G-Rough

G-Rough artfully combines an evocative setting with beautiful vintage furniture to create a truly one-of-a-kind look. The hotel’s 10 suites are set over five floors of a renovated residential palazzo dating back to the 17th century. Arched doorways, patina walls and parquet flooring impart an Old World romanticism, which is complemented by museum-worthy furniture from acclaimed Italian designers like Giò Ponti, Ico Parisi, and Paolo Venini. There’s plenty here for design aficionados to nerd out over, but guests who can’t distinguish a Silvio Cavatorta piece from an Osvaldo Borsani one will still appreciate the hotel’s undeniable cool factor. G-Rough’s avant-garde design is a natural draw for affluent young couples, but families won’t necessarily feel out of place. The two-bedroom Penthouse Suite offers ample space for a small family, and some of the hotel’s “Un-Experiences” tours are specifically geared toward kids. 

G-Rough is set in the heart of the old city, a block away from Piazza Navona. This walkable neighborhood is the Rome pictured in most imaginations, defined by lively squares, narrow streets, and enchanting historic architecture. The hotel is less than a 15-minute walk away from attractions like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, along with a bevy of wine bars, gelaterias, cafes, and other diverse dining and shopping options. G-Rough is bookended by a pair of bus stops, which are both a two-minute walk away. There’s a direct bus to the Colosseum, which takes 10 minutes to reach, and to Vatican City, which is about 15 minutes away. It’s around a 20-minute bus ride to Roma Termini, the city’s main railway station. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a 40-minute drive away, or it can be reached by public transit in a little over an hour. 

No two suites at G-Rough are exactly alike, with each featuring stylish decor inspired by the work of a well-known Italian designer. Wood-beam ceilings, textured walls, mosaic-tiled floors, and other original building elements create a dreamy backdrop for retro furniture from the 1930s, ‘40s, and ‘50s. Expect elegant pieces like glass chandeliers, marble-topped coffee tables, and velvet lounge chairs. Free Wi-Fi and iPod docks are standard, as are king-size beds fitted with lavish white linen sheets. Wall-mounted flat-screen TVs are playfully covered with a protective cloth embroidered with “Fine” (the Italian word for “end”) like pieces of artwork in a gallery. Miniature Smeg fridges are stocked with a variety of drinks and snacks, from small bottles of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne to M&Ms. Standard rooms include coffee machines, Smeg kettles, and a variety of teas, while upper-level room categories add kitchenettes with hot plates and sinks. Flashy bathrooms are equally design-conscious, decked out in brass fixtures, pedestal sinks, and walls lined with reflective gold tiles. Walk-in showers have rainfall heads, with many rooms also offering claw-foot bathtubs. Malin + Goetz bath products are provided. Separate toilet vestibules include bidets. Suites overlook a peaceful courtyard, while the appropriately named Pasquino Suites have views of buzzing Piazza Pasquino (some guests report noise from the square can be an issue). Suites Pluses (and Pasquino Suites Pluses) have tiny terraces, as do the pair of roomy two-bedroom apartments. 

G-Rough’s attention to design continues with G-Bar, a main level bar that does double duty as a café, reception area, and gallery. Done up with eclectic mid-century furniture and the same dazzling reflective tiles found in guest room bathrooms, the bar offers light bites, along with a solid cocktail menu and an impressive wine list. G-Bar is open to the public, regularly hosting performances, art exhibitions, and other community events.   Most room rates include continental breakfast, served in-suite. It’s a typical European spread of croissants and jam, along with juice and strong Italian coffee. An independent restaurant provides 24-hour room service. Concierge services are also available 24/7. Spa treatments can be arranged in room upon request, and come at an additional cost. Pets can also be accommodated for a surcharge, and the hotel offers tour packages for an extra fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.