Casa Monti: Inside Rome’s Most Aesthetic Hotel
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42 minutes ago
A design-led stay in the heart of the city's bohemian district
History seeps through the cobbled streets of Monti, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Rome – home to the Colosseum and the Forum, and the place where Julius Caesar spent his early life (known then as the Subura). But tucked away on Via Panisperna sits one of the city’s most modern hotels, boutique five-star Casa Monti. Since opening in 2024 as the first Italian property from the design-led Leitmotiv group – the name behind the Martin Brudnizki-crafted La Fantaisie in Paris – the hotel has quickly garnered a reputation as one of Rome’s trendiest spots, attracting a cool clientele who flock to the rooftop bar for sundowners. But what’s it like to stay there? C&TH’s Ellie Smith checks in.
Hotel Review: Casa Monti, Rome
STAY
Lovers of maximalist interiors will be in their element at this eclectic hotel, where every corner makes an impression. It’s the work of French interior designer Laura Gonzalez, who set out to transform the 18th-century property into a warm, intimate Roman home – albeit one with 36 bedrooms, a rooftop spa and plenty of flamboyance.
(c) Jerome Galland
Rather than sticking to the well-trodden gilded glamour of Roman palazzo hotels, Casa Monti is playful, vibrant and quirky. A bright yellow Fiat 500 parked on the street leads guests into the lobby, which sets the tone with clashing colours, mismatched patterns and unique artworks including frescoes of trees and flocks of swallows (plus many carefully placed mirrors which are destined for selfies). This weaves through to the bar, where zebra print seats are paired with checkerboard flooring; over in the restaurant there are striped banquettes and walls adorned with hand-drawn plates. But amid all this voguish flair the Roman history shines through via tongue-in-cheek nods to the city’s past – from the plaster busts by Marina Mankarios at the entrance to the hand-painted wallpaper on the staircases, which depicts Roman figures as Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Room categories range from Cosy to the three-bedroom Apartment with its own 32 sqm terrace, and from April to October guests can stay in the Art Suite: a living canvas designed by artist-in-residence Michael McGregor. I stayed in a Superior Room decked out with a green and pink headboard, checkered sofa, bright yellow curtains and marble bathroom with a red brick walk-in shower. It’s an aesthete’s Pinterest board brought to life, but this isn’t a style over substance situation; everything has been designed for prime comfort and pleasure too. A canopy curtain opens to reveal a large TV, for example. Bedrooms also come equipped with Marshall speakers, iPads and fluffy gowns – and if the ultra-comfy beds aren’t enough to guarantee a good night’s sleep, the CBD gummies and satin eye masks waiting on your pillow are sure to offer a helping hand.
DO
With some of the city’s most famous landmarks just down the road it’s unlikely you’ll be stuck for things to do here (and Casa Monti provides a handy map of curated hotspots). Alongside all the big guns be sure to check out Basilica di San Clemente, one of Rome’s oldest churches located just a five-minute walk away from the Colosseum – particularly fascinating for those interested in architecture, as you can go underground to see how the ancient site evolved. Climb the hill to see San Pietro in Vincoli, another basilica which houses Michelangelo’s often overlooked Moses statue; and have a snoop around Sacripante, an art gallery housed in a former convent which doubles up as a speakeasy-style bar.
In between sightseeing make some time to lose yourself in the scenic streets of Monti, which could have been plucked straight from an old-school Italian movie. Its narrow alleys are brimming with al fresco cafes, charming trattorias and vintage stores (check out Pifebo and Humana), all of which are backdropped by shuttered orange, peach and yellow buildings, many with ivy-covered facades. Have nibbles at bustling wine bar Ai Tre Scalini, try wacky ice cream flavours at Fatamorgana, and join the stylish young locals for an early evening Aperol Spritz at Piazza della Madonna Dei Monti.
(c) Jerome Galland
After wandering around the many hills of Rome, rest your weary legs at Casa Monti’s blissful Susanne Kaufmann spa, which features rooftop views, exquisite mosaics lining the walls and a bubbling marble jacuzzi.
EAT
Dinner in the Casa Monti Ristorante is a delight, focusing on traditional Roman cuisine with contemporary twists. Begin with homemade focaccia – served with olive oil in tongue-in-cheek ‘Stolen From Casa Monti’ dishes – ahead of starters like fried artichoke (a speciality of Jewish cuisine in Rome) and fresh, creamy burrata, paired here with bitter chicory to balance out the richness. For mains the pastas here are excellent, particularly the hearty duck ragu tagliatelle and the quintessential Roman dish cacio e pepe, but the eggplant parmigiana is also a highlight – crispy on the top, with layers upon layers of oozing mozzarella, aubergine and a rich tomato sauce beneath. Dessert-wise, have a break from tiramisu and try the dreamy sharing lemon meringue pie instead.
Breakfast is also served in the main restaurant (and on warmer days you can choose to eat on the dreamy little courtyard), featuring a buffet spread of pastries, fruit, granola and yoghurt, plus made-to-order dishes like Florentine-style eggs with salmon, omelettes, and avocado-on-toast.
If you’re after bites and drinks at aperitivo hour, head up to the sixth floor, where an intimate rooftop bar awaits. As you soak up the sweeping city vistas, tuck into pasta fritters, tuna tartare and charcuterie alongside twists on classic cocktails like the Red Rebel Paloma, a mix of tequila, beetroot, pineapple juice and soda, and Italian wines. La dolce vita indeed.
THE FINAL WORD
It may be the glorious interiors that drew you to Casa Monti, but it’s the homely vibe and friendly, informal service that will have you booking your next stay. While world-famous history is right there on your doorstep, staying in a neighborhood where the Romans of today really live allows you to experience the city from a more contemporary angle. And however you spend your days in the Eternal City, you’ll look forward to coming back to the casa each evening.
