Gran Melia Rome
Via Del Gianicolo 3, Rome, Latium, 00165, Italy
Why We Like It
The Gran Melia Rome features all-new state of the art rooms with luxurious space and furnishings. Everything is new and modern, yet blends in seamlessly with the classic setting. The staff here go above and beyond to make every guest feel special. The wonderful spa and pool are a rare find among Roman hotels, and can become a fun and relaxing scene, especially in the summertime. It's a great place to stay if you're planning on spending a lot of time at the Vatican, but is also easily connected to the rest of Rome without being right in the middle of tourist mayhem.
Fodor's Expert Review
The Gran Melia Rome bills itself as an urban resort, set inside the 19th century Villa Agrippina and surrounded by gardens. With its chic outdoor pool, intimate Clarins Spa, and cozy private rooms, it feels like a private oasis in the middle of the city. While not super close to tourist attractions, it's close to the Vatican, and easy to get around from here. Their RedLevel tier offers even more VIP service, with a boutique hotel inside the resort with butler service, a private lounge, and personalized room aromatherapy. But every guest will enjoy the signature Spanish hospitality of the Melia brand, with their excellent staff and emphasis on wellbeing.
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Room
Rooms are designed in a Spanish/Italian style in taupe and scarlet colors with luxury fabrics and furniture, overblown Renaissance art, and plenty of lighting. They're a good size for Rome, and all feature a new plush kingsize DREAMAX bed with pillow menu and daily turndown service. All rooms include a Nespresso coffeemaker, flatscreen TV, iPod dock station, minibar and safe. There's also a smartphone in each room with unlimited data and certain free international calls that you can take around Rome. RedLevel suites and apartments feature additional amenities such as a private whirlpool tub, panoramic view of the city or mini outdoor hydromassage pool.
You Should Know Views can look out either onto the hotel gardens or onto the street, but both options are relatively quiet.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are done in full marble and limestone with an incredible cascading shower with vertical massage or bathtub. There's a full range of Clarins bathroom amenities provided, as well as slippers and robes.
Lobby
The lobby is chic and modern white beige walls, blond wood flooring, and oversized Roman-inspired artwork throughout. There's plenty of relaxing seating in the light-filled room to plan out your day or enjoy any of the many international newspapers offered. A full staff is always on hand to help out with any needs you might have.
Pool
Especially popular in the summertime, there's a large outdoor pool surrounded by the property's lush gardens. You'll find designed sunbeds and umbrellas as well as a private gazebo. It feels like a real oasis away from the noise and traffic of central Rome.
Spa
There's a full-service My Blend by Clarins Spa featuring a wellness circuit made up of sauna, Turkish bath, sensory showers, ice machine, external hydromassage pool and a relaxation area with a full hallway of chaise lounges to nap on. Facial and body treatments by Clarins are popular, using the French brand's plant-based product range and promising a range of benefits from anti-aging to detoxifying to revitalizing. They also have a full massage menu as well as packages to combat stress or jetlag.
Gym
In the fitness room you can book a personal trainer or yoga instructor for a private session. It's a small space with basic equipment but is open 24 hours.
Dining
The hotel's upscale restaurant Viva Voce (word of mouth) is an exclusive Mediterranean restaurant set in a tranquil dining room. Food is creatively plated to showcase the rich ingredients, and they also offer a vegetarian tasting menu.
Drinking
Set in what was formerly a church, The Library is a relaxing setting filled with high-back red chairs and modern chandeliers. They have a wonderful afternoon tea and in the winter host a Martini and Pommery Champagne bar. The outdoor pool bar, The Liquid Garden, serves a range of cocktails or healthy snacks.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel is not in the most central location to the old city, but St. Peter's Square is a mere 12-minute walk away, where you'll also be well-connected to bus and metro lines. Taxis are easy to grab. And you can also walk to Piazza Navona or Campo de'Fiori in only 20-minutes.
Restaurants
Head to Il Belli al Trionfale (13-minute drive) if you're looking for beef. They serve a traditional grilled Florentine steak, carpaccio, and tartare among the many meaty options. Since 1919, Ristorante La Vittoria (14-minute walk) has been serving up homemade pies and pasta at friendly prices.
Bars
Four Green Fields (11-minute walk) is a popular Irish sports bar with Guinness on tap. McQueen Pub (18-minute walk) has an amazing selection of craft beers. The owners are incredibly welcoming to both tourists and locals.
Quick Facts
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