The hype
Travelers adore the helpful staff and the stunning rooftop views, but often mention the rooms feel a bit dated compared to newer 5-star options.
Splendide Royal
$350-650/ night
Book this if You want to feel like a 19th-century Roman aristocrat and don't mind trading modern sleekness for heavy drapes and gilded stucco.
Why People Love It
- Location directly across from Villa Borghese gardens
- The rooftop Adèle Mixology Lounge offers one of the best sunset views in Rome
- Old-world Baroque opulence that feels authentically Roman, not corporate
Quick Take: A grand, slightly fading beauty that charges a premium for its location and history, even if the gym is tiny and the pool is down the street.
Reviewed by @TheRoomMatters: I spent the most romantic weekend here. Having a private jacuzzi on my terrace overlooking Rome was unforgettable. The rooftop sunset drinks were the perfect way to end the day. If you want to feel like royalty, this is the place.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the address and the vibe; don't expect high-tech room controls or a sprawling on-site wellness complex.
- You dream of sleeping in a room with crystal chandeliers and velvet armchairs
- You want to jog in Villa Borghese every morning
- You prioritize service and concierge quality over trendy design
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Guests consistently rate housekeeping high.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling marble. No recurring reports of mold or grime.
- Maintenance: Generally good, though some 'tired' aspects like worn carpets or scuffed furniture are noted.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp, and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though the heavy fabrics can hold a 'vintage' scent.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic on Via di Porta Pinciana
- Corridor noise due to older building structure
Before you book
Good to know
- City tax is €10 per person, per night, payable at the hotel
- Breakfast is excellent but costs ~€38.50 if not included in your rate
- The gym is small ('intimate')—serious fitness buffs should head to the park
What to pack
- Running shoes for Villa Borghese directly across the street
- Earplugs if you are a light sleeper and get a street-facing room
- Smart casual attire for the Mirabelle rooftop restaurant (jacket preferred for men)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Junior Suite with Terrace (5th floor) for private outdoor space and park views
- Splendide Prestige rooms for a more renovated, contemporary feel
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing Via di Porta Pinciana (traffic noise)
- Standard rooms if you need ample luggage space—they can feel cramped with the heavy furniture
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a higher floor (5th preferred) facing Villa Borghese to minimize street noise. If available, a renovated 'Prestige' style room would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool at Splendide Royal?
No. Guests have free access to the indoor/outdoor pools at the sister hotel, Parco dei Principi, which is a short walk away.
Is the hotel noisy?
It can be. Rooms facing the main street (Via di Porta Pinciana) pick up traffic noise. Request a courtyard or high-floor park view room for better sleep.
How far is the Spanish Steps?
It's about a 10-12 minute downhill walk. The location is excellent—close to the action but slightly removed from the tourist crush.
Does the hotel have a rooftop bar?
Yes, the Adèle Mixology Lounge is on the 8th floor and offers spectacular 360-degree views, though drinks are pricey (€20+).
Is breakfast included?
Not usually in the base rate. It's a high-quality buffet served in the Crystal Lounge, but expect to pay around €38 per person if you don't book a package.
Are the rooms modern?
Mostly no. The style is heavily Baroque (gold, velvet, antiques). However, 'Splendide Prestige' rooms offer a more updated, contemporary look.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel gym and run in Villa Borghese; the entrance is literally across the street.
- ✨
The 'Prince Spa' at the sister hotel is excellent—book a treatment there to make the walk worth it.
- ✨
For a cheaper but authentic dinner, walk 10 minutes to the Piazza Fiume area where locals actually eat.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'intimate' gym is marketing speak for 'very small'.
💡You might find a 'discretionary' service charge on your rooftop bar bill that you didn't ask for.
💡The decor is so heavy on velvet and carpets that it can trigger dust allergies despite being clean.
💡The walk to the sister hotel for the pool is short but annoying when you're in a robe.
💡The 'modern' rooms (Prestige) feel like a completely different hotel than the classic Baroque ones.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Splendide Royal is located and what's nearby.