Why book?
The Anantara Palazzo Naidi Rome is old-school luxury in the truest sense of the word: a big, serious, storied hotel with smart, couldn’t-do-more-for-you doormen; a soaring lobby with soothing décor; classically elegant rooms; and a world-class spa, all perfectly positioned with views to the iconic Diocletian baths and Piazza Repubblica. Rome’s not short on five-star hotels, but a stay at Anantara Palazzo Naidi feels like a real event.
Set the scene.
Luxury Thai brand Anantara took over this property a few years’ back and immediately set upon major renovations—and what a change they’ve made. There’s a cool marble lobby and—just behind—a big, expansive Champagnerie cocktail bar set beneath soaring ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. Given Anantara’s status as a go-to retreat for upmarket travelers looking for local experiences and stories, it’s not surprising that their first Italian property attracts a similar clientele, decked out in comfortable clothes ideal for exploring—think designer brand polo shirts, Ralph Lauren jackets, and Tods loafers.
The backstory
Anantara recently finished a major renovation to the property to better reflect their ethos, transforming a historical palazzo overlooking Rome’s Diocletian Baths into a palatial residence that combines historical charm with modern decor.
The rooms
Plenty of antique furniture, chandeliers, and curated objets d’art make up the 232 rooms and suites which are spread across four floors, balancing Roman ancient grandeur with Anantara’s signature sun-kissed sanctuary feel. Rooms come in different shapes and sizes, but even the smallest “premium room” feels grand and spacious, with substantially more living space than most other hotels in Rome. The duplex suite is particularly special, spread across two floors with a separate living area and mezzanine bedroom, plus views over the piazza and the Fountain of the Naiads. Bathrooms are so big they could be an extra bedroom and are decked out in floor-to-ceiling Travertine marble, with rainshowers and Acqua di Parma shower gels, moisturizers, and shampoos. Booking Palazzo Naidi’s suites comes with complimentary airport transfers, flowers and chocolates on arrival, spa access, and an ironing service. But if you’re truly looking to live like a movie star, check-in to the new Sofia Loren presidential suite, styled in collaboration with her son Edoardo Ponti. (Loren loved to stay at the Palazzo Naidi whenever she was in Rome).
Food and drink
Breakfast includes local yogurts and cheeses, cakes still warm from the oven, fresh fruit, and trays of sticky honeycomb—plus velvety cappuccinos and rocket fuel espressos. Come sundown, guests (and well-dressed locals) tend to head to the downstairs Champagnerie cocktail bar for a cocktail, before booking a table at INEO, Anantara Palazzo Naidi’s elegant restaurant. Chef Heros de Agostinis has turned this 27-seater into a destination in its own right, serving exciting yet accessible plates inspired by the hotel’s location near the multicultural Esquilino neighborhood. Guests can choose from four or seven-course tasting menus, or simply go a la carte—the starter of tuna, beetroot, and yuzu, followed by the handmade macaroni with Eritrea beef are downright exceptional. For something a little more casual, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Seen By Olivier, serves Mediterranean-Brazilian fusion (wagyu with chimichurri, teriyaki salmon, burgers) by the hotel pool, all within selfie-distance of Rome’s biggest sights.
The neighborhood/area
You don’t get much more central than Piazza della Repubblica, not far from Rome’s Termini station and within walking distance of the Baths of Diocletian and Santa Maria degli Angeli. A number of tours start from Piazza della Repubblica, so you’re well-placed for exploring further afoot, too.
The service
Friendly and eager to help. Ask about the Anantara Rome neighborhood experiences, which guide you through little known parts of the city, from Roman cooking classes in Campo dei Fiori to antiquing in Trastevere. Back at the hotel, romantics take note: Anantara’s “Dining by Design” is a five-course dinner overlooking the Diocletian Bath ruins. The hotel recently began running standalone events, including the annual Anantara Concorso, a vintage car rally featuring legendary Italian marques.
Anything else we should know about?
Don’t leave without experiencing Anantara’s signature spa treatments, inspired by the ancient Roman Baths. The Diocletian Ritual, comprising a salt scrub, cleansing mud wrap, and massage, is both invigorating and restorative. The spa therapists are thorough and intuitive, happy to talk you through the treatment or stay quiet and let you rest. They offer a comprehensive range of therapies including an amazing hydrafacial, waxings, and manicures. It’s not all play: Anantara Palazzo Naidi is a proper business hotel, too, and those traveling for work will appreciate the smartly-designed meeting rooms overlooking the Roman baths.
Piazza della Repubblica, 47, Rome, 00184
Italy
https://www.anantara.com/en/palazzo-naiadi-rome