Kerten Hospitality’s community-driven hotel to break barriers

Kerten Hospitality’s Cloud7 Hotel Roma – a new lifestyle and social concept set to break boundaries in the Eternal City, will put guests and the neighbourhood at the forefront, creating a community of engaged locals for people to collaborate and socialise.

Cloud7 Hotel Roma is not just a hotel, but also a social hub, art destination, and community space. Meeting demand for a warm, locally engaged space in the city centre, Cloud7 Hotel Roma will be a destination for locals and travellers to converge, socialise, and enjoy artworks and exhibitions – formed through new partnerships with local artists and a leading local art school - Accademia delle Belle Arti.

Ideally located, Cloud7 lies at the heart of Rome’s historic centre on Via di Pietra, just steps away from the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Through its local art partnerships and opening its doors to the neighbourhood, Cloud7 Hotel Roma will bridge the increasing gap between Romans and travellers, connecting them through a shared love for art, culture, and community.

In a first for the area, the property’s partnership with Accademia delle Belle Arti – one of Rome’s leading visual arts colleges – will see 10 students selected to participate in an art takeover. Students will put their creative spin onto the corridors and elevators of the historic property, enticing guests, other visiting tourists, and locals to enjoy the exciting new display.

To create this deep connection with the locale and truly embody and bring to life the history and art of Rome, Kerten Hospitality has partnered with young Roman curator and art historian Agnese Landolfo.

Born and raised in Rome and with a master’s degree in art history, she is experienced in discovering young and emerging artists, independent art spaces and local artisans. Landolfo will head up Cloud7 Hotel Roma’s artist partnership, working with Roman artists under 35 and creating a network of artists across the city.

Landolfo said: “We are so excited to introduce Rome to a new kind of hotel – one that focuses on the community just as much as its guests. Cloud7 Hotel Roma will be unique through its art and new partnership with Accademia delle Belle Arti, and we can’t wait to see this young talent be nurtured in our hotel, and to introduce guests and visitors to these exceptional talents.

With art as a focal point for the hotel, and Cloud7 as a brand, four artists have also been selected to leave their stamp on the space by creating stand-out artwork. Alessandro Calizza’s will command the attention of the entrance hall by creating a 3D illusion piece that merges a mural with a contemporary interpretation of a historical sculpture.

A stand-out interactive multimedia installation for Grab&Go will be created by Giovanni Lo Castro, playing with light and embodying the dynamism of the concept. At the same time, mixed-media artwork by Ilich Arnone will soften the space by adding warmth and promoting conviviality. Artist Federico Russo has designed 20 limited edition engravings for 20 of the hotel’s rooms, depicting the rich history of Rome layered with colourful and contemporary splashes.

Bold artwork and sculptures found throughout the property and rooftop garden will be contemporary reinterpretations of the antiquities of the historic city. Art also influences the property’s design – paying homage to The Last Judgement by Michelangelo and displaying a prominent Italian Renaissance influence.

The iconic fresco served as a central inspiration theme and has been reimagined through a contemporary lens. Examples of this include the crescendo of the piece towards the heavens and skies – the leading inspiration for the hotel’s rooftop.

Another testament to Cloud 7’s community-based approach, Kerten Hospitality hosted a private event on October 18, inviting stakeholders from Italy’s thriving hospitality industry. Welcoming governmental bodies, investors, consultants, architects, artists, and other special guests, the evening entrenched Kerten Hospitality in the community and neighbourhood – showcasing their commitment to fostering local connections and collaborations.

The event also cemented the property’s strong collaborative culture – the core of the project – where interior designers, the owner, the operator, and the curators all learn from each other. The event took place at Rome’s Cappella Orsini – a historic cultural hub in the heart of the city known for its exhibitions, concerts, special dinners, and opera events, paying homage to the neighbourhood and the building’s rich history. – TradeArabia News Service