The First Musica is the third and latest hotel in Rome from the Pavilions Hotels & Resorts group, which owns a collection of boutique hotels across Asia and Europe.

This attractive, new-build property joins The First Arte and The First Dolce to create a trio of upscale, five star hotels bringing an international edge to Rome’s hospitality scene.

The First Musica distinguishes itself with a strikingly modern design that nevertheless pays homage to the Richard Meier’s iconic Museo dell’Ara Pacis, situated on the opposite riverbank.

Oversized windows and a modern mesh and concrete façade soar vertically in a prime position along the River Tiber, culminating in a double, outdoor terrace on the sixth and seventh floors.

While guests pay upwards of €500 a night to stay here, you can still include The First Musica in your social plans, when in Rome!

The dramatic rooftop terrace bar, Alto, is worth your time for a sunset aperitivo or drinks after dark. In the future, the roof will also be open all day to give you another option for whiling away the hours. Expect to pay €15 for a glass of wine, €18 for a glass of champagne and €20 for a classic cocktail. Light bites available too.


The First Musica Rome is a stunning 5 star hotel near the Vatican, with a dramatic rooftop bar, Alto, and elegant gourmet restaurant, Oliva.

The First Musica: Oliva restaurant review

Aother option is visiting the First Roma Musica’s upscale restaurant, Oliva. In an understated dining room dressed in bronze tones, chef Fabio Pecelli serves refined yet reassuringly local gourmet cuisine.

On my visit, I started with a delicious but simple plate of raw, red Mazzara prawns with burrata (€26). I also sampled an incredible king prawn Catalana, combining prawns with fresh salad vegetables and potato (€34).

For a main course, I tried the exquisite rack of lamb served with Greek yoghurt and broad beans (€38). Desserts include an epic gran dessert platter, including osmosis fruit, mini-icecreams and more (€28).

For a slightly less formal affair, pizzas are served in the bar area, created by talented local pizza chef Jacopo Mercuro.

Finally, from September 2022, expect to add a spa experience to your bucket list at the First Musica. Situated in the basement, it will feature an indoor pool and wellness area offering two treatment rooms for massages and beauty treatments exclusively for The First Roma guests.

And if you love the First Musica, don’t forget to check out its Roman sisters – The First Arte and The First Dolce.

Testaccina was a guest of The First Musica

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