I stood in the middle of what used to be the Bank of Italy’s main vault, staring at a mosaic floor that had been walked on by bankers and politicians for decades. Now, a warm pool glowed under soft lights, and the only sound was water lapping against marble. The Corinthia Rome opened in 2026 inside a neoclassical palazzo that served as the Bank of Italy’s headquarters from 1921 until 1961, and the building’s past is still visible in every corner. This guide covers what you need to know about the hotel, its dining, and its spa — and whether it’s worth your time and money on a trip to Rome.
The building that financed an empire now houses a 60-room hotel with a spa inside the original bank vault.
If you want a hotel that feels like a piece of Roman history you can sleep in — and you have the budget for it — Corinthia Rome delivers. The spa in the old vault is genuinely unique, and the location puts you steps from the Pantheon. But it’s not cheap, and the formal dining room is tiny.
Couples on a splurge trip
History and architecture lovers
Spa enthusiasts
From bank vault to spa: the building’s second life
The basement of this palazzo tells the most surprising story of the whole hotel.
The Corinthia Spa sits in the original bank vault, and the designers kept the mosaic tile floors and a laurel-leaf artwork by a Roman artist on one wall. You walk through the old steel door and into a circuit that includes a warm pool, cold plunge, Finnish sauna, steam room, ice fountain, and heated black-stone beds. The layout follows the idea of ancient Roman baths — tepidarium, calidarium, frigidarium — but the look is modern and understated.
The spa has three treatment rooms, and the whole space is surprisingly quiet given that you’re in a basement in central Rome. It’s open to hotel guests and outside visitors, but you’ll want to book ahead — capacity is limited.
Book a spa treatment or circuit access at least a week in advance, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend. The spa is small, and slots fill up fast.
Rooms, suites, and the Theodoli Heritage Suite
The hotel has 60 rooms, including 21 suites, and entry-level rooms measure around 280 square feet.
Bathrooms use pale green Brescia marble, and the designers used over a dozen marble types throughout the building. The old Sala del Consiglio — the boardroom where the Bank of Italy’s directors met — has been restored as the Theodoli Heritage Suite. It’s the most historically significant room in the hotel, with original frescoes and carved woodwork preserved.
Art is scattered through the public spaces: a large tapestry by Elisa Grezzani, works by Francesca Longhini, Alice Faloretti, and Maddalena Negrone. Custom Richard Ginori tableware appears in the dining areas, and plaster friezes reference the plane trees that line the Tiber River. The managing director, Danilo Zucchetti, told Forbes that the building already had an incredible story to tell, so the team retained defining features like marble paneling, frescoes, and carved woodwork.
The hotel is the first property in Italy for Corinthia Hotels, a Malta-based brand. They’re also planning a 58-room Corinthia Lake Como, scheduled to open in 2028.
Dining at Viride and Piazzetta
Two restaurants, one formal and one relaxed, sit in the same building.
Viride is the formal dining room — 28 seats, parquet floors, green velvet banquettes, Murano glass chandeliers. The tasting menu runs ten courses for 220 euros, led by chef Carlo Cracco. Cracco runs a Michelin-starred restaurant in Milan and appears on MasterChef Italy, so the food is serious. The room is small, so reservations are essential.
Piazzetta is the more casual option, set in the central courtyard. It serves Roman classics: cacio e pepe, carbonara, artichokes, bistecca Fiorentina. It’s the kind of place where you can sit outside and eat without the formality of the tasting menu. Bar Ocra, the evening venue, is a speakeasy-style bar with a gold-leaf ceiling, ochre velvet sofas, and an extravagant cocktail menu.
Viride only has 28 seats. If you want the tasting menu, book at least two weeks ahead, especially during high season (April through October).
Location and what’s nearby
The hotel sits on Piazza del Parlamento, directly across from Palazzo Montecitorio, the Italian Chamber of Deputies.
The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Spanish Steps are all about a ten-minute walk. The neighborhood is Campo Marzio, one of Rome’s liveliest areas, with boutiques, artisan workshops, and winding side streets. Rome is currently the busiest luxury hotel market in Europe after London, and Corinthia is part of a recent wave of high-profile openings that includes The Rome Edition, Six Senses Rome, and Orient Express La Minerva.
If you’re planning a longer stay, you can combine a few nights here with a more relaxed base elsewhere. I’ve written about second-destination ideas for a Rome family trip that pair well with a central hotel like this one.
Corinthia Rome vs. other luxury hotels in the city
Rome has seen a flood of luxury openings in the last few years, so how does Corinthia compare?
| Hotel | Room count | Unique feature | Price range (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corinthia Rome | 60 | Spa in former bank vault | €800–€2,500+ |
| The Rome Edition | 91 | Rooftop bar with city views | €700–€2,000 |
| Six Senses Rome | 96 | Wellness-focused, rooftop terrace | €750–€2,200 |
| Orient Express La Minerva | 93 | Historic palazzo, private garden | €900–€3,000 |
Corinthia’s smaller size means more personalized service, but it also means fewer dining options and a more intimate feel. If you want a big pool or multiple restaurants on-site, one of the larger hotels might suit you better. If you want a quiet, history-rich base with a standout spa, Corinthia is the stronger choice.
- Book spa access and Viride reservations well ahead — both have limited capacity.
- The location is excellent for walking to major sights, but the neighborhood is busy, so expect street noise in some rooms.
- If you’re on a tighter budget, consider a stay at a mid-range hotel nearby and book a spa visit here as a day guest.
What to know before you book Corinthia Rome
Is the spa open to non-guests?
Yes, the Corinthia Spa is open to outside visitors, but you need to book in advance. The circuit and treatment rooms are small, so availability is limited.
How far is it from the main sights?
The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Spanish Steps are all about a ten-minute walk. The Colosseum is about 20 minutes on foot or a short taxi ride.
Is it worth the price for a family?
It depends. The hotel has 60 rooms and no dedicated kids’ club or family programming. If you’re traveling with young children, you might find the atmosphere too quiet. For a couple’s trip or a solo splurge, it’s a better fit.
What’s the biggest downside?
The formal dining room, Viride, only has 28 seats, so getting a reservation is tough. The hotel is also in a busy political and tourist area, so some rooms can pick up street noise. Ask for a courtyard-facing room if you’re a light sleeper.
Is the building worth visiting even if you don’t stay?
Yes. You can book a spa treatment or a meal at Piazzetta or Bar Ocra without being a guest. The architecture and history are visible from the public areas, and the bar is a great spot for a cocktail.
Why this hotel matters for Rome right now
Rome has been adding luxury hotels at a pace that feels almost frantic, but Corinthia stands out because it didn’t just build something new — it repurposed a building that already mattered. The bank vault spa is not a gimmick; it’s a genuine connection to the city’s financial and political history. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to feel the layers of a place rather than just sleep in a nice room, this hotel delivers that. For more ideas on how to structure a Rome trip around what matters to you, check out my 48-hour Rome itinerary.
Sources and further reading
Jim Dobson. “The Bank That Financed An Empire Is Now Rome’s Most Seductive Hotel.” Forbes, 2026. 🔗
Corinthia Hotels. “Corinthia Rome.” Official site. 🔗
Six Senses. “Six Senses Rome.” Official site. 🔗
The Rome Edition. “The Rome Edition.” Official site. 🔗
Related reading on Emily in Italy
Rome in January: A Practical Travel Guide — Covers what’s open, what’s closed, and how to handle winter crowds and weather in the city.
Rome’s Best Women’s Clothing Shops for Chic Style — A guide to boutiques near Campo Marzio and other central neighborhoods, useful if you’re staying near Corinthia.
Rome’s Michelin Restaurants Offer Inventive Italian Dishes — Compares Viride with other Michelin-starred options in the city, including price and reservation tips.
Dolomites to Rome: A Central Italy Extended Journey — If you’re pairing a Rome stay with a trip north, this itinerary connects both regions.