Romeo Hotel - Naples

Masterminded by Japanese visionary Kenzo Tange and created by his son Paul of Kenzo Tange Associates, Romeo is the first contemporary five-star hotel in Naples. Its concept follows Tange’s renowned practice of blending of Japanese and Western design principles.

Mindful of the original glass façade – a rare sight in the ancient city – Tange designed the curvilinear form to symbolise the movement of waves reflecting the hotel’s proximity to the port. The building was previously used as offices for a cruise liner and so benefits from a direct link to the sea, as well as offering views of neighbouring Vesuvius and Capri. Tange wanted to highlight the connection between the building, its history and the sea so added wooden louvers reminiscent of the wooden decking and finishings aboard a ship.

Inside, maritime references abound with B&B Italia providing the craftsmanship for much of the millwork, casegoods, and parquet flooring. The 85 guestrooms, including a Japanese-themed suite, are designed to recall the interior of a ship, each with high-quality and elegant furnishings as well as original handpicked art pieces. B&B Italia supplied and installed the fixed furnishings made in Tabu multi-laminate and ash wood. Celestial king-size beds are dressed in Caprai linen sheets, technology is provided by Quadriga and Bang & Olufsen, and there is a small ‘wine emporium’ in every room.

B&B Italia’s scope of work throughout the hotel consisted of supply and installation of flooring and stone wallcoverings in fine marble, slate and granite (Black Marquina, White Arabesque, Ligurian Slate, Padang Dark) as well as wall finishes in Venetian stucco and a plaster technique known as ‘shikkui’.

On the ground floor, Tange has designed a spacious lobby complete with cigar room, Cristallo Bar featuring original seating by Philippe Starck, and sushi restaurant. It is here where the juxtaposition of Japanese and Italian styles, or more specifically Neapolitan, come together. Tange opted for black granite on the floor with white marble walls, and ebony wood and mirrored glass with a special etched finishing. Water displays and antique armour co-exist with Arabesque marbles and unique objects of European design creating a fusion of east and west.

Freestanding furniture throughout is supplied by a number of Italian manufacturers including the Alone armchair and Pouf Cubo from Poltrona Frau, Lady Jane lamp by Marc Sadler for Serralunga, Smoke Chair by Moooi, and Astoria Hb armchair by Pierantonio Bonacina.
Art plays an integral role in creating Romeo’s vibe with the hotel showcasing a series of prolific art works from the likes of Lello Esposito, Francesco Clemente, and Sergio Fermariello in guestrooms and public spaces. It also holds an antique collection featuring two pieces of 300-year-old Japanese armour. Adding an authentic touch of Neapolitan locale, eight renowned local photographers were invited to capture the faces and places of Naples for works that now adorn the lift foyers of each floor as a permanent exhibition.

Further facilities include five conference and meeting rooms, Il Commandante restaurant, and on the penthouse floor, a 700m2 spa with open-terrace, gym, and outdoor infinity pool.

Romeo
Via Cristoforo Colombo, 45 - 80133 Naples, Italy 
Tel: +39 081 0175001
Web: www.romeohotel.it

Rooms 85 guestrooms including Japanese Suite
Dining Il Comandante Gourmet Restaurant, Samurai Sushi Bar
Drinking Cristallo Bar
Leisure The Spa
Facilites Five meeting rooms