17th Century Palazzo in Rome

Tucked away in a 17th century palazzo next to the famous Piazza Navona square, is a hidden gem in the heart of Rome. The five floor, 10-suite boutique hotel blends 1600s elegance, iconic Italian design, and an intentionally-rough-yet-refined aesthetic to create a poetic mix of contemporary nostalgic luxury in the Eternal City. Created by hotelier Gabriele Salini, a eighth generation Roman with a lifelong passion for art and vintage design, the property – which is the first in his GS Collection portfolio – is as much a living art project as it is a hospitality concept. Previously his family’s home, Salini converted the property into a patchwork of rustic-chic design, keeping the building’s original timber ceilings, exposed concrete and patina walls while adding in striking layers of contemporary art and mid-century furnishings, before reopening it as a hotel in March 2015.

Originally built in the 1600s and renovated in the late 1800s, its more than 400-year-old history provides guests a Roman experience in the truest sense. Its architecture showcases the typical bourgeois style of the 17th century with a facade bearing an original Latin inscription, “SATIS AMPLA QVAE SECVRITATE RIDEAT,” meaning big enough to give a feeling of security. Unearthed fragments of wall decoration and pencil sketches from years gone by are complemented by stylish reclaimed pieces from the Sicilian design firm Leftover. Avant-garde furniture characterizes the hotel’s pioneering style — spider-limbed Sputnik chandeliers, parchment beds, bar trolleys — which pays homage to the boldness of Italian mid-century design through works by such revered names as Ico Parisi, Giò Ponti, Venini, Seguso and Fornasetti. Contemporary art from Salini’s personal collection and modern pieces juxtapose the patina of rough-hewn walls and original flooring. The design scheme, curated by Giorgia Cerulli, works to create a Fellini-esque visual landscape that meshes forms, lines, and atmospheres.

Each of the 10 guest rooms have distinct personalities — some more romantic, others more elegantly minimalist — inspired by Italian designers of the 1930-50s and adorned with statement-making furnishings, in situ contemporary art, and original frescoes. Amenities include annexed living rooms, dining tables, Smeg refrigerators, and kitchenettes. Two penthouse suites totaling more than 2,000 square feet can be joined together to occupy the entire top floor, offering clawfoot bathtubs, mezzanine bedrooms, and rooftop terraces with cityscape views of bustling Rome. Indulgence comes in many forms, not least of which is the glamorous bathrooms where gleaming dark-mirrored tiles and welcoming two-tone cast-iron bathtubs await.

Cocktail Bar

Rather than line up at a reception desk, guests check in at Gallery Bar, a dramatic cocktail bar that beckons visitors in with a brushed-brass counter, vintage leather armchairs, and shimmering mirrored tile walls. A notorious meeting ground for artists, gallery owners, and international and local creatives, Gallery Bar offers a selection of local wines, signature cocktails and aperitivo snacking in an informal yet sophisticated atmosphere. Special evenings dedicated to art and live music make it a gathering spot for both Romans and the global public alike. Though there’s no restaurant on the premises, breakfast is served in the rooms and the hotel’s “lifestyle manager” is always willing to arrange meals at cozy trattorias just down the street. On the ground floor, the “Sito Room” serves as a private living room with an open kitchen where guests can enjoy light breakfasts, sourced daily from Rome’s finest purveyors and freshly made in-house by the hotel’s cook.

Location

Located steps away from Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most sought-after landmark squares and outdoor meeting points, makes it an excellent base to fully discover the inner characteristics of the city and its local culture. The property’s front doors open up to the famous sculpture of Pasquino, the most well-known “talking” statue of Rome, placed in a corner of Palazzo Braschi on which it is a centuries-old tradition to affix the so-called “pasquinate” — messages anonymously directed to the most important and powerful figures of the city and country. The central location is ideal for checking out both the must-see tourist spots and the neighborhood’s delightful array of wine bars and hip restaurants. On Rome’s oft- trodden cobbled streets, the Parione district strikes a delicate balance between busy tourist center and surprisingly quiet niche. Parione has it all: from one of Bernini’s most spectacular pieces, the Four Rivers Fountain, to winding side streets that hide simple cafes, antique shops, galleries, and serene moments.

Having grown up in Rome, Salini is able to share with travelers the best the neighborhood has to offer, including a list of his personal recommendations and the kind of insider access only a true local can arrange. Thoughtfully curating experiences that diverge from the conventional city tours of the Roman capital, such as: following the footsteps of Caravaggio, becoming a designer for a day at the world-renowned Accademia di Costume e Moda, taking an intimate walkthrough of a private palace, and Vespa-trekked itineraries to the city’s most hidden splendors.

Guest Amenities

Gallery Bar open 7 a.m. – 12 a.m. every day

24-hour front desk

24-hour in-room wine service

24-hour lifestyle manager

In-room organic breakfast, served any time of day, along with in-room lunch and dinner options

In-room massage services available upon request

Fully array of beauty, styling, and physiotherapy services available with 24 hours’ notice

Selection of curated “unconventional experience” tours of the city

Laundry and dry cleaning service available Monday to Friday

Airport transfer upon request

Bicycle rentals

Room Types

Suite: 40m2 (430sqft) | One king bed | Separate sitting area | Courtyard view

Pasquino Suite Plus:  70m2 (753sqft) |  One king bed | City view | Terrace

Suite Plus:  55m2 (592 sq ft) | One king bed | Various views | Terrace 

Pasquino Suite: 55 m2 (592 sq ft) | One king bed | Large living room with dining table and kitchenette | City view

Penthouse Suite: 130 m2(1,398 sqft) | Two king beds | Living room with kitchenette | City view | Terrace

Suite Apartment:  95 m2 (1,022 sqft) | Two king beds Living room with kitchenette City view

Room Amenities

Linens by Society

Mini bar

Wet bar

Toiletries by Malin+Goetz

Walk-in luxury showers

Slippers and bathrobe

Clawfoot soaking tubs

Complimentary WiFi

 A/C and in-room climate control 

Smart TV

Phone

Coffee maker

Tea kettle

iPod

Hairdryer

Continental breakfast 

Prices

Starting rate: € 420 per night