Rome Sweet Home

Rome is known for its historic attractions and vibrant culture, but a new wave of small, unconventional luxury hotels presents yet another reason to visit the Eternal City

- Mano Gonzales

JUST OFF ROME’S most famous square, Piazza Navona (notable for its stunning baroque fountains), G-Rough Hotel looks every bit like the typical 17th-century Roman palazzo. It still bears its original arches and beams inscribed with the Latin words Satis Ampla Quae Securitate Ride at on the façade, which roughly translates to “large enough to make one feel secure.” But this classical impression is instantly broken once you enter the lobby—the walls are clad in mirrored bricks, while the halls are decked out with mid-century furniture awash in cozy ambient lighting. Aside from the original wall fountain installed in the hallway, everything else is up-to-date.

“To connect the past with the present is our language,” says Roman entrepreneur Gabriele Salini, who considered the structure’s own unique attributes when developing the hotel. The walls have been sanded to reveal a gorgeous patina and the original wood-beam ceilings have been exposed. “I am a collector of art. I started from my passion because I wanted to keep the soul of the building. I moved forward from there.”

Salini’s attention to detail didn’t end with the restoration of this centuries-old apartment. In lieu of numbers, each room is named after Italy’s best artists and designers from the 20th century, such as Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi, Silvio Cavatorta, Paolo Venini, and Archimede Seguso. Interior design aficionados will spot pieces from each placed in every room, all from the private collection of Salini himself. The result: 10 suites that are equally indulgent, yet look nothing alike. The windows are wide and boast views of the piazza nearby, bringing in a flattering Italian light. The glamorous bathrooms are covered in golden mirrored tiles, and the sheets are luxurious to the touch. This is a place where rugged meets refined.