The ‘gorgeous’ Italian hotel nestled on one of the world’s coolest streets

Rome isn’t exactly short of impressive things to look at – from the Trevi Fountain, to the Pantheon and the Sistine Chapel.

But it’s currently not any of these landmarks that are causing a stir online, instead a road in one of the city’s most ancient areas has captured people’s attention.

Via Panisperna, in the Monti neighbourhood, has just been declared one of the coolest streets in the world by the team at Time Out.

The cobbled street ranked as the 17th coolest on a list of 31 different spots and it’s not hard to see why, as the location is a perfect 10.

At one end, you turn the corner and boom, there’s the Colosseum. Sing to me Paolo. At the other end you can enjoy stunning views of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, nestled between colourful 19th Century apartment buildings, complete with picture-perfect shutters on every window.

Along the street you’ll find a number of bars and restaurants, an brilliant independent book shop (Libreria Panisperna 220), as well as other spots to try Italian sweet treats (gelato, gelato, gelato) and buy souvenirs.

Via Panisperna also notably had a starring role in a Mission: Impossible movie (the seventh one, if you were curious) and it just so happens to be home to the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in: Casa Monti.

Taking its cues from an artist’s residence, this Italian boutique hotel manages to honour its historic surroundings, while offering something fresh and modern at the same time.

Behind the elegant beige facade and towering arched entranceway, you’ll find your fingers itching to reach for your phone every two seconds in a bid to commit the maximalist beauty of this place to memory.

Here’s everything you need to know about the time Metro checked in…

What’s the vibe? Paint us a picture 

A vintage yellow Fiat 500 sits outside the front doors, reminding you – just in case you managed to forget on your journey from the airport to the hotel – you’re in the heart of Rome.

Spread over six floors, this place feels more like an exclusive apartment building than a hotel. With just 36 rooms (26 rooms and 10 suites), it’s lavish and intimate.

It’s easy to get swept up in a daydream about living here, especially with the views it offers of cobbled streets and quintessentially Roman clay tile rooftops.

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With the city as its muse, the hotel celebrates the art of la dolce vita, but not in a stuffy way. It’s all laidback Mediterranean luxury, less museum or gallery and more Italian interior design Pinterest board.

If London restaurants like Circolo Popolare or Jacuzzi are your home decor inspo, you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven.

Almost every detail has been thoughtfully curated, even the stairwell, which is adorned with eye-popping wallpaper that’s a playful, modern twist on ancient Roman paintings. Just be sure to watch your step as you admire it.

Alright, what about the facilities?

There are two standout facilities at this hotel — one is the spa, the other is on the roof, but we’ll get to that later.

Bathed in sunlight through floor-to-ceiling windows, the spa is decorated with marble, jazzy tiles, lemon-printed textiles and antique vases.

There’s an outdoor terrace where you can soak up the sun, rattan loungers to laze on and several treatment rooms where every inch of your body can be pampered.

The pièce de résistance, though, is the jacuzzi.

As you ascend the marble steps, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another time and place.

I half expected men in togas to appear and start feeding me grapes and fanning me with palm leaves.

That’s the vibe this place exudes; you feel like a goddess.

Can you eat and drink at the hotel?

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding where to eat at Casa Monti and each spot is prettier than the last.

There’s a bar, which is close to the lobby and open from breakfast to dinner, as well as a restaurant with a terrace on the ground floor and an outdoor patio.

The hotel serves up classic pasta dishes with a twist, and the menu changes seasonally. You can’t go wrong with the cacio e pepe if it’s available, though.

The breakfast (included) is a delight, with a continental spread including fruit and yoghurt, toast with a selection of spreads, meats and cheeses, as well as sweet and salty cakes and pastries.

For an aperitif, take the elevator up to the sixth floor where you’ll find a real hidden gem.

The rooftop bar only has a few tables but it packs a punch thanks to the gorgeous views it offers. You won’t spot the Trevi Fountain or Pantheon up here, but you will get an eyeful of classic architecture.

And what’s even better is that the cocktail menu is as fun and creative as the venue. 

Try the La Nonna, made with Hendrick’s gin, marmellata d’albiocca, latte di mandorla Adriatico, Stillabunt, limone, and soda — a refreshing citrus drink inspired by (and named after) an Italian grandmother.

If you prefer something a little more hardy, there’s the L’artigiano containing rum, Barolo chinato Mulassano, bitter Fusetti, and amaro Amacardo red.

Ok, what are the rooms like? 

There are 10 types of rooms, the most basic being a Cosy Room (one-person occupancy).

The biggest is the Terrace Apartment. This sleeps up to five people in three bedrooms and has its own 32sqm terrace.

I’ve already waxed lyrical about the interior design, which is all the handiwork of Laura Gonzalez, the ‘queen of colour’.

Her signature style continues in each of the bedrooms, with a real theatrical flair thanks to bold printed statement wallpaper and matching fabric headboards.

Even the bathrooms are dreamy, with striking red tiles on the floor and in the shower.

Don’t forget to look in the wardrobe for complimentary slippers, which are impossibly chic — bright red and orange, with a martini glass and an olive embroidered on each foot.

No judgement if you slip them in your suitcase to take home.

How much does it cost?

Prices at Casa Monti Roma vary depending on the day of the week, but standard prices for a one-person Cosy Room in April start from €375 (around £322) and rise to €575 (£494) for a Comfort Room for two people.

Suites start from €1,335 (£1,008) per night.

This review was first published on April 21, 2025.

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