InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace

Vistosi lighting collections evoke the spirit of La Dolce Vita within the new InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace.

A project curated by Veronica Givone of IA Interior Architects.

Europe regularly welcomes the opening of new luxury hotels, particularly during the summer season. For many years, however, Rome remained largely absent from this trend. That changed dramatically in 2023, a year that marked a significant transformation in the hospitality landscape of the Eternal City.

Throughout 2023, Rome witnessed the opening of several new five-star properties, experiencing a true renaissance in luxury hospitality. Among the most notable arrivals were Bulgari Hotel Roma, Six Senses Rome and InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, while prestigious brands such as Rosewood Rome, The Rome EDITION, Nobu Hotel Roma, Baccarat Hotel Rome, Mandarin Oriental Rome, Four Seasons Rome and ROMEO Roma were expected to strengthen the city's luxury offering in the following years.

Among these developments, one recently opened property stands out for its careful restoration of a historic landmark: the magnificent InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, inaugurated on 1 May 2023.

Located on the legendary Via Veneto, the heart of Rome's Dolce Vita, the InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, the luxury brand of IHG Hotels & Resorts, reopened following an extensive renovation programme that lasted two and a half years and required an investment of approximately €45 million.

Vistosi was selected as the decorative lighting supplier for several key areas of the hotel. The Armonia wall lamp is featured in the meeting room and restaurant, while Giogali pendant chandeliers in an amber finish illuminate the main hall in front of the grand staircase. The Jube collection, in both table and suspension versions, has been installed within the reception areas, contributing to the warm and refined atmosphere of the interiors.

Giogali is a tribute to the flexibility and elegance of glass. Designed in the 1960s by Angelo Mangiarotti, the collection is distinguished by hand-linked Murano glass elements that come together to form luminous structures appearing to float effortlessly in space. Configurations can range from simple pendant fixtures to highly complex installations, making each composition a unique expression of character and design.

With its timeless aesthetic and strong historical identity, Giogali appeals to those who appreciate iconic design and artisanal craftsmanship. While perfectly suited to sophisticated residential interiors, the collection finds its fullest expression in prestigious public settings such as luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and concert halls, where its sculptural presence can become a true focal point of the space.

Vistosi does more than illuminate spaces through its collections; it celebrates the timeless beauty of Murano glass, creating unforgettable atmospheres. Each piece stands as a testament to Italian craftsmanship, designed for those who seek nothing less than excellence and desire lighting that is both highly functional and extraordinarily beautiful. This philosophy is perfectly embodied by the Armonia collection, which blends contemporary design with a rich heritage of glassmaking traditions, incorporating techniques such as balloton, rigadin dritto, and rigadin ritorto.

One of the most captivating additions to the collection is a large-scale suspension fixture featuring an elegant oval frame supporting four coloured cylinders crafted from pure crystal and enriched with refined decorative textures. This new configuration creates a harmonious balance between visual and tactile perception, generating a decorative and emotional impact of remarkable intensity.

The glassmaking techniques employed throughout the collection pay tribute to the traditions and craftsmanship of Murano. Balloton gives the glass a distinctive cross-relief texture that creates unique optical effects; *rigadin*, available in both straight and twisted versions, is a classic ribbed pattern historically used in Murano glassware to enhance the refraction of light; while a new elongated diamond pattern introduces an additional layer of contemporary sophistication.

The combination of colours and artisanal techniques makes the light emitted by the Armonia collection exceptionally warm and enveloping. Whether in its suspension or wall-mounted versions, Armonia creates a welcoming atmosphere while showcasing the beauty, depth, and expressive potential of handcrafted crystal.

The Jube collection evokes a distinctive vintage charm through four lamp typologies — pendant, wall, table, and floor versions — all equipped with integrated LED light sources. Defined by a timeless elegance, Jube stands out for its refined finishes and meticulous attention to detail.
The collection features blown-glass diffusers available in three different sizes and five captivating colours: smoky grey, burnt earth, antique green, crystal, and amethyst. The two larger sizes also offer the possibility of combining a secondary white glass diffuser, creating a sense of visual continuity and harmonious balance within the composition.
Metal finishes, including satin gold, satin steel, and the more recent matte black option, further enhance the sophistication of the collection. Thanks to its essential yet elegant design, Jube is remarkably versatile, adapting seamlessly to a wide range of interiors and design styles, from residential settings to hospitality environments.
The integration of LED technology ensures highly efficient, high-quality illumination while contributing to the creation of warm, welcoming, and refined atmospheres. Through the combination of artisanal glassmaking expertise, contemporary performance, and understated elegance, Jube embodies Vistosi's ability to reinterpret classic forms through a modern lens.