Gran Melia Rome

The front lobby is contemporary, bright, and airy with white tiled floors, high ceilings, an elegant front desk, and frosted glass walls. Unique artwork and archaeological artifacts like an enormous classic Roman bust can be spotted throughout the hotel. The property is walled in and covered by big grassy lawns and gorgeous, lush gardens filled with trees, flowers, and bushes. The Gran Meliá has a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere that feels like an escape even though guests are still in the city.

Gran Meliá Rome is located in a walled-in property in the district of Gianicolo, right next to Vatican City. It is within walking distance of many of the city's most beautiful and famous attractions, such as Castel Sant'Angelo and Saint Peter’s Square. The hotel is also near the neighborhood of Trastevere, which has tons of restaurants, shops, and charming streets. Approximate distances to a selection of sights and destinations include:

• 10-minute walk to Auditorium Conciliazione
• 11-minute walk to St. Peter's Basilica
• 17-minute walk or 10-minute drive to Campo de' Fiori
• 18-minute walk or 10-minute drive to Piazza Navona
• 22-minute walk or 12-minute drive to the Pantheon
• 14-minute drive to Spanish Steps
• 14-minute drive to Piazza di Spagna
• 32-minute drive to Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport

The Gran Meliá’s guest rooms are incredibly sleek and modern, with state-of-the-art design and appliances. The units have a serene ambiance with white and light-grey accents accentuated with contemporary furniture and an open layout. The rooms come with either two single beds or a king-size bed sitting under giant replicas of Italian paintings, giving the spaces a somewhat avant-garde feel. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, stocked mini-fridges, safes, large closets, desks, iPod docks, and Nespresso machines. Some of the higher-tier units have separate living rooms and extra bedrooms. The Emperor Suite even has a fitness center and a private terrace with a whirlpool.

Bathrooms -- integrated into bedrooms and separated by just a glass wall -- are very luxurious, with large tubs, modern vessel sinks, and separate areas for the toilet and bidet. Free Clarins toiletries are on hand as well.

The Gran Meliá’s small, round pool -- one of the few hotel pools in Rome -- is very glamorous and set in the property's gardens, surrounded by a tiled deck, cushioned lounge chairs, tented couches, a whirlpool, and an outdoor shower. There’s also a chic pool bar called the Liquid Garden situated on a patio with contemporary wicker chairs and couches, with an indoor section completely surrounded by glass. Contrastingly, Nectar Bar has funky, artsy decor with large paintings covering the walls and purple tables with red, purple, and pink velvet chairs and couches. There’s also The Library, a sophisticated salon which serves afternoon tea. Vivavoce, the hotel's restaurant, has the well-known Alfonso Iaccarino as its head chef. The hotel also has a chic, serene spa with an outdoor whirlpool, various treatment rooms, and a sauna. For special events, Lunae Terrace has lots of chairs, umbrellas, potted plants, and covered porticoes.