Casa Monti hotel review – The Points Guy

Imagine if “The Golden Girls” were Italian grandmothers—Casa Monti would be their perfect retreat. Nestled in the heart of Rome’s oldest district, this boutique hotel exudes the warm familiarity of an old friend, filled with delightful patterns, textures, prints, and eclectic decorations.

Instantly inviting and irresistibly charming, Casa Monti graces the picturesque cobblestone Via Panisperna and serves as a sensory feast and an exquisite addition to Rome’s thriving hotel landscape.

Here’s everything you need to know about a stay at Casa Monti.

What is Casa Monti?

Casa Monti is an intimate boutique hotel featuring just 26 rooms and 10 suites, operated by Leitmotiv, a family-run French hospitality company known for its other boutique properties in Paris and Megève. Designed by Laura Gonzales, the hotel’s interiors are influenced by the Italian concept of “sprezzatura,” the effortless style that allows each element to coexist in harmony, despite their individual differences.

This hotel may be a small player in Rome’s latest hotel openings, which include global brands like Edition and Bulgari, but its charm lies in its size and a prime location in Monti, a neighborhood steeped in ancient Roman history with the Colosseum just a short walk away.

Today, Monti exudes a residential vibe filled with artists, vintage shops, boutique stores, cafes, and lively nightlife.

How much does Casa Monti cost and how to book

Casa Monti operates independent of any loyalty programs or points systems. You can reserve a room directly through the hotel, with prices starting around $375 per night, though they often exceed $600 during the peak summer season.

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Rooms at Casa Monti

With 10 distinct types of accommodations available, Casa Monti offers room options from the cozy entry-level Cosy Room, ideal for solo travelers, to spacious multiroom suites for more guests.

During my stay in late August, I checked into a delightful Superior Room that overlooked the Via Panisperna. This 269-square-foot room featured a plush king-size bed adorned with vibrant wallpaper that matched the headboard and even the tissue box on the nightstand.

Each nightstand included a Bluetooth speaker, an iPad with hotel information, and coffee table books, with international power outlets and USB ports positioned conveniently above.

A striped couch faced the bed, accompanied by a TV with Chromecast capability, an additional stylish armchair, and a small coffee table, all enhanced by the same cheerful yellow pattern seen on the headboard.

In preparation for our arrival, I informed the hotel it was my husband’s birthday, and they went above and beyond by leaving a beautiful chocolate dessert and birthday message in our room.

The photo above showcases the room’s textures and patterns, exemplifying the essence of sprezzatura.

The room included a small minibar area featuring a tea kettle with various tea options, a Nespresso machine, and ample glassware, along with a mini-fridge stocked with local beers, spirits, and standard bar essentials. A delightful addition was complimentary Italian snacks like mixed nuts and sun-dried peppers.

A spacious closet in the hallway provided storage and a safe for valuables.

The bathroom showcased chic deep-red tile designs contrasted with neutral tones and elegant marble accents in the shower and on the vanity. It included a toilet, bidet, and a towel rack stocked with fluffy towels.

The rainfall shower had excellent water pressure, and the delightful scents from the Susanne Kaufmann soaps and shampoos exclusively available at Casa Monti made it hard to leave that oasis.

While my room lacked a balcony or terrace, the panoramic views from the tall, narrow windows overlooking Via Panisperna were truly magnificent.

Dining and Drinking at Casa Monti

Casa Monti features two bars: a vibrant lobby bar and a cozy rooftop bar with both indoor and outdoor seating, along with a main-level restaurant.

Upon arriving, we were greeted with refreshing cocktails at the Casa Monti Bar, adorned in an array of patterns and textures—dark wood accents, zebra-print upholstery, artistic lights, and a playful mirrored ceiling.

The Casa Monti Rooftop is a unique setting offering a selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and snacks like mixed cheeses and fried zucchini flowers, all in a whimsically designed interior that showcases Gonzales’s artistic prowess. The rooftop exemplifies how her creative vision transforms potential eccentricity into elegance—what a beautiful expression of sprezzatura.

While I didn’t have a reservation, I managed to score a table outside with just a short wait, but making reservations is advisable. At my shiny blue table, I couldn’t see Rome’s skyline directly from my seat, yet the views while standing were enchanting, especially with my La Fioraia cocktail (18 euros/$19), made with flower-infused Tanqueray gin, raspberry shrub, and lemon.

For my husband’s birthday dinner, we dined outside at Casa Monti Ristorante, which offers seasonal Roman cuisine with a twist from Sicilian chef Umberto Tuccio.

Notable dishes included a delectable caprese salad with burrata over a tower of summer tomatoes and basil (16 euros/$17), a classic but rich tonnarelli cacio e pepe (21 euros/$22), and a refreshing zucchini risotto with gambero rosso shrimp (30 euros/$32). The food was delightful, service attentive, and we thoroughly enjoyed the evening in the fresh Roman air, even amidst the late summer warmth.

Amenities and Activities

While Casa Monti shines through its design, its offerings center around dining, drinking, and relaxation. Although there is no gym, the hotel proudly hosts the exclusive Susanne Kaufmann spa in Rome. While I didn’t have time to explore this luxurious haven during my visit, treatments include indulgent options like a 50-minute alkaline deep-cleansing facial (135 euros/$141) or an 80-minute Susanne Kaufmann signature body treatment that combines a body scrub and massage (190 euros/$200).

Related: Tips to dodge the crowds in Rome during the 2025 Jubilee

Insider Tips for Staying at Casa Monti

• Rome is best experienced on foot, and Casa Monti’s central location makes it easy to stroll over to attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain. Just remember comfortable walking shoes; the city’s streets can be steep!
• Shopping in Monti is serious fun. I discovered many great secondhand treasures at local stores, and my favorite boutique, SuperOdra, is just a few minutes away on Via Leonina.
• For families, the Family Suite offers a spacious main bedroom with a sofa bed and bathtub, plus a second bedroom, accommodating up to six guests comfortably.

Accessibility

Casa Monti features two accessible rooms and convenient wheelchair-friendly elevators (although not the largest). Public spaces are also designed to accommodate guests with limited mobility. However, it’s advisable for guests needing accessible options to contact the hotel directly for detailed information.

Conclusion

Casa Monti stands out as one of the most delightful boutique hotels I’ve encountered in recent years. A touch of kitsch combined with modern style makes it located in one of my favorite neighborhoods worldwide.

If you’re searching for a charming place to stay right in the thick of things, look no further than this stylish boutique hotel, complete with beautiful bars and friendly staff. As you sip cocktails on the rooftop overlooking the enchanting hills of Rome, you might just hear Lizzie McGuire’s voice echoing in your mind: “This is what dreams are made of.”

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