The Eternal City between Tradition and Technological Design

By Editorial Staff - 14 April 2023
dormakaba has participated in the project

W Hotels, part of the Marriot Bonvoy portfolio, debuted their first hotel in Italy, the W Rome, approximately one year ago. The result of an architectural project and restoration of two historic buildings dating to the 19^th century, the property is a few steps from the Villa Borghese gardens. The designer of this ambitious project was Eclettico Design, a brand of the Lombardini22 group dedicated to the hospitality and luxury residential sector. New York-based studio Meyer Davis was responsible for the interior design. The result is a place devoted to hospitality in which the history of the Eternal City can be relived through the enhancement of design, art, music, food and wine, as well as the layout and space distribution choices. Particular attention was given to the common areas, for example, in order to increase their potential for collaboration and socialization. The structure hosts 162 rooms and suites, two restaurants and a gym. The protagonists of the hotel are the several indoor and outdoor common areas, including the W Lounge, which brings Roman social life onto the property by hosting live music and DJ sets, further event spaces, and the rooftop overlooking Rome.

La Città Eterna tra tradizione e design tecnologico © Andrea Brandino, courtesy Dormakaba

The design of W Rome that connects past and present, the sharp, geometric lines, and the spaces that are frescoed or embellished with works of art are in constant dialogue with the technology and innovation that respond to the needs for better reception, safety and comfort. In this context, dormakaba’s access control solutions play an important role. The company provided locks, handles, door closers and devices specially made for the management of the elevators.

Pixel locks which allow smartphone access and retro-style handles manufactured by Dnd were selected in harmony with the interior design and the shapes of the colors of the doors.

Elevator access is managed by the RAC 5 multi-floor controller, which is connected to the concealed SR 3 reader hidden within a polished custom chrome plate integrated into the elevator body.

To ensure quick and safe escape routes, the glass doors in the restaurant area are equipped with dormakaba PHA 2000 panic bars in a stainless-steel finish.

The access control hardware is managed by System 6000, a software featuring a mobile access option and integrated with the Marriott application. Using the dormakaba system, the hotel can count on security and convenience of access, guaranteeing a high-quality guest experience in line with the style and tradition of the Marriot Bonvoy chain.