The Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel is a showstopper. Overlooking Piazza della Repubblica, the hotel oozes indulgence while firmly embracing ancient Roman history. As a history buff, one of the main reasons I wanted to stay there was because it is built over the ancient Baths of Diocletian. Of course, I also appreciate a Michelin-starred restaurant, rooftop pool, and a world-class spa. Plus, it was a hop-skip-and-a-jump to some of the city’s must-see landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
Rome has a a boatload of outstanding hotels and each has its own charm. But I loved the connection to the ancient Roman baths.
As my husband and I walked through the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel’s majestic doors, I could see that this 5-star destination was a heritage gem and feel the buzz of activity. No doubt about it. I was in the beating heart of the Eternal City.
Since our room wasn’t ready yet, we stepped into the Akwa Bar off the lobby for a cup of tea while we waited. It was too early, but our server told us that at sunset, the bartender puts on an “acrobatic mixology” show, featuring a cocktail inspired by ancient Rome.
Opulent Rooms with Views or Terraces
Opening the door to our Junior Suite, Piazza view, my jaw dropped. This was elegance personified. Décor was Neoclassical in style, with touches of soft green and gold. The bathroom was Tavertine and the ceiling was high. A room fit for royalty. Or a princess for two nights, like me. There was a stocked minibar with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, you could request butler service. I didn’t, since the offers of assistance from staff were already overwhelming.
The suite had a coffee and tea-making machine, a flat-screen TV, and a desk and chair. The bathroom featured a rain shower head, and in the closet I found a bathrobe and slippers. Some rooms, I was told at check-in, have Jacuzzi tubs and private terraces.
The hotel has 232 guest rooms and suites. If you’re really feeling like living La Dolce Vita, you can book the Sofia Loren Suite. Spanning 2,045 square feet, it includes exclusive perks such as spa treatments, cultural tickets, and VIP airport transfers.
Dining Choices at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi
Dinner our first night was in INEO, a dramatic, one-Michelin-starred restaurant on the hotel’s main floor. The drama came in with dark mood lighting, impeccable service, and gorgeous presentation.
Chef Heros De Agostinis outdid himself with the seven-course tasting menu inspired by Roman heritage as well as global influences. My favorite dramatic entry was the bread trolley with breadsticks, crackers, Roman pizza, and Alto Atesino rye bread. There is also an à la carte menu and a plant-based tasting menu.
For an after-dinner cocktail (since we had missed the sunset ritual in Akwa Bar), we headed to the rooftop restaurant called Seen. Panoramic views surrounded us as we sipped our palate-cleansing Prosecco. We didn’t need to eat anymore, but I noticed the menu was a lively fusion that included seafood, sushi, and dishes with a Brazilian twist.
Breakfast is quite the affair at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi.
La Fontana is a second-floor restaurant that overlooks the Fountain of the Naiads. The extensive buffet had puffy Italian pastries, egg dishes, cured meats, cheeses, breads, salads, and international options, including Thai and sushi dishes.
An Ancient Bath Ritual in the Spa
After checking in, I headed down to the Anantara Spa for my Diocletian Bath Ritual. Looking through a glass plate on the floor, I could see some of the 4th-century ruins of the ancient Roman baths. It was so intriguing to think that just below me, sandaled feet had once pattered on their way to a steaming tub of relaxation. Named after Emperor Diocletian and built from AD 298 to 306, the baths were the largest in the empire, spanning 13 hectares. The hotel sat on top of just a small portion. The rest of the baths were in a museum you could visit across the street.
My ritual includes olive oil, honey, and sea salt to exfoliate, healing mud to rejuvenate, and laurel, sage, and lavender that awoke my olfactory senses. Not only was I scrubbed clean and skin refreshed, but a massage tailored to target my tight shoulders followed, setting me on the path to deep relaxation.
Fitness at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi
The next morning, I headed to the fitness area, fitted with TechnoGym equipment. A line-up of treadmills and stationary bikes kept me busy, as did the free weights and stretching mats.
There was also a rooftop pool, but the weather wasn’t warm enough for a dip during our stay.
So Many Iconic Activities Nearby
We spent two days in comfortable footwear, making our way to the most iconic of Roman sites. Joining the crowds, we ascended the Spanish Steps for photos, elbowed our way to the edge of the Trevi Fountain, and marvelled at the Colosseum, the largest ancient amphitheatre in the world. Our wanderings took us to the Vatican City, which was mobbed with pilgrims. Plus, we saw the Pantheon, a temple (now church) famous for its concrete dome and central oculus. I also discovered the basilica designed by Michelangelo within the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian on the site across from the hotel. So cool to see the Renaissance design integrated into the no-nonsense, fort-like Roman structures.
A highlight was Villa Borghese Gardens with its art gallery, theatre, and mini-lake. Set on 80 hectares, it is free of charge and considered to be the city’s green lung.
I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the food tour we took with Devour Tours.
The Testaccio Food and Market Tour was a delight, taking us to a new neighbourhood and a market where we bought fresh pressed olive oil. It was great to find out where the locals ate.
Rates at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi
Rates start at around $830 USD per night for a Premium room. Suites start at around $1,200 USD per night. The Sofia Loren Suite starts at around $10,000 USD per night. Pet-friendly rooms are available, but make sure to request them when booking. Rates vary seasonally,y and according to availability and inclusions.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Anantara Palazzo Naiadi hosted her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions remain her own.