Rocco Forte Hotels has unveiled the refurbishment of Hotel Savoy in Florence and the completion of the latest phase of works at Hotel de Russie in Rome, marking two significant design projects that reflect the character of their respective cities.
Led by Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, the projects were developed with Studio Ferrari in Florence and Studio Moschino in Rome. Together, they reinforce the group's approach to design: creating hotels that feel rooted in place, while offering a contemporary, highly individual guest experience.
HOTEL SAVOY, FLORENCE | Overlooking Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy has completed a full refurbishment following a three-year project supported by an investment of more than €9 million. The redesign strengthens the hotel's connection to Florence, drawing on the city's craftsmanship, culture and refined aesthetic tradition.
“We wanted the interiors to feel more rooted in Florence — more tactile, more characterful, and more reflective of the craftsmanship and culture that make the city so special,” says Olga Polizzi.
Local craftsmanship and sourcing are central to the project, with bespoke parquet flooring, marble, stone detailing, timber finishes and carefully selected textiles used throughout. Arabescato marble and locally sourced stone feature prominently, bringing texture and depth to the interiors. The hotel's 46 rooms and suites have been redesigned to meet the needs of contemporary travel, offering generous layouts, redesigned bathrooms, interconnecting options and flexible configurations suited to couples, families and groups.
The refurbishment also extends to the guest experience through Suite & Beyond, Rocco Forte Hotels' program of destination-led experiences. At Hotel Savoy, these include private visits to Palazzo Strozzi, calligraphy lessons overlooking Ponte Vecchio in partnership with Pineider, and access to Florence's historic leather workshops.
NEW SOCIAL SPACES | The project includes refreshed spaces for dining and gathering, further connecting the hotel to the city. Irene, named after Lady Forte, mother of Sir Rocco Forte and Olga Polizzi, reopens with a new design inspired by a refined Florentine home. Walnut panelling, two-tone marble, rich textiles and soft lighting shape the new interiors, while Fulvio Pierangelini, Creative Director of Food at Rocco Forte Hotels, presents a Tuscan menu paired with regional wines. Next to Irene, Bar Artemisia opens as a theatrical new space dedicated to Artemisia Gentileschi. Inspired by art and Florentine flair, it features decorative surfaces, contemporary detailing and a cocktail list created by Maestro Salvatore Calabrese with Federico Pavan, reinterpreting the Florentine aperitivo with notes including truffle, Chianti and leather. In the lobby, a partnership with Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella introduces guests to one of Florence's most iconic heritage brands from the moment they arrive.
HOTEL DE RUSSIE, ROME | The refurbishment of Hotel de Russie's arrival and reception spaces highlight the growing importance of design as a powerful expression of place across Rocco Forte Hotels. A palette of warm hues, rich textures and carefully chosen materials transforms the guest journey from the moment of arrival, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and sophisticated, while remaining true to the hotel's identity and enduring sense of place.
“We wanted to create a space that feels both welcoming and unexpected, and that expresses a natural sense of elegance,” says Olga Polizzi. “The design draws on a more nuanced idea of Rome — one that moves beyond the obvious references to imperial classicism and instead reflects a city of layers, character and continuity.”
Inspired in part by the interiors of Palazzo Pecci Blunt, the project combines decorative richness with a more restrained architectural language. The result is a contemporary interpretation of Roman style, with subtle references to classic forms alongside carefully selected historical pieces, including an 18th-century glass chandelier and a 17th-century Italian carving.
The new layout creates three distinct areas — entrance, reception, and concierge with a conversation space — designed to improve flow and enhance the guest experience. Walnut panelling defines the lobby and reception, creating a warm, amber-toned atmosphere, while a soft palette of ivory and pale leather runs through rugs, wall finishes and textiles. More than 90 per cent of the furnishings and finishes were made to measure in collaboration with Italian artisans and manufacturers. Key features include a bronze screen behind the concierge desk and bespoke lighting created for the project.
A DESIGN PHILOSOPHY ROOTED IN PLACE | With the refurbishment of Hotel Savoy and Hotel de Russie, Rocco Forte Hotels continues to invest in design that reflects the identity of each destination while enhancing the experience of staying in the city. Distinct in style, the two projects share a common approach: thoughtful design, strong local connections and a clear sense of place.
Hotel Savoy, Florence | Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte hotel, is centrally located in Piazza della Repubblica, in the heart of Florence, surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Brunelleschi Dome, the Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio. Established in 1893, the hotel's elegant design has long made it a gathering place for Florence's elite. Its 79 luxurious rooms and suites combine timeless Italian style with modern touches, curated by Design Director Olga Polizzi. Collaborating with local artisans and cultural institutions, Hotel Savoy has become a respected cultural hub. Guests can enjoy authentic Italian dishes at Irene restaurant, and signature cocktails by Maestro Salvatore Calabrese at the Bar Artemisia.
Hotel de Russie, Rome | The Hotel de Russie is the legendary Roman jewel of the Rocco Forte Hotels group, located along the elegant Via del Babuino between two of Rome's most famous squares, Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo. Situated at the foot of the Pincio hill and a short walk from the picturesque Via Margutta, the Hotel de Russie boasts an incomparably central location. The heritage of the Hotel de Russie dates back to the early 19th century, when the architect Giuseppe Valadier was commissioned to design it. Then an aristocratic palace, it featured an Italian garden divided into terraces, now known as the hotel's famous Secret Garden. Regular visits by representatives of the Russian Imperial House, as well as numerous Russian intellectuals and romantic painters, gave the Hotel de Russie its name. Over time, it consolidated its reputation on the international artistic and cultural scene, hosting figures such as the painter Giacomo Frey, the sculptor John Gibson, a pupil of Canova, Sergei Diaghilev, Vaslav Nijinsky; Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso.
