Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel – Hotel Review

Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome’s grand facade that hugs the Piazza della Repubblica merely hints at the 21st-century opulence within. Hiding a luxurious spa that draws inspiration from the hotel’s ancient origins, as well as soothing, soundproof suites with sunny rooftop terraces, decadent fine dining and outstanding customer service, this exemplary example of Roman grandeur is located within a stone’s throw of some of the city’s most iconic destinations. Read on for the full review.

After being acquired by the Anantara group in late 2021, the Palazzo Naiadi Rome – which sits atop the ancient ruins of the Baths of Diocletian and overlooks the Fountain of the Naiads – has since undergone extensive renovations and unveiled two brand-new restaurants, INEO, and SEEN by Olivier, alongside a recently revamped rooftop terrace. The style is in keeping with the city’s architectural extravagance, with touches of 19th-century travertine marble under Murano glass chandeliers. The results are stunning, securing the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi’s standing as one of the grandest hotels in Rome. 

Where is Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel?

The hotel is conveniently situated just a short walk from Rome’s Termini rail station, providing easy access to wider Italy and Rome’s Fiumicino international airport (a direct train takes just over half an hour). Other transport links such as the metro, buses and taxis are also footsteps away. The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, a 16th-century church built within some of the ruined remains of the Baths of Diocletian, sits directly opposite the hotel.

What’s near Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel?

The Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are both roughly a 20-minute stroll along the sampietrini, the age-smoothed basalt blocks that run along Rome’s historical centre. The Vatican is a little further afield at about a 15-minute taxi ride, while those looking to explore the Eternal City’s less-trodden corners might be enticed by bohemian neighbourhood Monti, famed for its narrow cobbled streets, gastronomical delights and vintage shops, which is a 15-minute walk towards the Colosseum.

Room types 

With their soothing neutral tones, fluffy bathrobes, extensive pillow menus, hypoallergenic bed linen (upon request) and travertine marble bathrooms, all the rooms within the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome provide a calm and peaceful sanctuary from the cheerful bustle of central Rome.

History buffs might be charmed by the idea of staying in a Premium Room, some of which are situated in the Clementino wing, which once housed grain for the city (original beams intact), as commissioned by the Vatican in 1705. For city views, opt for the Premium Panorama View Room; its fourth-floor vantage point gives unrivalled views overlooking the Fountain of the Naiads, the Baths of Diocletian and the rooftops beyond. 

There are three Executive Suites, which come with a treadmill, steam bath or private rooftop terrace and jacuzzi, while the two Presidential Suites offer a large dining area, pantry and kitchenette, which would work well for those planning on entertaining (or blowing the budget) during their stay. For families, the Presidential Suite can be converted into a two-bed abode and can also be adjoined to a Premium Room, should you require the extra space. 

Restaurants and bars 

As part of the recent refurbishments, the new INEO restaurant has opened under the helm of Heros De Agostinis, where the menu is a celebration of his Roman heritage and extensive international travel, resulting in dishes such as spaghetti cooked in rabbit gravy and Sicilian prawn and mandarin ceviche. 

Also new is SEEN by Olivier, a Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant by Olivier de Costa, who promises to take diners on a gastronomic journey through Italy to Brazil via Japan. As the sun dips below the horizon, the attached bar (open all-year around) is a great spot to enjoy an after-dinner grappa while being soothed by melodic beats from the resident DJ. 

Travel for work 

All rooms feature a desk and enjoy free and fast wi-fi. You don’t need to down tools at mealtimes either: the 24-hour room service will keep you sustained, however late into the night you toil. Dry-cleaning and laundry services are available, while the Lobby Bar provides an excellent setting for an informal meeting over a pre-dinner Campari. Of course, nothing can sharpen your perspective quite like gazing into hidden relics of ancient Rome, though; the tempered-glass flooring in the 471 square metres of meeting space in the basement gives a rare glimpse of some of the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian, unearthed during the hotel’s construction in the 1880s. 

Spa and pool

An expansive (and recently revamped) rooftop pool – a rarity for Rome – is open between March and September, providing panoramic views of the Italian skyline and an opportunity to cool off. Elsewhere, the fitness centre is open 24 hours daily and is equipped with a full suite of Technogym machines and free weights (for a helping hand, yoga instructors and personal trainers are also available upon request). 

It would be sacrilege to leave Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome without experiencing one of the spa’s signature treatments. After all, who better to draw inspiration from the Roman Empire’s luxurious bathing techniques than a hotel built upon the ancient remains of one? A Diocletian Ritual uses ancient ingredients such as olive oil and sea salt to provide a cleansing mud wrap, while honeymooners might be enticed by the Spa For Two, an indulgent three-hour treatment which includes a peel, massage and soak in the oriental tub, accompanied, naturally, by champagne and strawberries. 

What you need to know 

Skip the treadmill and instead join a professional runner on a running tour through some of the city’s boat iconic sights; you’ll pass the beautiful Villa Borghese, the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain on your route. If that all sounds a bit too arduous, the Eat, Pray & Love Signature Experience includes three hours of meandering through the streets of Rome while a knowledgeable guide steers you through the city’s oldest districts and hidden gems. If that still sounds like hard work, you can travel the tour by Mercedes E Class (note: the whole experience must be booked at least 48 hours in advance).

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