Marble floors, ornately framed art, and classical sculptures greeted me as I stepped through the doors of Hotel Splendide Royal. I took a deep breath and turned to take it all in. Immediately, I sensed that old-world Italian grandeur ruled in this hotel. Located beside the lush gardens of Villa Borghese, the hotel was alive with stories of the past, but also sizzled with a sense of the present.
The main building of Hotel Splendide Royal once housed a monastery and later a refined 19th-century palace. Today it offers an oasis of elegant calm. Murano chandeliers drip light from the ceilings, gilt-framed mirrors amplify the glow, and sweeping draperies evoke an aristocrat’s villa.
Rome has many outstanding hotels, but I could understand why Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards 2025 named this one the No. 1 Best City Hotel in Rome and No. 10 in Europe.
The mustachioed doorman has welcomed me warmly, and the reception clerk eagerly shared sightseeing tips. From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel like a cherished guest returning to a palatial retreat.
An Array of Rooms and Few are Alike
My husband and I booked one of the Splendide Suites in the modern wing. The suite stunned us with its separate living room, fireplace, huge marble bathroom, and elevated loft bedroom—a special treat.
Curious to see more, I asked for a tour, and a staff member happily obliged. I was told the hotel opened in 2001, had 78 rooms and in 2019 14 signature suites were added. I “oohed” and “awed” through every corridor. Each room style offered a unique layout. Yet, all reflected the same theme: regal history infused with modern touches. Rich brocades, ornate stucco, polished antique furnishings, and soft hues glowed under the natural Roman light. The Carrara marble bathrooms—with both tub and shower—felt like private spas.
The hotel offers a wide range of room categories. Superior and Premium Rooms overlook the quiet inner courtyard. Prestige and Splendide Prestige Rooms in the new boutique wing combine contemporary design with historical character. The Junior Suites and Splendide Suites offer even more space, many with terraces and separate living areas. For ultimate indulgence, travelers can book penthouse suites. The terrace Jacuzzi suite features a private outdoor spa bath and sweeping views of the park.
All rooms include modern amenities such as smart TVs with Chromecast, Bose sound systems, Illy coffee machines, and master-controlled climate systems. Guests seeking personalized attention can even request butler service.
Outstanding Amenities at Hotel Splendide Royal
While the hotel’s aesthetic exudes classical opulence, its amenities embrace modern comfort. The guest-only gym offers a sleek, intimate space with Technogym equipment and weights. A dedicated treatment room hosts massages and private body therapies—lovely after a long day of sightseeing.
Guests craving further pampering can visit the Prince Spa at the nearby Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa, which offers an extensive menu of treatments.
Restaurants and a Lounge with Astounding City Views
The hotel’s culinary experiences ranked among the highlights of my stay.
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Each morning, I began my day in the Crystal Lounge, a sparkling sixth-floor dining room encased in glass. From my table, I watched the city slowly wake as I sipped dark Italian coffee. Breakfast included eggs, sausages, cured meats, freshly baked pastries, fruit, local cheeses, and sweet treats.
For sunset, we headed to Adèle Mixology Lounge, the sky bar perched at the hotel’s highest point. This open-air lounge blends light and shadow with sophisticated design. Excellent cocktails, wines, and beers are served, along with even better views.
As I sipped a crisp white wine and watched Rome blush pink at sunset, the moment felt magical. The rooftops of Rome stretched before me, Villa Borghese glowed green, and St. Peter’s dome rose nobly in the distance.
Although I didn’t dine there, I peeked inside Mirabelle, the hotel’s acclaimed rooftop restaurant on the seventh floor. The space. named after the owner’s daughter, seems suspended between dream and reality, with mirrors, gilded accents, and pastel tones. On the menu is Mediterranean cuisine and a vast selection of wines (900!) and spirits.
What to Do Nearby Hotel Splendide Royal
The hotel’s location stands as one of its greatest advantages. Directly across the street, Villa Borghese Park became my daily sanctuary. I breathed in oxygen-rich air, watched families wander along the trails, and discovered several indoor gems within the park. Art lovers can admire masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Titian at the Borghese Gallery and Museum, or visit the Carlo Bilotti Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art for contemporary works.
Other park attractions include the Bioparco di Roma zoo and, for Shakespeare fans, the Silvano Toti Globe Theatre. You can also rent a rowboat on Lake Garden and glide toward the Temple of Asclepius. I arrived a little too late in the day for boating, but the peaceful setting still captivated me. I also recommend a sunset walk to the Pincio Terrace for panoramic views over Piazza del Popolo.
From the edges of the park, I easily walked to Piazza del Popolo, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, making this hotel a strategic base for exploring Rome’s most iconic sites.
Just a few blocks away sit the Spanish Steps and Via Veneto, the glamorous boulevard immortalized in Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. During my stay, a film festival dedicated to Fellini lit up the neighborhood, complete with a red carpet stretched along the street.
Rates at Hotel Splendide Royal
Given the hotel’s caliber, the rates reflect what you’d expect from one of Europe’s top luxury city properties. Superior Rooms start around €400 per night, while suites begin around €1,000 per night.
Check rates for Hotel Splendide Royal – Rome online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Hotel Splendide Royal hosted her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions remain her own.
