Enjoy signature drinks and classic twists on cocktails amidst industrial-chic décor and contemporary art at Chapter Roma’s bar
It’s hard to describe Chapter Roma. Probably because this concept didn’t really exist prior, at least not in Rome. It’s unlike anything else – and that’s exactly the point.
Newly opened this past May, Chapter Roma is the brainchild of Marco Cilia. Formerly of Hotel Americano in New York City, Marco decided to create something unique in his native city and in turn, established Chapter Italia Portfolio, this hotel being the first chapter.
Taking inspiration from his years living in NYC, this new lifestyle hotel is already part of the Design HotelsTM collection. Located in the middle of four drastically different but equally important historic neighborhoods of Rome (Campo de Fiori, the Jewish Ghetto, with Piazza Venezia and Piazza Navona) Chapter Roma is a much-needed addition to the area. They proudly classify as a 4-star hotel rather than a 5-star, in order to make luxury more attainable to those visiting Rome. Something that was not common outside of a 5-star accommodation usually synonymous with being upscale, formal, and somewhat fancy. But Chapter Roma is anything but. This is a new approach in Italian hospitality. Chapter Roma combines fun and funky with the kind of professional and accommodating staff that can be expected at the most prestigious, luxury hotel (minus the astronomical price tag). It’s casual and comfortable and despite how cool the interiors look, there’s no dress code required.
Their philosophy is to provide a lifestyle experience to guests that goes beyond their room. This hotel actually wants to introduce you to the local lifestyle. It’s not just a place to sleep – although you’ll want to spend some time in one of the 47 rooms as each one is beautifully decorated with a few statement pieces. The signature style of Tristan Du Plessis of Studio A can also be seen in the entire hotel. Working around the original foundation from the 1800’s, he left some details and highlighted others – such as the exposed brick and Roman arches. Raw steel, brass and copper elements can be found throughout the space paying homage to the street in which the hotel is situated (Via di Santa Maria dei Calderari or “street of the blacksmiths”). The industrial-chic hotel lobby has minimalist, colorful décor yet is incredibly warm and inviting. Stylish, sophisticated and fun – a mix of modern and traditional, new and old, past and present. Like the city itself, Hotel Chapter Roma is full of contrasts. This is best illustrated by the colorful mural behind the bar. The contemporary piece by CYRCLE, a two-man collective made up of two American artists David Leavitt and David Torres, is their interpretation of Rome. Another mural that pops out is by local Roman artist Alice Pasquini.
In NYC and London, Hotel lobby bars are sometimes THE place to go. But this notion is fairly new in Italy and another way Chapter Roma is trying to redefine things here.
Chapter Hotel’s lobby bar is the vehicle that brings everything together, particularly at aperitivo time. Their choice of music (and timing in general) is the perfect way to mix guests with the local Romans. Aperitivo is daily from 6pm till 9.30pm when most out-of-towners start getting hungry for dinner and Italian professionals are ending their workday. Chapter Roma’s aperitivo appeals to both tourists and residents alike and provides guests with a unique experience – one where you’ll actually be able to mix with the locals. Aperitivo is à la carte and on Saturdays they even have a dj set from 7pm, bustling until 1am.
Both food & drink menus are internationally inspired with a Roman touch. Offerings are eclectic but include all of the Italian staples. It’s a perfect fusion of tastes and cultures.
The big news is that Mario Farulla, one of the most renowned names in the international bartending world, fresh from the success of the latest edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars, has now taken the reins of the Rome Chapter Lobby Bar. A master of traditional mixology and a pioneer of the most elegant experimentation, Mario will wow you with his drink selection at Chapter Hotel’s Lobby Bar.
Cocktails, like the food, are seasonal here so there’s always something new to taste depending on what time of year you are visiting. Another big announcement is the opening of Chapter Roma’s Gourmet Restaurant captained by Davide Puleio, who won Best Young Chef of 2020 and was awarded a star for his work at L’Alchimia restaurant in Milan.
While if you’re on the hunt for some healthy food options, check out Market–their salad and juice bar next door. There are other things on the horizon and if (like the name suggests) this is just the beginning of the story; I can’t wait for the next Chapter.
Via di Santa Maria de' Calderari, Roma, Lazio, Italia
Address
Via di Santa Maria de Calderari, 47
Opening time
Bar: daily 7am – 1am
Aperitivo: daily 6pm – 9.30pm
