A GREAT ESCAPE

Bursting with colour, pattern and artisan crafts, this reimagined Roman palazzo is a feast for the senses

- MEREDITH DAVIES

THE bright yellow Fiat 500 - an iconic piece of retro Italian design parked next to the discreet entrance to Casa Monti gives a clue as to what lies beyond. This luxurious boutique hotel - hot on the heels of its Parisian sister hotel La Fantaisie - has only been open since June and is already winning acclaim for designer Laura Gonzalez's maximalist vision. What began life as a palazzo then police headquarters is now an 'artist's residence' bursting with bold pattern, sumptuous textures and quirky details wherever you look.