Grand Hotel de la Minerve

Having stayed in some of the great hotels of the world : we booked three night a at La Minerva before a stay on Orvieto just to try this new hotel. We were not disappointed. As a matter of fact: it might have been our best hotel experience ever. Thanks to our Virtuoso travel agent we were upgraded to a spectacular suite. What is special is the sense of place. Staying at a 5 star hotel in Europe that feels like you are in Boston : lovely but not what you want. The details here. Outstanding. Roman. Gorgeous. The bars. The breakfast. To Hear my name called out: are you sure you don’t want to have a drink at the speakeasy tonight in our way to the elevators . Of course we went. Valentina taking us to our room : we know we were in for Magical experience. The location. Perfect. Quiet. The staff. Everyone felt like family. We are already figuring out how to return. Rome truly has GREAT hotels. This one shines.

Yes, this is an expensive hotel (very expensive), but you get what you pay for. Everything about this hotel is 1st class. Even before we arrived we received several messages from the staff welcoming us and asking if there was anything they could do for us, from the temperature of the room to the arrangement of the beds. We were also able to book a dinner at their amazing rooftop restaurant. We arrived very early in the morning but they had no problem allowing us to check in at 8.00am! We were only there for one night, but they allowed us to stay until 2.00pm the following day, well after the scheduled checkout time. The room was enormous, spotlessly clean, and beautifully appointed. A bottle of Prosecco in an ice bucket greeted us. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about the room. The staff all speak good English and were friendly and helpful. The hotel is situated right on the Piazza della Minerva, and the Pantheon is a minute away. Perfect location. Our dinner at the rooftop restaurant was one of the highlights of our holiday. Beautiful food, flawless service, and a table looking over the Pantheon. As I said, it's expensive, but you get what you pay for. This hotel ticks every box and guarantees a special time in Rome.

We stayed 4 days after finishing a cruise. We arranged via their concierge (or conductor as they call them) for a driver to pick us up at the port of Civitavecchia and it was waiting for us right outside ship. After a quick 1 hr drive we arrived at about 9:30am, room was not ready, so they invited us to have breakfast (excellent btw) and by 10:15am we were in our room. We knew then this was an outstanding hotel. Frictionless at every step. Room was nicely appointed and husband loved the art deco decor. The bathroom was also big. Best part was the air conditioning, Rome was having a heat wave so temps close to 100F and very humid. It cooled down to 63F and the ceiling fan made for a very comfortable sleep. Location is perfect. Right outside is the Pantheon, and the Colosseum or St Peter's Basilica are an easy 20 min walk. Area is very touristy but that was part of charm for us. Shout out to Luna who was our breakfast server, by the 2nd day she knew our orders (Americano, orange juice, cappuccino, and mimosa) and were practically waiting for us. Also, the minibar was very well stocked, and everything except alcohol ( soda, juices, candies) was included. Went to rooftop restaurant on last evening to take sunset pictures, too hot and humid to eat there - but the view was divine. For the drive to the airport we again arranged a driver to take us there early in morning - again seamless. We also thought it was very well priced for the quality and location. Will be our go to hotel when back in Roma.

Husband and I just spent 3 nights there and had a wonderful time. However, there were a few hiccups and I'll list them below. That said, the service, outside of the roof top bar, was superb. everyone was friendly, polite and helpful. To shout out to: Carla who checked us in, Malik the conductor (I think that's his title) who greeted us by our name the entire stay, and Barbara / Amalia the massage therapists. Thank you for a wonderful stay! The concierge team was very helpful. I had reserved tkts to the Vatican but did not receive the tkts in email. I didn't catch his name but he jumped on the phone and figured it all out for us in a blink of an eye. so grateful for his help! The hiccups: 1) When we checked in, we asked for a reservation at the rooftop. We were meeting friends who were driving into Rome to meet us for a drink. No one told us about the dress code. In 35 degree temperature, the 2 men we were with were in shorts. The roof top staffs were not polite, let's just say. They asked us to wait on the side while checking other guests in, they discussed amongst themselves. At some point, someone said they'll make an exception and we were so happy. Out of respect, I asked my husband to go downstairs to change into pants, so at least only our guest will be in shorts. While husband is downstairs, the rooftop team came back to say "just kidding, men CANNOT be in shorts". It took 20 mins of waiting in the heat before we were just told "no, you can't come in". Imagine our disappointment especially as our friends drove an hour to come to Rome to meet us. That could have been better communicated 2) I suppose it's a pleasant surprise? no one mentioned that the soft drinks and snacks in the room were complimentary. We found out by accident on the last day. Glad we found out, would have loved to enjoyed it a bit more in the first 2 days of our stay 3) last one is also centered around communication. We were invited to check out their speakeasy which was LOVELY. The bartenders were so friendly, good jazz music and very good drinks. However, when we got there at 9.15, we were told "live music will start soon". So we waited. and waited. and waited. and waited. I know that 9.15 is unfashionably early for the Italians but it is late for people who usually go to bed by 10. We waited until 1030 and the live music never started. We finally gave up, asked for the bill, and that's when we were told "live music would start at 11". We would have loved for this to be communicated properly up front. Either we wouldn't have waited until 1030, or I might have opted to take a nap before coming back. That said, all in all, a wonderful stay. We would 100% stay there again. I would not, however, go up to the rooftop bar again. That team did not leave a great impression.

Spent 3 beautiful nights there. The reservations department, concierge and wait staff at the restaurant were all extremely attentive, kind and helpful. Best cappuccinos ever. They made our family feel so special with unique gifts. The rooms and hotel are beautiful. The location is great. Would definitely stay again.