At the luxury and ultraluxury levels, what we see throughout the world is not just lavish amenities and impeccable service, but a dedication by the brands, developers, owners and onsite teams to steward the local community, cherishing its past while responsibly guiding its present for a better future.
This passion for culture, for history, for the people and for the people that give a property its sense of place is not something that can be fully quantified in a financial statement, and yet it is precisely the reason for why a hotel is one of the best in the world. Call it heart; call it soul. This core commitment to stewardship is reflected in the morale and demeanor of every team member, as well as in the exclusive experiences offered and, ultimately, the ADR that the hotel can command.
A quintessential example of this virtuous circle is Six Senses Rome – the first urban property for this eco-wellness-centric ultraluxury brand by IHG. During Larry’s (only one of the authors this time) last trip to the Eternal City, not only did he have the honor of staying in this hotel that expertly blends Roman Renaissance with elegant contemporary design, but he also had a moment to interview the property’s General Manager, Francesca Tozzi.
A Roman with over 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality – both in Italy and abroad – Tozzi joined Six Senses in June 2021 to lead the opening of the 96-key Six Senses Rome. She developed her deep understanding of the heart of luxury hospitality while general manager at Capri Tiberio Palace for nine years as well as seven years in Tuscany overseeing the luxury seaside hotel Il Pellicano and Villa La Massa near Florence. Before that, we held several senior roles at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts following a degree at John Cabot University in Rome. Her appointment to shepherd Six Senses Rome brings her full circle back to her hometown.
Describe the overall story of Six Senses Rome.
At Six Senses Rome, we’ve created a place that feels truly connected to the city – both in its history and in the way we welcome people. Restoring a 15th-century palazzo in the heart of Rome came with its challenges, but for us, it was about striking the right balance between honoring the past and creating a modern, comfortable space. We’re not just another luxury hotel; we want guests to feel like they’re stepping into something that’s lived-in, warm and personal.
From the Roman Baths experience in the spa to the fresh, local ingredients in our restaurant, every detail is designed to give people an authentic yet unexpected way to experience the city. Six Senses is about connection – whether it’s between guests and the team or through the partnerships we’ve built with local artisans and suppliers. We want people to leave not just having visited Rome but having felt a part of it.
Next, give us an overview of the project’s genesis.
With its iconic, worldwide-known landmarks and hidden gems, the Eternal City is a destination everyone should see at least once in a lifetime. Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, which Six Senses Rome calls its home, was established in the heart of Rome’s UNESCO-protected city center. Its historical building is located in a strategic, very central location just a short walk from the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. As the brand’s first urban property in Italy, the project was designed to blend Roman history with modern luxury, creating a space that honors the city’s culture and past. Six Senses management also expressed a personal connection to Rome, which helped shape the vision behind the hotel. Additionally, the city center had a growing need for luxury international hotel brands with a medium-sized inventory, making Six Senses a natural fit.
Tell us a bit about the construction.
The restoration of the 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini focused on preserving key historical features, including 600-year-old columns, a fourth-century baptismal bath and the façade of the neighboring San Marcello al Corso Church. Guided by architect Patricia Urquiola, the project carefully blended the building’s original Roman architecture with modern, sustainable design, ensuring that its history was honored while being thoughtfully adapted for the present.
The project began in 2019 and, despite delays caused by the lockdown, opened in March 2023 – a relatively short timeframe given the scale and complexity of the work. A primary focus was the preservation of archaeological findings and pre-existing architectural structures, including:
- Baptismal Font: One of the oldest in Rome, dating back to the fourth century, it is visible from the hotel’s ground floor and is exclusively accessible from the hotel. It was discovered during renovations in the early 20th century.
- Monumental Staircase: A defining feature of the original palazzo, constructed from Carrara marble and meticulously restored.
- Circular Architectural Elements: By Quaroni Micalizzi and integrated within Urquiola’s interior design, these elements were preserved as part of the intellectual heritage of the building’s historical modifications.
Through this restoration, Six Senses Rome has ensured that the palazzo’s architectural integrity and historical significance remain at the forefront, offering guests an immersive connection to the city’s past within a modern, sustainable setting.
How is the Six Senses brand is infused into the property?
Six Senses Rome blends historic Roman charm with the brand’s focus on sustainability, wellness and local culture. The Six Senses Spa reimagines ancient Roman bathing rituals with modern versions of the caldarium, tepidarium and frigidarium, alongside treatments like sound therapy, biohacking and breathwork, reflecting the brand’s holistic wellness approach. Dining at BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar and at NOTOS Rooftop brings the Eat With Six Senses ethos to life, featuring seasonal, locally sourced dishes inspired by Roman traditions. Sustainability is central to the project, with reclaimed materials and traditional Roman craftsmanship featured throughout the hotel.
How has the property been received by the traveling public?
Six Senses Rome has been warmly received by both international travelers and locals, quickly becoming a go-to destination for those exploring the Eternal City and a sought after spot to experience the hotel’s spa and dining outlets. The property has also established itself as an ideal venue for private gatherings and corporate events, further solidifying its place within Rome’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Who are the key competitors, and how does the property differentiate itself?
Six Senses Rome shares a similar caliber of clientele with the Bulgari Hotel, Hotel de Russie (Rocco Forte Hotels) and Hotel Eden (Dorchester Collection). However, the hotel sets itself apart through its deep-rooted commitment to wellness, sustainability and local culture. The brand’s signature emotional hospitality ensures that guest comfort and experience remain at the core of every touchpoint, creating a uniquely immersive stay.
Can you give examples of how you have integrated the hotel into the community?
Six Senses Rome has made significant efforts to integrate into the local community through both heritage preservation and sustainability initiatives. The hotel sponsored the restoration of the façade of the San Marcello al Corso Church, a neighboring historical landmark, demonstrating a commitment to protecting Rome’s cultural heritage. Inside the hotel, the restoration brought to light a fourth-century baptismal bath, which is now displayed under glass floor tiles in BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar, allowing guests to connect with the city’s ancient history in a modern setting.
Beyond restoring historic architecture, the hotel has incorporated reused materials and traditional Roman artisanal construction methods into its interiors, reinforcing its ties to local craftsmanship. The Earth Lab plays a central role in community engagement by offering interactive workshops and educational talks focused on sustainability. These programs allow both guests and locals to learn about sustainable product-making and environmental conservation. The hotel’s food and beverage program also supports the local community by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and suppliers.
