9 of the best luxury hotels in Rome for a glamorous getaway
From rooftop restaurants with historical landmark views to subterranean spas, these are some of the city’s top hotels for luxury
The Eternal City is synonymous with luxury and you can spend a pretty penny exploring its classy side. There are last-minute museum tickets and exclusive tours around famous sites that can be arranged at the drop of a hat by a concierge; tables at Michelin-starred restaurants with front-row views of rooftops and attractions; and of course the high-end shopping.
The array of luxury hotels in Rome is vast, and many of them have their own distinct character. Stay at the palatial St Regis, for example, for history that dates back to 1894, or at Hassler Roma to enjoy Old World luxury at its finest.
Head to Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá in the heat of the summer to mingle sightseeing trips with languorous dips in the gorgeous outdoor swimming pool. Or book the Hotel Vilòn for a discreet base that’s close to the action.
Our hand-picked selection spans the gamut, whichever style of stay takes your fancy.
Bio Hotel Raphaël
The vines, wisteria and bougainvillaea that drape the Bio Hotel Raphaël immediately set a luxurious tone for this Relais & Chateaux property. Venture inside and you’re met with opulent rooms, museum-quality antiques and artworks including Picasso ceramics and paintings by Mirò, De Chirico and Morandi, plus a seriously good rooftop restaurant (particularly popular with vegans and vegetarians).
The hotel is near Piazza Navona, with the Castel Sant'Angelo and Vatican City a hop over the River Tiber ─ your concierge will be able to arrange exclusive tours and private excursions so you can see these at your leisure.
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel
Overlooking the Fountain of the Naiads on the Piazza della Repubblica, this stunning neoclassical-fronted hotel is within walking distance of sights including Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain and Villa Borghese.
Affluent middle-aged travellers are particularly drawn to the grandeur of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel, which is gilded in elegant chandeliers and impressive plasterwork. There’s a beautiful rooftop restaurant and pool, where creative cocktails and international cuisine is served to views of the city, plus a sumptuous spa and plush bedrooms ─ many overlooking the Piazza della Repubblica.
Aleph Rome Hotel
Miles of marble, a colonnaded lobby, fresh flowers everywhere and sparkling chandeliers immediately draw you into the luxurious Aleph Rome Hotel.
Other five-star highlights include an excellent rooftop trattoria with an adjacent pool and terrace that attracts a well-heeled crowd; a subterranean spa with a hammam and jetted pool; and proximity to some of the city’s top attractions and shopping. Though the property has retained its classical 1930s style, amenities are up to date and rooms are clean-lined, comfy, and minimalist.
Hotel Vilòn
Tucked down a side street in the centre of Rome, the blink-and-you-miss-it Hotel Vilòn is a little boutique gem perfect for affluent travellers who value stylish and personable places to stay in excellent locations. In the Municipio I district, the hotel is close to lots of attractions, landmarks and places to eat and drink out ─ as well as shop.
The mansion, which dates back to the 16th century, has just 18 rooms and is a real mix of styles inside, from funky artworks to charming rooms with high-quality furnishings. The cocktail bar, plant-draped courtyard and restaurants add to the appeal.
Hotel Eden
Michelin-starred dining with panoramic views, Champagne and popcorn in the cinema, pampering treatments in the spa, and luxurious rooms with balconies overlooking the city all combine to make Hotel Eden one of the most prestigious five-star hotels in Rome.
Even the location, by the Spanish Steps in the Ludovisi quarter and surrounded by private villas with large gardens, speaks to discerning travellers who want a posh place to base themselves. We love the chocolate trolley in the library where you can indulge in a thick white, milk or dark hot chocolate with homemade pastries in the afternoon.
Hassler Roma
Hassler Roma is old world luxury at its finest, and indeed it is one of the oldest hotels in Rome. Situated at the top of the Spanish steps, a position held since 1893 when it first opened, this family-run enclave of marble, gold trim and Murano glass blends five-star professionalism with a friendly welcome.
It’s perfect for those who appreciate a sense of occasion and want to be right in the heart of the action. Enjoy Michelin-starred dining, al fresco lunches on the terrace, and views over the Steps at the spa. For short journeys you can also hop into the hotel’s electric car for shopping trips and to reach Piazza di Spagna.
Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá
Surrounded by lush gardens but right on the edge of the Vatican City, Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá is ideal for those looking to combine a city break with a pool holiday.
Days here are spent lounging round the large outdoor swimming pool, trips to the spa (only eight spas in the world offer bespoke "My Blend" Clarins facials ─ and this is one of them), tucking into Roman dishes in the formal restaurant, and heading out to see the many sights of the Eternal City. It’s particularly blissful in the high heat of the summer, away from the tourist hordes. Many of the rooms come with notable city views, some have terraces with hot tubs.
St Regis
Palatial and with elegant history oozing out of every Mario Spinetti-frescoed corner, the St Regis property has been one of Rome’s smartest addresses since it began life as the Grand Hotel Rome in 1894. It was the first to have electric lighting, private bathrooms and a grand ballroom in Italy and still houses the oldest lift in Rome.
The Lumen cocktail bar and restaurant is the place for good cocktails and proper pasta under sparkling chandeliers and a beautiful glass atrium. Rooms are classic in style; go for the Astor suite with its black marble fireplace and Piazza della Republicca views.
Lifestyle Suites
Right on the Piazza Navona, this 13-key Lifestyle Suites hotel, set in a 15th-century palazzo, manages to be both theatrical and personable. Affluent travellers are drawn to its characterful interiors: think Swarovski crystals, velvet hammocks and circular beds to 16th-century frescoes.
Facilities are few (there's no restaurant, for instance) but you’re surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants, and service is tip top. Staff can bring you snacks and drinks, and breakfast on the terrace in warm weather is a highlight.
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