus Aurea and designed for complete privacy over the city.
The most jaw-dropping space in the hotel has to be the former Council Chamber, it was the room where serious financial decisions were made. It’s now been reimagined as the Theodoli Heritage Suite. The original 1920s frescoes by Giulio Bargellini are still there, guests now sleep beneath painted processions of civic virtues and symbols of national prosperity.
On the food and drink front, Corinthia Rome has brought in none other than Carlo Cracco one of Italy’s most celebrated chefs. Viride overlooks the interior garden and serves contemporary Italian cuisine built around seasonal produce and serious culinary craft. Piazzetta channels Rome’s tradition of warm, lively hospitality, while Ocra Bar, draped in rich nocturnal tones, is exactly where you want to be for aperitifs that stretch into late evenings.
And then there’s the spa. Where the bank vault once locked away financial reserves, it now guards something far more valuable, your time. The Corinthia Spa is a subterranean retreat shaped by water, mineral stone and softened light, drawing directly from the ancient Roman tradition of bathing rituals.
The treatment menu is developed in collaboration with Italian botanical brand Seed to Skin and London’s 111Skin, blending Tuscan botanicals with clinical innovation for rituals focused on deep regeneration. Signature treatments like The Chrysalis and the Reverse Signature Facial bring a distinctly Italian approach to wellness and frankly, getting a facial in a converted bank vault beneath Rome might be the most memorable spa experience you’ll ever have.
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