Nestled between the Baroque-style buildings that make up Rome’s Piazza Navona stands the G-Rough Hotel. This unsuspecting 10-suite hotel is truly a hidden gem in the heart of the Eternal City, ideal for the most discerning, aesthetically-inclined travelers.
The property’s motto –– “Questa casa non è un albergo” –– translates to “This house is not a hotel,” which is truly fitting. The five-floor boutique property boasts intentionally refined aesthetics with a hard edge, which creates a poetic unification of old-world elegance and true Italian luxury. Constructed in the 1600s and renovated in the late 1800s, G-Rough’s 400-plus-year-old history makes for a truly Roman experience.
Hotelier Gabriele Salini is responsible for the imaginative expertise that separates the G-Rough Hotel from all others in the city. As an eighth generation Roman with a deep passion for art and vintage design, the hotel is his own living project––and also the first in his GS Collection portfolio.
Previously Salini’s family home, G-Rough’s architecture showcases the typical bourgeois style of the 17th century with a facade bearing an original Latin inscription. Unearthed fragments of wall decorations and pencil sketches from centuries past are complemented by reclaimed pieces by Sicilian design firm Leftover. Avant-garde furniture and amenities in the form of bar trolleys, parchment beds and robes, and Sputnik chandeliers are present to pay homage to Italian mid-century, yet juxtapose contemporary art from Salini’s personal collection.
Rather than swarm a reception area upon arrival, guests check in at Gallery Bar, a dramatic all-day cocktail and coffee bar adorned with glimmering mirrored tiles, a brushed-brass counter, and vintage leather seating arrangements. Local wines, signature cocktails, and aperitivo in an informal yet sophisticated atmosphere are enjoyed by hotel guests while rubbing elbows with Rome’s haut monde.
Upstairs, each of the suites offer distinctive personalities: some are more elegant, while others are more romantically suited. Yet, all are inspired by Italian designers of the 1930s-1950s. Annexed living rooms house dining tables, Smeg refrigerators, and kitchenettes. Each suite is complete with dark-mirrored tiles and two-tone cast-iron showers. The two penthouse suites on the uppermost floor can be joined together to make up more than 2,000 square feet; both have mezzanine bedrooms, clawfoot bathtubs, and rooftop terraces with grand views of the city.
Growing up in Rome, Salini has long-established relationships with many of the city’s most prominent hubs for art and culture. He works closely with the hotel team to curate experiences that diverge from the conventional city tours. Salini’s exclusive adventures range from Vespa itineraries to Rome’s hidden splendors, an intimate walkthrough of a private palace, following the footsteps of Caravaggio, or even becoming a designer for a day at the world-renowned Accademia di Costume e Moda.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Rome, Italy
Star-Rating: Five-Star
The Vibe: Ancient architecture meets dramatic contemporary design offers aesthetically-inclined travelers respite within the famous Piazza Navona square.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel?: The “Sito Room” acts as the private living room with an open kitchen for hotel guests only. Breakfast items are sourced directly by the property chef from Rome’s finest purveyors, and can be enjoyed in this blue-hued chamber.
Food + Drink: Also the site of guest check-in, the dramatic Gallery Bar serves coffee and cocktails from 7am until midnight every day. There is also 24-hour in-room wine service, as well as in-room organic “G breakfast” served at any time of day, along with in-room lunch and dinner options.
Any Neighborhood Recs? Just a short walk across Corso Vittorio Emanuele II stands Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina, a storied hotspot for Romans and tourists alike. All of the dishes are prepared in the kitchen, which is situated behind the salumeria counter. Enjoy regional Italian dishes at the cold cuts and cheese counter itself, in the cozy extended dining room, or downstairs in the wine cellar.
Amenities: 24-hour front desk; 24-hour in-room wine service; 24-hour lifestyle manager; in-room organic “G breakfast” served any time of day, along with in-room lunch and dinner options; Bicycle rentals; Airport transfer upon request
Rooms: There are 10 guest suites.
Pricing: Starting nightly rate at $360/night
Closest Airport: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport
Other articles you may like:
