Botteghe Oscure: the former headquarters of the Italian Communist Party is being turned into a luxury hotel

From politics to tourism: the historic headquarters of the Italian Communist Party on Via Botteghe Oscure in Rome has embarked on a new chapter – one of luxury hospitality. With the opening of Thompson Rome at this very location – which now houses a new 5-star hotel with 69 rooms – Thompson Hotels, the lifestyle brand of the Hyatt Group, is making its debut in Italia, with rates starting at 500 euros per night.

‘Housed within the former headquarters of the Italian Communist Party, next to Piazza Venezia on Via delle Botteghe Oscure – as stated on the hotel’s website – ‘our luxury 5-star lifestyle hotel places you just a stone’s throw from the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pantheon and many of the landmarks that define the Italian capital. This converted historic building blends architectural heritage with bold, contemporary interiors inspired by Italian craftsmanship’.”

Thompson Rome’s identity is also linked to the history of Via delle Botteghe Oscure, one of the capital’s most significant streets, which played a central role in Italian political life in the post-war period. The refurbishment, as the group explains, has made it possible to restore a spectacular marble staircase and to bring to light a sculptural wall and an inlaid floor by the Italian artist Gio Pomodoro. Bespoke furnishings, natural materials and contemporary artworks complete the hotel’s interiors, which also include 20 suites.

Not just luxury, but also a piece of the history of the Italian Republic and of politics. The historic building, a symbol of politics and of the Italian Communist Party, was built following the demolitions of 1938 and purchased in 1946 for 30 million lire by the party, which was then led by Palmiro Togliatti.

The leaders of the Communist Party passed through the ‘Bottegone’, starting with Palmiro Togliatti, followed by Enrico Berlinguer, as well as other prominent party figures such as Nilde Iotti. Following the ‘Bolognina’ turning point, the historic PCI sign was first replaced by that of the PDS, the Democratic Party of the Left led by Achille Occhetto, and then by the Democrats of the Left, led first by Massimo D’Alema, then by Walter Veltroni and Piero Fassino. The DS remained there until the building was sold, a move deemed necessary to tackle a debt crisis and keep running costs down.