The Italian-based Toti Group has opened the Le Méridien Visconti Rome, which will be managed by Marriott.
Following a $US20 million conversion, Le Méridien Visconti Rome now has custom-designed guestrooms, suites and a transformation of the hotel’s public spaces, including the brand’s signature lobby concept: Le Méridien Hub.
Ara Design International helmed the design for the 240-room hotel – an effort which manifests as classic Italian style with understated, geometrical elements. Mid-century modern also dominates, in addition to marble, wood and natural textures juxtaposing vibrant textile blocks with references to the work of Italian designer and architect Gio Ponti – popular during the time of the building’s initial construction.
The hotel’s lobby concept, The Hub, is laid out as a social gathering place for creative types, complete with communal tables and chairs and an espresso machine. The Longitude 12 Bar & Bistrot transforms from coffee house by day to cocktail bar by night. Ara Design International facilitated that transition with rotating panels, lowered ambient light and a creative use of mirrors.
Art also plays a large role with design. Guests are greeted by a bas relief map of Rome and the hotel’s eclectic art collection features different movements, from abstract art to figurative works, created with different materials, such as the mosaic by Ascanio Renda, the rubber-made artworks by Paolo Canevari, and more traditional oil on canvas paintings. Much of the artwork featured at Le Méridien Visconti Rome is part of the Toti family’s private collection, comprised of well-established Italian artists active in the 1980s.
Additionally, the hotel has partnered with La Galleria Nazionale di Arte Moderna in Rome for the brand’s signature Unlock Art program, which provides guests with complimentary access to the museum by simply presenting their room key card and the guest pass found in-room.
