The hype
Travelers love the pool and park location but consistently complain about the 'arrogant' front desk staff and expensive breakfast.
Parco Dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa
$350-550/ night
Book this if You want a 'resort in the city' vibe with a rare outdoor pool in Rome and don't mind being a taxi ride away from the Colosseum.
Why People Love It
- The massive outdoor pool (a unicorn in central Rome)
- Old-school 'La Dolce Vita' lobby glamour
- Quiet, green location next to Villa Borghese
Quick Take: A grand 1960s dame that rests on her laurels—stunning common areas, but the rooms can feel tired and the service is often stiff.
Reviewed by @TheRoomMatters: I felt like I was living in a movie here. The golden hour light hitting my bed sheets was unforgettable, and watching the sunset over Villa Borghese from my balcony was the highlight of my Rome trip. Truly a timeless escape from the city crowds.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You're paying 5-star prices for 4-star service; the 'concierge attitude' is a frequent gripe.
- You crave a pool day in the middle of a Roman summer
- You prefer the quiet of Parioli over the chaos of the Spanish Steps
- You appreciate 1960s Gio Ponti modernist architecture
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and generally good, though 'missed spots' under beds in older rooms are reported.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are kept clean, but look for aging grout in non-renovated suites.
- Maintenance: The biggest issue. Peeling paint on balconies and flickering lamps are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp white linens. Towels are plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of expensive perfume; some older rooms have a faint 'dusty carpet' or smoke smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Jackhammers (renovation ongoing as of early 2026)
- Thin walls between connecting rooms
- Hallway noise from large groups/sports teams
Before you book
Good to know
- The outdoor pool is seasonal (May-Sept) and unheated—'refreshing' is the polite word for cold.
- Breakfast is NOT included in most base rates and costs ~€42/person if purchased on site.
- Taxis to the center cost €15-20; walking to the Spanish Steps takes about 25 minutes through the park.
What to pack
- Swim cap (mandatory for the indoor pool/spa)
- Earplugs (for the construction/thin walls)
- European power adapter (older rooms have limited outlets)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Prestige Park View (worth the upgrade for the green outlook)
- Renovated Junior Suites (ask specifically for 'newly renovated' inventory)
Rooms to avoid
- 1st and 2nd floor rooms near the conference center (noisy)
- Standard rooms facing the street (traffic drone)
- Connecting rooms if you aren't using them (sound leaks)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am looking forward to my stay. Please assign a 'Prestige Park View' room on a high floor (4th or above). Crucial: I need a room strictly away from the current construction zone and elevators. If a renovated room is available, that is my preference.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
The outdoor pool is unheated and can be chilly. The indoor pool is heated but is part of the spa.
Do I have to pay for the spa?
Usually yes. While some high-tier bookings include it, most guests pay a daily access fee (approx €35-50) for the Prince Spa indoor pool and sauna.
Is it walkable to the main sights?
Sort of. It's a beautiful 25-minute downhill walk to the Spanish Steps through Villa Borghese. The return trip is uphill.
Is breakfast worth the price?
At €42, mostly no. It's a standard buffet. You're better off walking 10 mins to a local cafe in Parioli.
Is the hotel kid-friendly?
Yes, the outdoor pool is a hit, but the vibe is 'hushed luxury' so boisterous play is frowned upon in the lobby.
Does the hotel have parking?
Yes, there is on-site parking, but it costs ~€38/day. Street parking in Parioli is scarce.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Bio Bar' in the spa serves excellent smoothies even if you aren't paying for spa access.
- ✨
Walk out the back gate directly into Villa Borghese for a morning run—it's the best gym in Rome.
- ✨
Request a 'Do Not Disturb' on match days if you don't want housekeeping knocking early; the staff is used to waking up sports teams.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'footballer tax': When a big team is staying, security is tight and the lobby bar gets taken over.
💡The AC in older rooms struggles to get below 24°C (75°F) in peak summer.
💡There are no kettles/coffee makers in the standard rooms—you have to call room service (and pay).
💡The 'resort fee' isn't explicit, but the prices for water/coffee by the pool are astronomical (€10+ for a coke).
💡The concierge can get you into exclusive clubs in Parioli that tourist-centric hotels don't know about.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Parco Dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa is located and what's nearby.