G-rough

Rome is a city with a history quite unlike any other, once the heart of one of the world’s greatest empires and a hotbed of art, culture and architectural works throughout the ages. As you delve deeper and deeper into the city and uncover Roman ruins, renaissance masterpieces and baroque splendour, it is like peeling back the layers of history one by one – a concept taken rather literally at the G-Rough, one of Rome’s coolest new design hotels.

In the heart of the centro storico, the G-Rough has no shortage of historical inspiration all around, and the concept is to create a nostalgic and authentically Italian sense of luxury based on history and design. Set in a grand 16th century palazzo, the G-Rough’s walls have been stripped of their paint and wallpaper, with layers of history literally peeled back and only faint traces of colour from decades and centuries past remaining.

You can still feel the original 16th century soul of the building, thanks to the meandering floorplan and original architectural features such as its beautifully tiled floors. However, against the blank canvas of the exposed walls, the hotel’s designers have recreated the Rome of the 30s, 40s and 50s, with vintage pieces by leading 20th century Italian designers used to create a retro, ‘shabby-chic’ aesthetic. Meanwhile you may even find drawings scrawled on the walls or beams to complete the rough and ready character of the building.

Do not be fooled by this rough-around-the-edges approach to design - there is nothing rough about the quality of service or the luxurious feel of the facilities in the rooms. As you enter the hotel, you may notice a Latin inscription on the façade: Satis Ampla Quae Securitate Rideat, meaning ‘large enough to give a feeling of security’. Yet when you make your way into your private suite, you will realise that this is something of an understatement – stretching over at least 40m2, rooms are big enough to not only provide a feeling of security but to help you unwind in complete luxury, with facilities including televisions, air conditioning, free high speed Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations and tea and coffee makers.

It is tempting to simply stay put in your private central Rome apartment (indeed, you can even have your continental breakfast brought up for you every morning), but there is also plenty to tempt you out of your suite. Downstairs is a chic bar where you can enjoy a wine selection sourced from niche cellars and small Italian producers, while you can also admire works from local up-and-coming artists and designers.

Once you venture outside, you find yourself in a prime location surrounded by the beauty and intrigue of Rome’s historic centre. The famous Piazza Navona is right on your doorstep, renowned for its ornate fountains, baroque mansions and its lively buzz of tourists, locals and street performers. And beyond that Rome is one enormous treasure trove of architectural wonders, artistic masterpieces, stylish boutiques and so much more. It is almost impossible to see everything, but at least you can rest assured that in the G-Rough you have already found one of Rome’s most unique and most desirable destinations!