Grand Palace Hotel blends a bit of vintage charm with modern luxuries, while sitting in the center of Rome, a perfect base for exploring the historic center of the city.
Rome will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s the first European country Chris and I visited together, we have family and friends that live there, it’s fun to photograph and frankly we just really like the city. So whenever we are heading to or through Italy, we always make sure we have a long layover in Rome with enough time to eat, drink and explore a little more of the city.
On this visit, we discovered the Grand Palace Hotel, a historic property on Via Veneto an elegant, culture-rich street that has been patronized by some of Italy’s most celebrated artists and writers. We love to explore on foot and the Grand Palace Hotel was the perfect place to use as our base as it sits conveniently in central Rome. Built in the 1920s, it has lost none of its vintage charms, but today also offers a host of modern luxuries and amenities. It is also part of the Preferred Hotels network, so we knew we could expect a certain level of service and luxury :)
The minute I stepped through the property’s towering wrought iron gate I felt like I had been transported into the Roaring Twenties, complete with opulent decor and unapologetic extravagance. The groups of tourists milling about snapped me back to reality, but the decor was there to stay and it was great! While the lobby is fairly small, it is in no way unassuming with a large chandelier hanging above and marble flooring throughout. It leads into the bar and restaurant which could easily be sets for parties with a Great Gatsby theme. The bar’s walls are painted with intricate frescoes that beautifully capture what parties in the Roaring Twenties must have looked like and the colored glass windows give it a cozy relaxed vibe.
The rest of the Grand Hotel Palace’s downstairs is equally well decorated, filled with mementos of decades past and black and white photos featuring celebrities who have stayed at the hotel. As we walked through the hallways, we could see that we were walking in the footsteps of some of the world’s most eminent personalities. Pair that with the beauty of the hotel and the knowledge that this is part of the Preferred Hotels collection, you can be sure we were anticipating a wonderful stay.
Our room, which was a Junior Suite, was perfect for the three of us. It was so spacious, which was a pleasant surprise considering that the hotel is in the middle of Rome, where space is a luxury. Even with Axel’s crib, which the hotel had set up in a corner, we each had plenty of room to spread out. While Chris sank into the plush King bed, I was drawn towards the glass-paneled windows which offered up a view of the surrounding art deco buildings and Rome’s charmingly busy streets.
Like the rest of the hotel, the room was decorated in a tasteful art deco style. Marble flooring and crisp white linens and couches were offset with pretty pastel wallpaper and framed black and white photos. The bathroom was similarly elegant with marble walls and luxury toiletries. While the room is styled after 1920s tastes, it in no way lacks whatever modern luxuries we could think up; one corner of the room hosted a flat-screen television while another boasted a Nespresso machine, perfect for our morning coffee.
“I was drawn towards the glass-paneled windows which offered up a view of the surrounding art deco buildings and Rome’s charmingly busy streets. ”
I’m not sure why, but hotel restaurants seem to get a bad rap. I’ve heard people complain that they’re too touristy, not adventurous enough, or not “cultural enough.” So when we saw bright Aperol spritz’s being served on the hotel's terrace, and kept hearing Italian being spoken amongst the guests in the restaurant, we had to give Ristorante Cadorin, the Grand Palace Hotel’s restaurant, a try. Spearheaded by Chef Riccardo Zanni, the restaurant combines flavors from across the world in eclectic combinations, yet it was the Italian classics like spaghetti alle vongole and their version of eggplant parmesan that really did it for us. The setting was elegant, the food was delicious and we got the impression that many locals love the restaurant too.
We also spent mornings at the hotel restaurant, leisurely relaxing and nibbling on breakfast. They serve a large buffet with plenty of Roman staples and international dishes. Think flaky pastries, piles of fresh fruit, an array of charcuterie and plenty of cappuccinos to get your day started - there’s nothing quite like a breakfast in Rome.
“Ristorante Cadorin combines flavors from across the world in eclectic combinations, yet it was the Italian classics like spaghetti alle vongole and their version of eggplant parmesan that really did it for us.”
If you’re looking to truly indulge yourself, book in a spa appointment. The hotel’s Asian inspired Kami spa is a favorite destination - not just amongst guests - but amongst Rome’s locals. Book yourself a hair or massage treatment or simply kick back and relax in the salt-water Jacuzzi.
The spa leads out to the hotel’s indoor aqua hued pool, a great place to relax on the sun loungers and soak up some Roman sun. The hotel also houses a well-equipped gym complete with weight and cardio machines - perfect if you’re looking to work off the extra calories that is so unavoidable while in Rome!
In between meals and naps, we spent our time exploring the area. Grand Palace Hotel is wonderfully placed - while the street itself is filled with quaint cafes and boutiques. It’s walking distance from some of Rome’s highlights like Villa Borghese and Trevi Fountain and also close to the train station. If you make it to Trevi fountain, make sure to throw a coin into the fountain, legend has it, one toss and you’ll be guaranteed a return visit to Rome. Throw two coins in and your love life will perk up, throw three in and you may have wedding bells in your future! I’m lucky to enjoy lots of love in my life, but I did throw in one coin so that I can count on another visit to Rome...and of course I missed!
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