5-star aparthotel in Palazzo Rhinoceros, between Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum, with design apartments by Jean Nouvel and views over ancient Rome.
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Rhinoceros is a 5-star aparthotel in the heart of Rome, housed in Palazzo Rhinoceros of the Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti, between the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum. The 24 apartments were designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, who merged the original structures of the historic building with contemporary solutions.
The accommodations, ranging from 37 to 68 square metres, feature a full kitchen with coffee machine, home automation systems, branded amenity kits and flat-screen TVs; several room types offer a bathtub and views over ancient Rome. The property caters to those seeking a design stay in a historic setting, from couples to families needing larger spaces such as the Penthouse Apartment or the One-Bedroom Suite.
Guests staying at Rhinoceros have access to free private tours of the Fondazione Alda Fendi and priority booking at partner restaurants. Breakfast, continental and Italian with gluten-free options, is included in the rate. The location, rated 9.5 by guests, allows Piazza Venezia to be reached in a 10-minute walk and the Colosseum in 15.
Rhinoceros offers seven apartment types, ranging from 37 to 68 square metres, all with private bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar and full kitchen with hob, refrigerator, dishwasher and coffee machine. Soundproofed walls and design furnishings by Jean Nouvel accompany every stay, while views over ancient Rome characterise most of the units.
The main differences concern the size and layout of the spaces: the Superior Apartment and the Studio are the most compact options, the latter with two single beds; the One-Bedroom Suites and the Deluxe Apartments offer a dining area and separate living area; the Penthouse Apartment, the largest at 68 sqm, reserves the most extensive view over the surrounding archaeological remains. Some units feature a bathtub instead of a shower.
The Superior Apartment is the entry-level room type in the range, with 37 sqm comprising a separate bedroom, a living room and a kitchen with coffee machine. The window opens onto views of ancient Rome, accompanying the stay from the moment you wake up.
Larger than the Superior by a few square metres, the Deluxe Apartment offers extra space between the living room and bedroom, still with views over ancient Rome and a full kitchen with coffee machine.
This suite stands out for its separate dining area and a more defined living area compared to the Deluxe apartments, designed for those who want to keep day and night spaces distinct during their stay.
At 68 sqm, the Penthouse Apartment is the most spacious room type in the property, with the widest view over ancient Rome and a full kitchen with coffee machine, ideal for extended stays.
The only room type with two separate single beds, the Studio is designed for guests who don’t share a bed: it features a bathroom with shower and amenity kit, a kitchen equipped with hob and dishwasher, a living area with flat-screen TV and a dining area.
This second Deluxe variant, with a shower instead of a bathtub, features a separate bedroom with a queen bed, a living area with flat-screen TV and a dining area, all within just 37 sqm.
Compared to the first suite, this variant has a shower instead of a bathtub and a queen bed, keeping the same 46 sqm size with a living area, minibar and separate dining area.
Rhinoceros offers guests a 24-hour reception, concierge service, private and express check-in and check-out, luggage storage and a tour desk. Those seeking relaxation can enjoy massages, spa/wellness packages, yoga and fitness classes, as well as a hairdressing service and beauty treatments.
For mobility, bicycle rental, walking and cycling tours, shuttle service and car rental are available, while the staff organises themed evenings and cooking classes. The dining service includes a bar, minibar, room service and the option of breakfast in the room, with menus for special diets available on request.
Every apartment is equipped with air conditioning, a safe, a lift and free WiFi connection, with options for family rooms and rooms accessible to guests with disabilities.
Rhinoceros occupies a historic building in the Velabro district, between the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum, in one of the city’s densest archaeological areas. Just steps away, only 100 metres, are the Temples of Portunus and Hercules Victor, while the Church of Sant’Anastasia is 150 metres away: around the property, ancient Rome and everyday life coexist seamlessly.
Piazza Venezia can be reached in about a 10-minute walk (850 metres) and the Colosseum in 15 minutes (900 metres); the Imperial Forums and the Capitoline Museums are both about 400 metres away. Circo Massimo and Colosseo metro stations are 750 metres away, useful for getting to the city centre or Termini station. Roma Ostiense railway station is 1.8 km away, while Fiumicino and Ciampino airports are 18 and 12 km away respectively.
Guests staying here can devote their mornings to visiting Palatine Hill and the Forums, then head up to the Orange Garden (450 metres) in the late afternoon, one of the city’s most beloved panoramic spots. In the evening, Trastevere and Campo de’ Fiori, both about a kilometre away, offer trattorias and nightlife venues, while art lovers can reach the Capitoline Museums or venture as far as Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain, the latter 1.3 km away.
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Reviews particularly praise the location and staff availability, both close to top marks, along with the cleanliness and comfort of the apartments. Value for money, while still solid, receives the most modest score, consistent with the property’s luxury positioning in the heart of Rome.
Rhinoceros is located between the Circus Maximus and the Roman Forum, about 900 metres (a 15-minute walk) from the Colosseum.
Yes, Rhinoceros accepts pets on request, with a possible additional charge.
Yes, breakfast at Rhinoceros is included in the rate and includes continental, Italian and gluten-free options.
Yes, Rhinoceros requires a security deposit of €300, payable by credit card and refundable within 14 days of check-out after an inspection of the accommodation’s condition.
Rhinoceros’s rates vary depending on the season, apartment type and stay dates. You can check the updated price from our search partners.
Rhinoceros does not have private on-site parking; street parking is available nearby.
The apartments at Rhinoceros were designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, inside Palazzo Rhinoceros of the Fondazione Alda Fendi – Esperimenti.
