Every year the Louis Vuitton City Guide updates the 500 addresses that make up the essence of selected European Cities: 5 star hotels, new neighbourhood bistros, restaurant run by young chefs and sophisticated pastry shops, design and chocolate, contemporary art, a host of beautiful things. This City Guide unlocks the city’s treasure both for curious travellers and seasoned insiders delighted to be taken by surprise.
Via Margutta is the artist’s street. In 1917 it was here that Pablo Picasso painted his Harlequin and Woman with Necklace. It is here that Alberto Moncada di Paterno’ has created Rome Luxury Suites amid the elegant shops, art galleries and a scattering of local craftsman who survived the retail invasion. The suites are spread over three different buildings and are slipping into a niche for demanding customers who want an alternative to luxury hotels or uncertain bed and breakfasts. Three places, three addresses: The prime and also most recent Babuino 181 opened in April 2010 on Via del Babuino. Its fourteen suites are furnished with over’size lamps and beds in earth colors- walnut, ochre and cocoa- all in an unusually elegant ethnic style. Guests have access to a private terrace on the rooftop with a private lounge bar. A little further on at the corner of Via della Croce, the second set of suites, Mario de’ Fiori, is located in a historic building dating back to 1658, which nicely brings together classic Roman and contemporary design. The Third Margutta 54, marked by an unassuming plaque, is perhaps the most enchanting of them all. Deep in a private courtyard, there are four apartments with living room, dining room, large bathroom with marble tun and shower, and large windows that open onto a majestic fig tree. Silence and peace. And Roman history too: the post-synchronization studio of the Titanus film productions company used to be located across the street. It was there that Wiliam Wyler’s film Roman Holiday was dubbed. Back to the present, these three accommodations have been renovated and decorated by architect Fabrizio Magnaghi and feature works by contemporary artists from the nearby art gallery. (Via Margutta 54) opened in 1990 by Valentina Moncada, Alberto’s sister who also writes scholarly books, such as one about Picasso in Rome. Finally, all the suites are equipped with free WI-FI, air conditioning, flat- screen TV , Frette cotton sheets, refreshments and a Nespresso coffee machine.