Hotel of the Week: Step Inside the Laura Gonzalez-Designed Casa Monti in Rome
The new boutique hotel marries the distinguished designer’s signature style with the bohemian spirit of the burgeoning Italian neighborhood
In a city like Rome, steeped in history, grandeur, and opulence, it is not easy to make an impact. But Casa Monti, an intimate new boutique hotel from the Leitmotiv group, has quickly emerged as a bright new star, setting itself apart for its unique blend of understated elegance and artisanal flair.
Located on a bustling cobblestone street in the heart of Rome’s burgeoning Monti neighborhood, the five-star Casa Monti has been conceived as an elegant artist’s abode, which offers not only a luxurious place to rest at the end of a day’s sightseeing but also a spot to truly be immersed in the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the Eternal City. It is the singular creative vision of celebrated Parisian interior designer Laura Gonzalez, who has masterfully blended the rich history of Italian craftsmanship with a unique bohemian flair, adding her signature dose of whimsy and myriad artisanal flourishes throughout.
Arriving in Rome is, of course, never a peaceful experience, with its buzzing energy and chaotic maze of traffic and weaving Vespas. But pulling up outside the six-story hotel on Via Panisperna, guests first encounter a bright orange vintage Fiat 500 with weathered canvas luggage strapped to the trunk. Once inside, a calming, creative sanctuary beckons with an intimate, residential atmosphere—a far cry from the hustle and bustle outside and a world away from the usual gilded marble of Rome’s beloved five-star hotels.
Here, the guiding design ethos is sprezzatura, a uniquely Italian concept that refers to a special kind of effortless, nonchalant ease—the art of making something difficult look easy. Every detail is richly decorated with layers upon layers of creative references, but it never feels overdone. The lobby sets the tone with its explosion of color and pattern coupled with dreamy hand-painted frescoes of trees and seating arrangements upholstered in Gonzalez’s signature maximalist clash of colors. An interesting assortment of art and travel books and other curios line the walls, adding to the domestic feel.
In the main areas, carefully sourced antiques mingle with bespoke Italian pieces and commissioned works, and there are playful twists on classic Roman motifs throughout, from the intricate mosaic work to the hand-painted wallpaper on the staircases by Paris-based artisan Florence Bamberger, which playfully treat Roman figures like Egyptian hieroglyphics. Art, of course, is everywhere, including a series of sketches by Alberto Giacometti, and antique black-and-white photographs of Rome.
Intimately sized, there are just 26 rooms and 10 suites, and no two are the same. Each is jam-packed with personality, including boldly patterned upholstered headboards above the king size beds, bespoke striped wallpaper topped with custom artworks, and sculptural Gonzalez-designed lampshades. The baths are clad in a bold red tile, with large walk-in showers and Susanne Kaufmann products. Every night, turn-down service includes thoughtful touches such as branded Casa Monti silk eye masks to match the red velvet Roman-style slippers, and sachets of melatonin- and CBD-laced gummies to promote a restful sleep.
For those traveling with little ones, chic wooden cribs can be requested in all the rooms–and guests are welcomed with Roman-inspired activity books. For a splurge, the Roman Suite includes a private terrace with a separate living and bedroom and a large freestanding tub.
The restaurant, located on the ground floor, evokes the feeling of a classic trattoria, complete with a small marble fountain in an open-air courtyard. The food is traditional Roman fare and highlights include a modern twist on vitello tonnato with anchovy sauce and their own versions of cacio e pepe and amatriciana. Breakfast, which is served in the same room, is a generous buffet with a perfect assortment of baked pastries and Italian cakes.
The rooftop bar, which is already popular with those in the know in Rome, boasts impressive views and a bar menu with a fun French Riviera theme for the summer—think cocktails such as a Negroni with Provencal herbs or a Mojito Riviera, with traditional French pissaladière anchovy and olive tart and olive tapenade.
The genius of Casa Monti, ultimately, lies in its seamless integration with its surroundings. The Monti neighborhood, a captivating labyrinth of gently sloping, picturesque streets, is filled with ateliers of glassworkers, ironworkers, and woodworkers, punctuated by chic independent fashion boutiques alongside art and design galleries. On weekends, the main streets are filled with craft markets offering an interesting assortment of wares.
After exploring, a visit to the spa on the fifth floor is a must. Styled like an ancient Roman bath, with a bright yellow marble-clad jacuzzi and terrace overlooking the city. A treatment menu designed by Austrian holistic health expert Susanne Kaufmann includes services that focus on one’s entire wellbeing with products that utilize the finest natural Alpine ingredients. A highlight begins with an invigorating body scrub before a full body and scalp massage using holistic massage techniques with warm oils.
At Casa Monti, the intention is clear: to draw guests into the energetic current of an artist’s life, celebrating the vibrant local culture within its walls. It is an ode to Italian creativity, deeply rooted in the bohemian spirit and artisanal legacy of the Monti district, where guests will surely leave feeling relaxed and inspired.