There is something special about wondering into a hotel and feeling fascinated by the meticulous attention to detail in its design. So much fascination that inspires you to turn your home upside down with the latest objects. Even better than pinterest, you walk around these beautifully presented spaces that have taken endless research and study (and numerous degrees) from renowned interior designers and architect studios in order to piece perfectly each and every item. From major cities to lesser visited locations, these are the best funky designed boutique hotels to book for your next trip away in Italy.
1
VMaison,
Milano, lombardia
Picked up from the British countryside and transported to the Brera district in Milan, VMaison Hotel is a very charming boutique hotel. It appears as a puzzle, representing an eclectic mix and match of materials that piece together in a harmonious way. Curated by VMaison interior design studio, the hotel is also a showroom in which each piece is on sale. It is small, with only sixteen rooms, each differ from each other with an attentive selection fabrics and objects yet each bathroom is exactly the same, designed with X Marble. There is a cute restaurant “Penelope” with its conservatory (again, very British) and an outdoor garden used mainly in the warmer season for events or aperitifs. VMaison is welcoming, and external guests can come and enjoy everything from a buffet breakfast (home made crostata and croissants) to contemporary Italian cuisine in this aesthetic environment. With acoustic music in the back drop this hotel becomes your exclusive tranquility immersed in the frenzy of the city center. WEBSITE
2
Il Palazzo Experimental,
Venezia, veneto
Il Palazzo Experimental is a charming palazzo in the heart of the city’s Dorsoduro quarter characterised by a beautiful venetian gothic revival facade and quatrefoil windows but inside? a quirky, stylish hotel with a thriving cocktail scene. The interior, curated by the designer Dorothée Meilichzon, introduces signature architectural elements of Venice such as terrazzo floors and dramatic marble accents which she reinterprets with a 1920s style colour palette. Each element, from the rooms to the restaurant and the Experimental Cocktail Bar (designed by Meilichzon in collaboration with Cristina Celestino), present a harmony of colours that are so beautifully intertwined as well as the use of retro and antique elements inspired by Carlo Scarpa. WEBSITE
3
DEMO HOTEL,
RIMINI, emilia romagna
The Demo Hotel in Rimini is the latest experimentation hub for hospitality born as a project to renovate an old disused building and convert it into a design orientated, technological space. The restoration involved fourteen architecture studios, nine architects and multiple suppliers. The end product? nine innovative, uniquely designed rooms that reflect the art and personality of each architect assigned. From eclectic, neon and pop colour to fitness focus rooms, there is something for everybody. The Smoov!! room, designed by FDA architects, feature a technogym bike and workout equipment whereas Just Like Home, designed by Contract Lab, is the kind of room that you’d love to come back from the office every day: minimal, contemporary and sleek. The beauty of having nine different rooms is that it makes you want to return to the hotel nine times, to live and experience each one of them. WEBSITE
4
THE SOCIAL HUB,
BOLOGNA,
emilia romagna
The Social Hub is one of the most contemporary projects in the hospitality sector, tailor-made for university students and those teens travelling on a budget. This is just the beginning of the story, because the group was founded in the Netherlands, and doesn’t include only rooms but also fluid environments that encourage the community, such as the gym equipped with the latest generation machines, coworking spaces , bars, restaurants and guest rooms for visiting residents or wanting to experience the vibrant and young atmosphere of the hotel. In Italy there are two, one in Bologna, which also houses the Sky offices in the coworking area, and one in Florence with a rooftop swimming pool, very popular in the summer, mixology and high-level cuisine. WEBSITE
5
LAQUA VINEYARD,
valdera, pisa, toscana
Nestled between historical hamlets and the rolling hills of Tuscany, Laqua Vineyard is the latest project signed Laqua Resorts by Cannavacciuolo. There are six suites, each individually designed and colour coordinated with attention to aesthetics and comfort. The design is signed by the Turinese interior design studio La Matilde, who takes pride in establishing clean-cut, cosy and elegant spaces that reflect the story of the location itself. Each room has been named after a mythological God or Goddess with small details that allude to its theme such as the red walls of Cupido or the delicate pink details of Aphrodite. In general, the rooms are incredibly spacious (sleep 4), with comfortable beds, large showers and a fully stocked kitchen so that guests can cook if they wish – not to mention to peace and tranquility one wakes up to. WEBSITE
6
25hours hotel,
firenze, toscana
The hotels of the 25hours family summarise what a globetrotter, design-conscious tourist open to new encounters seeks when traveling. Each hotel – and each room – is different from the other and seems to be an experimentation ground in the furnishings and decorations, with an evident ironic touch. The 25 Hours Hotel Firenze is centrally and conveniently located in the Santa Maria Novella district. The design, curated by interior designer Paola Navone and her team, is eclectically inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, filled with allusions to this work, such as the rooms are either a passionate red colour or heavenly white. The lobby conveys conviviality and invites you to sit with a drink in hand, even before unpacking. There is a courtyard garden, a traditional Negroni bar and an Alimentari for groceries, snacks or an aperitif as well as a relaxation area that comprises of a Turkish Bath. If you’re in the mood to sit and relax then head to the Cinema Paradiso for a movie night in with popcorn. WEBSITE
7
The Hoxton hotel,
Roma, Lazio
The Hoxton opens in the Parioli district of Rome, a neighbourhood known to be the area of the affluent, socialite Romans. But the Hoxton is different; it’s a space that brings people together with no preconceptions nor expectations. This is an inclusive space apt for everybody from solo travellers and newbies in the city to locals simply looking to ‘hang out’ or work from somewhere other than the office. 192 bedrooms are spread over 7 floors, with six different sizes that reflect a retro, 60s vibe. In fact, the connecting thread in each space of The Hoxton is the utmost attention to detail when it comes to the design, carefully curated and selected by Ennismore Design Studio. Downstairs is home to two eateries: Beverly, with its Californian inspired cuisine and Cugino, an all-day diner with a farm-to-table approach (and pretty exceptional pastries). Both, exceptionally designed to transport you right to the Golden State. WEBSITE
8
hotel MAALOT,
roma, lazio
Situated in the heart of Roma, moments from the Trevi fountain Hotel Maalot is an eclectic hotel that once housed the renowned composer Gaetano Donizzeti. In fact the restaurant, Don Pasquale, named after the composer’s most famous 19th-century opera, has retained this theatrical theme with a contemporary guise. The artwork, which at first glimpse may seem classical, are in fact ironic works of the “Almost Classic” series by the Argentine artist Stanley Gonczanski. The interior has been curated by RPM Proget who, for the rooms, has selected an almost Hispianic feel with Jover textiles, bold colours and playful artworks tied together with Arabescato Corchia marble bathrooms. Some of the 30 rooms & suites feature every girls’s dream: spacious walk-in closets. WEBSITE
9
Mama Shelter,
Roma, lazio
Mama Shelter is like the coolest new kid in town and it’s located within walking distance from the Vatican. With 217 colourful yet glamorous designed rooms by Benjamin El Doghaïli. This space is idyllic for those travelling to Rome with a budget without sacrificing comfort and style. Each room is somewhat similar to each other, with certain repeated elements, differing mainly in size. Expect funky patterns, marble flooring and pastel tone colours. One thing is for sure, you can never get bored (who said travelling is for exploring new cities – #staycation is the new thing). From cosying up in bed watching free movies to a more active session in the fully equipped gym or Roman baths (pool, sauna and a steam room). There are also three restaurants: a Pizzeria, il Giardino d’Inverno serving exquisite Italian cuisine and il Giardino d’Estate, also known as, Rooftop. On Thursday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s expect a fun night of cocktails, live DJ, table football, ping-pong and many more informal celebrations. WEBSITE
10
Soho House,
Roma, lazio
Soho House opened recently in the up and coming district of San Lorenzo, near Termini station in Rome. Its mission is always the same: to create a Home away from home for its members, a place to meet, grow, have fun and create something that leaves its mark. There are 49 rooms of different sizes; a true expression of Italian craftsmanship, with the tapestries by Mariantonia Urru and the bedside lamps that are a re-edition of the lamps from the 1970s by Bitossi. They are located on the second, fifth and sixth floors. On the third and fourth floors, there are 20 apartments for 1, 2 or 3 people, furnished with vintage furniture and made-to-measure pieces. The tenth floor features a rooftop with a 360° view of the city, a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. The ninth floor is the main space of the club, with a bar, the House Kitchen, the Drawing Room and the Lounge space whereas the seventh and eighth floors house the fitness space and the projection room, while the first floor is dedicated to an exhibition space, which can also be used by members for private events. Each and every aspect of Soho House has been tailored to reflect Italy whilst preserving the immaculate pieces of Soho Home furniture. WEBSITE
