Hotel Splendide Royal

Once serving as grounds for the historic College of Moroniti, the seven-floor Splendide Royal resembles Rome’s Waldorf Astoria from the outside, with Italian flags marking its regal entryway. Once inside, an immaculate white marble hallway with vaulted ceilings, electric candlelights, and mosaic flooring leads into the lobby, passing below a beautiful stained glass window. Antique lighting and furnishings are plentiful throughout the hotel, as are historic portraits and marble busts. Hallways also have a number of original oil paintings, and the lobby ceiling is elaborately designed with textured frames and beads. Curtains and upholstery are thick and colorful, with intricate patterns. Even the breakfast room is decked out with white tablecloths and covered chairs fit for an upscale wedding, and The Mirabelle restaurant on the seventh floor offers stunning views of the Villa Borghese and Roman skyline. The patio area is fantastic for sunset dining when the weather allows. The restaurant is frequented by hotel guests as well as affluent outside visitors; guests of the hotel range from business travelers to families to tourist couples. 

Situated across from Villa Borghese park, the Splendide Royal sits above historic Rome in an area filled with luxury dining and shopping options, as well as more casual Roman eateries. It's a 10-minute walk downhill to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, and the Colosseum is a half-hour walk, or about 20 minutes by bus 85 from the Trevi Fountain stop. Termini station is about a 25-minute walk (or 20 minutes via train from the Barberini Metro stop, 10 minutes' walk from the hotel). Many car rental agencies are a few blocks away. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is about 35 minutes away by car, or about an hour by train.

Guest rooms are opulently decorated with elaborately patterned red curtains and carpeting, gilded wallpaper, and oil paintings of landscapes. Each room is open and spacious, and has fast Wi-Fi, a large flat-screen TV, safe, stocked minibar (with pricey snacks and beverages), slippers, and robes. Some rooms offer spectacular panoramic view of the Villa Borghese from private balconies. Suites have stereos and coffee/tea facilities, as well as separate lounge areas. The bathrooms are large and bright in all rooms, with attractive gray marble tile, and heated floors. Some bathrooms have shower/tub combos, and Suites have both a separate tub and shower.

Uncharacteristic of many hotels in Rome, the Wi-Fi is fast and reliable at Splendide Royal -- not to mention free. There are many fresh pastries, cereals, local breads, and cheeses to choose from at the free breakfast buffet, served daily in a brightly lit room with park views. The rooftop Mirabelle restaurant serves haute European cuisine that's popular with guests and non-guests alike. There is no fitness center or sauna at the hotel, but guests can use the pool and gym at sister hotel Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & SPA, located about 20 minutes' walk across the park. There are three meeting rooms available for private conferences and events, equipped with all necessary presentation and convention tools.