Hotel Eden – Restoring paradise
Hotel Eden, one of Rome’s most iconic hotels, has relaunched after an extensive 18-month restoration project. Part of the Dorchester Collection, the hotel’s makeover has taken the luxury experience to levels never before seen in the city.
World-renowned architects and interior designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Betaille of 4BI & Associates were commissioned to oversee the whole renovation of the hotel, from the facade to the entrance (hall, lobby, foyer), the two ballrooms, the main staircase and all the public circulation, the 98 guestrooms, the suites and penthouse, and the terrace. Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku from Jouin Manku worked on the restaurant and spa design.
Speaking to Premier Hospitality, Bruno Moinard and Claire Betaille gave an overview of their work on the hotel. Claire began:
“There was not really a brief as such because we have a good relationship with the client. We know them and what their expectations are. We know the atmosphere and story they want to tell in their hotels.
“We effectively developed our own brief based on knowing where you wake up. There is nothing more unpleasant than when you wake up in a hotel and you have no way to understand which part of the world you are in. Our main aim was to express the city of Rome through a number of design features.”
Formerly offering 121 rooms, the hotel’s reduced room and suites count ensures more expansive spaces for guests to relax. Bruno continued:
“In the bedrooms it was very important to give the feeling of quietness. We wanted to create something bright and pleasant where you would want to stay. The whole idea was for guest to enjoy the room rather than simply stay in it.
“We found many ways of getting natural light to enter the room through features like mirrors on wardrobes. We always have a sofa or an armchair for guests to relax and all lighting features have been made in special glass by craftsmen. The bathrooms make use of marble we’ve not seen in another hotel and have been inspired by baths and fountains around the city. The details are quiet and subtle.
“The public spaces have very few windows so we had to think about how we created light and warmth. We also wanted to create something that was timeless rather than a museum for a time that never existed. The golden ceilings help reflect warm light while the floors feature a strong pattern of black, grey and white marble inspired by monuments across the city. The furniture we’ve used is a mix of old and contemporary to help with the timeless aspect.”
Food at Hotel Eden is now served under the watchful eye of award-winning executive chef Fabio Ciervo. The hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, La Terrazza, is located on the top floor and offers diners stunning views across Rome with an innovative Mediterranean menu using high quality, fresh and seasonal produce.
Those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere can sample Il Giardino Ristorante & Bar, an urban retreat from the city’s crowds with all day dining. Finally, La Libreria plays host to a ‘secret bar’ providing classic and innovative cocktails during aperitif time.
New to the hotel is the Eden Spa, offering holistic wellness experiences and therapies. It features three suites and a unique blow-dry bar, as well as a manicure and pedicure suite. Hotel Eden’s three fully refurbished and equipped meeting rooms have been enhanced to cater to various group sizes and events.
Carron Cav Angelo Spa acted as the main contractor on the project. Francesca Masin, from Italian-based firm, Carron Cav Angelo Spa, said: “The work involved the total restoration of the building and its façade, working daily side by side with a great team of professionals. Rooms are very rich with subdued colours, discreet patterns and rich fabrics. Complete with marble bathrooms, classic Italian furnishings and elegant artworks. There are two restaurants and a lounge bar with a great view to the Eternal City.
“Feedback so far has been extremely positive. Working on this project was a great experience with a satisfying result.”
Dorchester Collection is a portfolio of the world’s foremost luxury hotels in Europe and the US, each of which reflects the distinctive culture of its destination. The current portfolio includes 45 Park Lane, London; Le Meurice, Paris; Le Richemond, Geneva; and Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles.
