When it comes to rooms with incredible views, it doesn’t get much better than the breath-taking Hotel Palazzo Manfredi, in Rome. Located directly opposite the iconic and historic Colosseum monument, guests can enjoy views from their bedrooms, bathrooms, and even the rooftop breakfast restaurant – which, incidentally, also doubles up as an impressive Michelin-starred eatery – Aroma – in the evenings.
Ideally situated for exploring Rome’s incredible historic centre, the exclusive, luxury, five-star Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – a Relais & Chateaux property – is within just a couple of minutes’ walk of the city’s best-known attractions. Not just the Colosseum, but the mind-blowing Roman Forum, too – a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the centre of the city. Flanked by the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, it’s easy to see some of Rome’s most iconic sites on foot within just a few hours, with the Colosseo metro station also located close by for those wanting to venture further afield. You couldn’t ask for much more when it comes to a base from which to conveniently explore what the city has to offer – but the lure of the Palazzo Manfredi certainly doesn’t end there.
As well as convenience, it’s a hotel that exudes luxury – but not in the over the top way that some do. The Palazzo Manfredi – the latest venture of one of Rome’s most visible public figures, Count Goffredo Manfredi – is boutique, and this is reflected in its minimalistic rooms, which feature elegant touches and textured fabrics to add an understated yet opulent feel.
This luxurious hotel may look somewhat unassuming from the outside – a small building comprised of four floors in total, including the restaurant and bar. Small but perfectly formed, rooms are not overly spacious, but everything within them has been carefully thought out, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay in every possible way.
Met on arrival by the friendly reception team and showed to our room in a timely fashion, we knew we were in for a treat before we had even set foot in the door. From the bottle of prosecco and astounding views that greeted us from our windows, to the sumptuous pillow menu and comfortable beds, the Palazzo Manfredi had certainly got all bases covered for us.
Bathrooms are large, with spacious showers, tiled white and well equipped with luxurious Aqua di Parma toiletries to enjoy during your stay. There’s even a portable electronic ‘City Guide’ beside the bed, which can be taken out with you as you roam Rome’s incredible sites – an extra touch that can make a real difference to your trip when there is so much to see, do and learn.
Although the hotel’s central location means that there is a fair amount of traffic passing by, it didn’t phase us at all. It would be easy to sit for hours and enjoy the stunning views from your window – if only there was more time.
In terms of communal areas to enjoy throughout the hotel, this is somewhat limited, with only a small reception and lounge area downstairs – but the incredible roof terrace restaurant, which offers panoramic city views, more than makes up for it. Not just reserved for those dining by night, guests can enjoy a leisurely breakfast each morning whilst overlooking the Colosseum – with freshly-baked Italian pastries, eggs, a selection of meats and cheeses, fresh fruit and yoghurt all in abundance. Whilst in many hotels, we’d be tempted to rush down a quick breakfast so that we could make the most of our time in the city, here it’s a different matter, and most mornings saw us happily enjoying a leisurely cappuccino or two and observing our surroundings from above.
In the evening, it would be a mistake not to make reservations at Aroma to experience the full extent of what this Michelin-starred restaurant has to offer. Headed up by Roman-born Chef Di Lorio, guests can expect a delectable menu that marries classic Italian dishes with a flair for fresh ingredients and creativity, and with a show-stopping seven course menu to choose rom as well as the usual a la carte, it’s enough to leave you spoilt for choice.
If you’re just after an evening drink, then there is a bar area up there, too – and with a vast menu of classic cocktails as well as those with a modern twist, it’s the perfect place to while away an evening – as well as resting those tired feet after a busy day. The fact that you only have to head downstairs afterwards is a treat if you’re a high-heel enthusiast like me!
The hotel offers an ironing service, should you need it, and rooms have televisions, spacious wardrobes and a safe – as well as a hairdryer and a mini bar, for those who fancy an in-room tipple. Everything you need to enjoy your stay is right here – and we couldn’t have imagined a more perfect base for our Roman adventure.
In a Nutshell
From its perfect location to its stunning views, the Palazzo Manfredi has got it all, and is a must for first-timers in Rome who want to see it all. Although the area is not the liveliest in the evenings, Aroma and the terrace bar more than make up for it, and you can rest assured that you’ll sleep comfortably at night thanks to the fluffy pillows and comfortable beds. Great for both foodies and culture vultures as well as your luxury holidaymakers, it’s all you could want from a stay in the city – and we’ll certainly be back.
To book: www.hotelpalazzomanfredi.it; +39 06 77591380
Address: Hotel Palazzo Manfredi, Via Labicana 125 – 00184 Rome.
