Robert De Niro, Francis Ford Coppola, Ridley Scott, it seems like everyone in Hollywood is putting down the camera and picking up the keys to their very own hotels. The latest to throw their hat into the hospitality hoop is Luca Guadagnino, the director behind Call Me By Your Name and Challengers.
Having founded his own interior design studio, Studio Luca Guadagnino, in 2017, its first project has been transforming the public spaces and the signature suite at Palazzo Talìa, the newly restored 26-room boutique hotel in the heart of Rome.
The 16th-century Palazzo Talìa was once thought to be home to ancient Roman Gods, and over the centuries since has passed hands between clergymen, noblemen and diplomats, at one point becoming home to the Nobile Collegio del Nazareno school, before shutting its doors in 1999. Following a three-year renovation, Palazzo Talìa has been brought back to life by the Federici family, and the hotel is now welcoming guests to its 26 rooms, restaurant, bar, and spa.
The design of Palazzo Talìa has carefully balanced its architectural history and character with the Federicis’ deeply fuelled passion for the arts. Enlisting Guadagnino and his studio to work on the public spaces, the director’s colorful and playful cinematic style is on clear artistic display at Palazzo Talìa; from the monumental floral carpet that flows throughout the palace, to the candy-colored furniture that pops against the Magna Hall’s magnificent 18th-century frescoes from painter Gaspare Serenari.
“What does it mean to undertake a project like [a] hotel’s interior design? Perhaps it’s one of the quintessential expressions of this profession,” spoke Studio Luca Guadagnino’s lead designer, Pablo Molezún. “The most exhilarating aspect was pondering how to intervene in a place so steeped in history and tailor it to a completely different, bespoke garment to breathe new life into the palace.”
Studio Luca Guadagnino was also given the keys to make over one of Palazzo Talìa’s signature suites, the Terrace Suite, a wood-paneled oasis complete with a private terrace overlooking the central hotel courtyard. Meanwhile, architect Marianna Lubrano Lavadera from the design studio MIA Home Design Gallery, along with architect Laura Ferold, designed the exquisite interiors of the remaining 25 rooms. Championing the finest in Italian craftsmanship, each room is unique and bespoke, with much of the furniture being one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces, offering an eclectic blend of classic and contemporary styles.
Elsewhere at the hotel, Palazzo Talìa’s signature dining outpost, Tramae Restaurant, serves Italian cuisine in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Renowned Italian chef Marco Coppola serves a menu inspired by nostalgia and memories, featuring favorite dishes from the Federici family such as Milanese con l’osso and vitello tonnato. After dinner, guests can retreat to the charming outdoor courtyard, Palazzo Patio, where Bar Della Musa serves a drinks menu of innovative cocktails, the finest champagne and curated lists of Italian regional wines.