The Telegraph calls the Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina a mix of ”Miami-meets-Renaissance-Rome” and gives it an astounding 10/10 for service and facilities. The hotel is a great location for the sights in Rome, many of them within walking distance. Upgrade to the “RedLevel” floor, which gives you adults-only access to the RedLevel Lounge and exclusive services, as well as fantastic suites with panoramic views, terraces and private whirlpools.
Condé Nast Traveler Spain magazine awarded this Leading Hotels of the World resort “Best City Hotel in the World” in 2015. This cemented its stature as an exclusive urban luxury resort with exceptional service and design.
Gran Meliá Rome—in the very heart of the Eternal City
The most stunning views over Rome (Credit/GranMelia, Facebook)
Gran Meliá Rome opened in spring 2012 as the masterpiece of the almost six decades-long Gran Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand. It’s located on the site of the historic Villa Agrippina, home to the famous Roman Empress and mother of Emperor Nero. Gran Meliá Rome plays a part of the ample history of the city while providing thoroughly modern facilities.
Situated on the banks of the River Tiber, just five minutes from the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica, Gran Meliá Rome is ideally located in the very heart of the Eternal City. The hotel boasts extensive landscaped gardens, impressive pools and a YHI Wellness centre.
Travellers’ tip: If you’re not up for the walk into the city, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to most downtown areas.
Hotel history and details
On-site spa and outdoor swimming pool (Credit/booking.com)
While building the hotel, valuable archaeological treasures from the first and second centuries AD were discovered. These have since been recognised by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and are on display in the elegant public spaces.
Once used as a Church in the Torlonia Convent, a historical 19th-century building now houses the stylish Library. This is also the venue for the famous Afternoon Tea at the Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina.
We stayed here with our three children en route back from a villa holiday in Italy. It is beautiful. Luxurious and very welcoming. The pool-side bar is fun and relaxed, the restaurant much more formal. Food is excellent.
—TheBr1ttons, TripAdvisor
The rooms and suites are decorated with a rich blend of satin and velvet-like fabrics, wood and precious Trani stone floors. Each floor of the hotel is inspired by an artistic theme, reflecting the famous paintings in Rome’s museums.
Room service on your private terrace, perhaps? (Credit/booking.com)
The Gran Meliá RedLevel experience allows guest to enjoy a dedicated check-in, a team of personal butlers and a packing and unpacking service. They also enjoy an exclusive lounge and private pool, priority on the poolside Bali beds, and preferential restaurant and spa bookings. All guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, spa, health club, hydromassage and relaxation area.
Bliss after sightseeing (Credit/booking.com)
Travellers’ tip: The Premium City View room looks out over the Vatican dome and the castle of Sant’ Angelo. There as a family? Stay in the split-level junior suite—perfect for a family of four.
Restaurants and bars
Excellent restaurants specialising in Italian, Mediterranean and international haute cuisine (Credit/booking.com)
Viva Voce embraces the art of the two Michelin-starred chef Alfonso Iaccarino and his son Ernesto, with an inviting open kitchen and tables that overlook the gardens. Sip on aperitifs at the Liquid Garden poolside bar or take in the magnificent views of the city and garden at Lunae Terrace. The Nectar Bar offers Mediterranean-style snacks in the company of Vasari and Passignano paintings.
Four restaurants to choose from (Credit/booking.com)
Travellers tip: While a bottle of sparkles may go down really easily on a warm summer’s day, perhaps you’d rather just have a taster. Enjoy a personal-size bottle of Prosecco out by the pool while the kids choose from three flavours of gelato.
Getting there
Address: Via del Gianicolo, 3, Rome, Italy, 00165
Phone: +(39) 06 925901
Reservations: gran.melia.rome@melia.com or reservations
Website: www.melia.com
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Written By: Adriane Rysz