The Luxury of Otivm

Otivm Roof Bar sits right next to the Campidoglio, better known as Capitoline Hill. One of the seven sacred hills of Rome.
The moment you step onto the terrace, the view in front of you feels unmistakably Roman.

The first thing that catches your eye is the massive white structure rising over Piazza Venezia, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, a symbol of Italian unification.
Built entirely of marble, it dazzles under the midday sun and softens into a gentle glow at dusk, quietly reminding you of the sheer scale and ambition of Rome.

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Christianity and Judaism, different cultures and histories, naturally sharing the same view. That, too, feels very Roman. 

Standing here, it feels as if over 2,000 years of Roman history, religion, and culture unfold before you like a single panoramic photograph. Holding a drink in your hand while taking in this view feels less like sightseeing, and more like truly being inside the city of Rome.

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Spending Quiet Time for Yourself, the Ancient Roman Way

The hotel’s name, Otivm, comes from the Latin word otium, meaning “quiet time for oneself.”
It doesn’t simply mean rest. It refers to reclaiming mental space, enriching the soul, and spending time on art, philosophy, learning, and nature slowly and intentionally.

For the aristocrats and intellectuals of ancient Rome, otium was sacred. It meant stepping away from the noise of the city and the world of politics to read, write, think, create, and spend meaningful time with family and friends.

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The Roman statesman Cicero described otium as “a state of personal peace made possible by peace in the state,” a noble period devoted to study and reflection away from public duty.

The philosopher Seneca later wrote that while people tend to waste time, life becomes truly rich when one takes quiet time for oneself.

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Otivm Hotel embodies this philosophy beautifully. The building itself is an ancient structure, carefully restored and reimagined with modern design while paying homage to ancient Rome. One highlight not to miss is the historic marble arch still standing on the third floor a space where layers of Roman time can be felt, quietly but unmistakably.

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Choosing Cocktails by Color and Emotion: Otivm’s Signature Creations

Aperitivo at Otivm Roof Bar is not just about having a good drink.

The bar is curated by bar manager Matteo Gittoni, and the theme of his cocktail list is simple yet striking: Mood.

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Instead of listing drinks by ingredients alone, the menu is built around emotions, expressed through color. Red stands for Rabbia (anger), purple for Calma (calm), and so on.

Every detail the color, aroma, intensity, and even the lingering finish, is designed to reflect a specific emotional state.

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Sustainability is also taken seriously. Fruits and vegetables are used in their entirety, including peels and cores, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

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The Mood series features eight drinks in total: six signature cocktails and two non-alcoholic options inspired by white and black.

Red: anger and intense emotion, Orange: passion and energy, Yellow: change and mental clarity, Green: regeneration and relaxation, Blue: stability and trust, Purple: calm and composure, White (non-alcoholic): purity, Black (non-alcoholic): mystery

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Red | Anger

Built on Patrón Blanco tequila infused with yellow pepper. Smoky mezcal, the spice of Sichuan pepper, Ancho Reyes, and capsaicin extract add layers of heat and intensity. Even the pepper skins are dried and turned into powder, ensuring nothing is wasted. It’s a bold, fiery drink that captures raw emotion through flavor.

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Orange | Transformation & Passion

Bombay Sapphire gin meets sake and apricot liqueur in an unexpected combination. Fruity yet structured, it carries a sense of forward momentum as if something new is about to begin.

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Yellow | Brightness & Change

Coffee takes center stage here. Angels’ Envy bourbon is infused with roasted coffee beans, then blended with Scotch whisky, coffee liqueur, Greek yogurt, and coffee soda. Surprisingly light on the palate, it feels crisp and mentally awakening.

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Green | Relaxation & Renewal

A drink that invites you to take a deep breath. Santa Teresa 1796 rum infused with green pepper, paired with kiwi cordial and soda. Fresh, gentle, and soothing, it gradually eases tension with every sip.

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Blue | Trust & Stability

A cocktail made for calm evenings. Blueberry-infused vodka, spirulina, and a hint of pomegranate vinegar for soft acidity, finished with Franciacorta. Elegant and well-balanced perfect for quiet conversation.

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Purple | Peace & Calm

Bombay Sapphire Dry Gin is combined with a purple cabbage shrub, accented with acidity, saltiness, and just a touch of spice. Somehow, it gently pulls your focus inward, leaving you feeling composed and reflective.

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White | Purity & Perfection

A crystal-clear non-alcoholic drink made with alcohol-free gin, scented with rose and thyme.

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Black | Mystery

A grown-up non-alcoholic option, defined by the sweet aroma of tonka bean and the depth of charcoal.

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Each cocktail is served with a trio of light bites, curated by chef Giulia Goia.

The set includes panzanella with bread, tomato, stracciatella, and basil, a taco filled with smoked salmon and ricotta cream, finished with lime; and finally, a dessert of rye bread topped with banana cream, maple syrup, and crispy chips. Light and well-balanced, the food complements the cocktails without ever overpowering them.

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Matteo Gittoni, the Mind Behind the Mood Cocktails

The creator of the Mood series is bar manager Matteo Gittoni.
At just 27 years old, he has already built experience at renowned Roman venues such as Baccano and The Race Club, and is now also the owner of Sinners Club. He is widely seen as one of the young figures shaping Rome’s contemporary bar culture.

Matteo’s strength lies not only in making delicious drinks, but in using mixology to tell stories and express emotions. Color, aroma, flavor, and concept are carefully constructed so that guests naturally connect their own feelings to what’s in the glass. The result is a world that feels complex yet playful, thoughtful yet accessible.

That’s why the cocktails at Otivm Roof Bar feel like more than just drinks, they feel like experiences. Every glass carries Matteo’s philosophy and sensitivity within it.

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Why not spend an evening savoring exceptional cocktails while embracing otium that precious idea the ancient Romans cherished so deeply, taking quiet, meaningful time for yourself.

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Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill)
A historically and symbolically important hill that has served as the political and religious center of Rome since ancient Roman times. It remains the heart of Rome’s civic administration today.

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Vittorio Emanuele II Monument

A national monument symbolizing the unification of Italy, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland. Its monumental white marble structure stands out prominently in Rome’s cityscape.

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Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore di Roma)
The largest Jewish synagogue in Rome, distinguished by its square design and its striking, box-shaped aluminum dome.

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