Italian style is distinctive for a reason; its bold shapes, bursting colour and sheer confidence is often-emulated and enduringly beloved all over the world. Capturing the intersection of creativity and craftsmanship, a respect for the past with a curiosity for the future, Italian design is as vibrant now as it ever has been – just look at the young Italian talent profiled in Issue 29 of est magazine, or the prolific output of leading contemporary designers like Patricia Urquiola or Rosanna Orlandi.

While Italy’s influence on fashion and furniture is well-documented, boutique hotel G-Rough aims to capture some of the country’s interior design spirit (with ample input from the greats of local product and industrial design) in a thoroughly memorable way.

Describing itself as “unconventional luxury suites”, G-Rough, located in the heart of Rome is a 5-star design hotel out to do something a little different. Originally built in the 17th century, the building was renovated in the late 19th century, and transformed to its current iteration by local designer Emanuele Garosci and entrepreneur Gabriele Salini. Together, the designers created an ambitious boutique hotel (just ten suites, to be exact), that works with the ultimate goal to “provide its customers with an unrepeatable stay”. This is driven in a large part by the suites themselves; no two are the same and they vary greatly in fitout, layout, furnishings and accessories as the space calls for.   

Though many of the 10 suites have the building’s original wood-beam ceilings, patina walls, sloping wooden roofs and mosaic tiles, each has been granted an original style informed by the hotel’s “Made in Italy” concept. In homage to Italian design greats like Giò Ponti, Ico Parisi, Silvio Cavatorta, Venini and Seguso, each room acts as a micro-museum for art and design. Antique art and furniture are showcased along iconic Italian brands from the 1930s to 1950s, in an apartment setting. Some suites are spread out over two floors, many are equipped to fit a family of four and all feature their own annexed living room, adding space to stretch out and take in the surrounds.

Located near Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous squares and a favourite outdoor meeting point for locals, the hotel is ideally placed to discover the local neighbourhood and culture of Rome. Getting around is made even easier thanks to the help of the hotel’s lifestyle manager and virtual butler, who can help with everything from dining recommendations to ‘unconventional experiences’; tailored itineraries designed to be all within walking distance of the hotel.

As a Roman companion to the Palazzina in Venice, G-Rough offers luxury with a heady sense of personality. This isn’t your beautiful yet bland design hotel, it’s punchy and uncompromising, yet instantly loveable. Because it captures more than a style, it captures a culture – and that, after all, is one of the biggest reasons we travel in the first place.