How Sina Bernini Bristol Combines History, Art & Modern Comfort

Situated in front of Fontana del Tritone in the heart of Rome, the smart and elegant, Sina Bernini Bristol Hotel, makes an an ideal base for exploring the Eternal City. Having hosted sophisticated guests since 1874, Sina Bernini Bristol offers the ideal blend of classical art, history and modern comforts which visitors seek when traveling through the Italian capital.

The hotel’s history at this iconic location at Piazza Barberini starts in 1874 when the first property was inaugurated, back then as The Bristol, named after the First Baronet of Bristol. From the very beginning, the hotel hosted famous, illustrious figures, which included the likes of Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and even the Queen of England. It was demolished in 1942 to make room for the Universal Exposition of Rome and was completely rebuilt as Italy’s most modern hotel. The name was also changed in order to also include Bernini, after Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the renowned Baroque artist who made the Fontana del Tritone which sits in front of the hotel.

Baroque artworks Sina Bernini Bristol — Baroque artworks. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Bold modern decor Sina Bernini Bristol — Bold modern decor. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Baroque art is a big part of the hotel’s identity, as an homage to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who was also known as the Master of Fountains. The Fontana del Tritone is Bernini’s most celebrated fountain, as the architectural way the basin was built and the beautiful sculpture adorning it is a Baroque masterpiece. Sina Bernini Bristol maintains its close ties to the Baroque period and the artist after which the property is named through the many gorgeous artworks placed throughout the hotel. At every turn, you’ll find majestic marble busts and exquisite fresco wall paintings, that will really put you in the mood for exploring more of Rome’s rich artistic tradition.

Mix of modern and Baroque art. PHOTO NADIA CHO

The guest rooms and suites at Sina Bernini Bristol are the height of quintessential understated elegance. Calming tones of beige, gray and slate blue on black floors create an ambience which is wholly modern and tranquil. The décor of the rooms proves that less is more when it comes to classy, as the subtle touches like velvet upholstered furniture and plush neutral-colored carpets elevate both the aesthetic and functionality. Even the Superior rooms come with sleek floor-to-ceiling shelves for hanging and storing your things.

Elegant modern rooms Sina Bernini Bristol — Elegant modern rooms. PHOTO NADIA CHO

It wouldn’t be a proper hotel room in Rome without an espresso machine. In the rooms, you’ll have a machine that gives you the option to make your espresso corto or lungo, in true Italian fashion. Plus, the minibar is stacked with chianti and high-end snacks, so that you can enjoy your own aperitivo right in the room. If you’re lucky enough to snag a room with a terrace, you’ll get to enjoy fantastic views of the Eternal City. The terraces on the side of the building look out west to the rooftops of Rome and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Signature superior room with terrace. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Modern functionalfurnishings — Modern functional furnishings. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Scallops with ikura, pumpkin and coffee. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Octopus with burrata and nduja. PHOTO NADIA CHO

St Peter's view from rooftop — St Peter’s view from rooftop. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Fettuccine with duck and pistachio Sina Bernini Bristol — Fettuccine with duck and pistachio. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Try the Uramaki Perugia which comes with roasted eel, chestnut, katsuobushi and truffle, or the Gunkan Wagyu Yukhoe with beef tartare, wagyu and quail egg. Our favorite pasta was the fettuccine with duck tartare and pistachio, which features only fresh, hand-rolled pasta, of course. You can venture into other creative dishes like the veal cheek with escarole flan and pine nut mayonnaise or the savory and delicious roast octopus with burrata and n’duja.

You can also catch breathtaking views of the city from the hotel’s spectacular rooftop restaurant, Il Vizio. Il Vizio is unapologetically contemporary, in both food and décor. The menu plays with mixing bold flavors and textures, but always with an emphasis on top-quality ingredients. Throw in a fusion element with a sushi menu curated by Chef Nagano Tetsuo and Il Vizio’s Chef Marco Gargaglia, and you’ve got yourself a menu that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Il Vizio rooftop terrace. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Il Vizio dining room Sina Bernini Bristol — Il Vizio dining room. PHOTO NADIA CHO

There’s also the ornate lobby bar which is an ideal spot to grab drinks and aperitivo in the afternoon. Of course, the bar can whip up any classic cocktails of your choice at any time of the day. Plus, you can order delectable snacks like cheeseboards, salumi and sushi to go with those drinks.

Sina Bernini Bristol is in an ideal location for travelers looking to explore all of Rome’s most iconic sights. The hotel is within walking distance from all the main attractions: just 10 minutes from the Trevi Fountain, 18 minutes from the Pantheon, 20 minutes from the Altare della Patria and also 20 minutes from Piazza del Popolo. It’s easy to walk to wherever you need to go within the city center. The hotel is also situated right in front of the Barberini metro stop, so public transport is easily accessible as well.

Central location at Plaza Barberini. PHOTO NADIA CHO

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the art, history and culture in the heart of Rome, Sina Bernini Bristol is the perfect base from which to explore. Treat yourself to an elegant stay at one of Rome’s most storied hotels at Sina Bernini Bristol.

Views of Rome from rooftop. PHOTO NADIA CHO

Nadia Cho

Communications Associate

As the empowered female behind the blog: International Women of Mystery, Nadia reps Team JST traveling the world in search of exclusive features on hidden gems and cool hotspots. You can find her exploring metropolitan cities or lounging on tropical beaches.