Our Honeymoon: The Gran Melia Hotel, Rome

Friday 23 October 2015

We landed in Rome early on a balmy morning in July, less than 48 hours after we had said our wedding vows, and we were exhausted. Adrenaline had kept us going for the past few days, but suddenly, as we trundled off the flight I felt the inevitable crash. I was ready for a sleep, but first we had to find our way to our hotel.

Situated in the heart of Rome, the imposing villa of the Gran Melia Rome sits in beautiful grounds just a few steps away from the entrance to Vatican City, and just a short stroll away from the Piazza Navona, Castel Sant'Angello and all of the restaurants and amenities of historic Trastevere.


We were greeted with the warm welcome we had been expecting from the Gran Melia brand, which puts hospitality and guest comfort above all else, and were immediately ushered outside to the terrace bar for a glass of prosecco while our bags were taken to our room for us.

I always experience a feeling of awe when I return to Rome, for the history and vibrancy of the city and it's breathtaking views, but I will always remember that moment in particular, sitting with my new husband, glass in hand, looking out over the hotel's expansive pool, with its modern, LA-like vibe with an ancient backdrop, and how I felt somehow complete. We'd done it! We were married, and now we were in the most romantic city in the world, at one of the most elegant hotels I have ever stayed in. I couldn't think of a more fitting way to begin our honeymoon.



All tiredness had seeped away with the last of the bubbles, and I was ready to check out what the hotel had to offer.

First, our room. The hotel had kindly upgraded us from a deluxe to a premium room, which meant that we had ample floorspace. Big, heavily draped floor to ceiling windows looked out over the grounds and flooded the room with colour and light.



I loved the exposed wooden floors and Roman artwork on the walls; a little reminder that we were in a grand and ancient building which was once owned by the mother of the Emporer Nero.

The bathroom was separated from the main room by another drape, and featured a huge bath, with rain shower, and my favourite clarins products.



Rich got distracted by the Nespresso machine in the corner, while I marvelled at the dressing room, and excitedly discovered the bottle of prosecco and chocolate-covered strawberries which had been left for us.



Is there anything better than enjoying a panoramic view of Rome with a glass of prosecco in hand?


Needless to say, it didn't take us long to get stuck in.


The treats that were left out for us became a bit of a feature throughout our three night stay, and I remember pondering each time we entered our room what special surprise would be awaiting us on the other side.




Yes, our room was glorious, but it didn't even come close to the beautiful spaces of the rest of the hotel.

As we walked through the bright and breezy corridors, we marvelled at how the interior designers had retained the character of the villa, while giving it a modern edge with plenty of colour and light.


Get my look. Dress: Ted Baker (last season) - similar here; Bag: Mulberry Bayswater Double Zip Tote in Regal Blue; Sandals: Accessorize Lara Leaf Sandals (last season) - similar here; Sunglasses: Tiffany Cat Eye Sunglasses (last season) - similar here.





The grounds outside were no less impressive, with plenty of space and lush green grass, alongside dedicated spaces for relaxing, eating and drinking.






On our last morning, the General Manager, Franceso Ascani and Head of Public Relations, Valentina Marucco sat with us to tell us all about the hotel and its history, as well as the Gran Melia brand, and its prestigious 'Red Level Service' which has been making ripples in luxury travel the world over. It was a very kind gesture of them to give up their time, and one of many considerate acts of hospitality which we experienced throughout our stay.

Regrets? That we hadn't checked out the world class VivaVoce restaurant due to mealtimes being full to the brim with various pre-bookings and appointments prior to our arrival. That we hadn't had a chance to visit the Clarins Spa. That we were having to leave already!

We reluctantly packed our bags. The next destination on our tour of Italy was calling...

Richard and I were not guests of the Gran Melia Rome, but we were offered a room upgrade for our stay. As always, I only write honest reviews, regardless.

25 comments:

  1. Love it! Can't wait for more of your blogs! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you whoever wrote this! I'm guessing Rich.

      Polly xx

      Delete
  2. looks amazing! happy honey moon

    http://hashtagliz.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks like a real oasis in the middle of a busy city!
    Lots of love,
    Angie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's exactly what it felt like. It's so rare for a central Rome hotel to have such extensive grounds. I was so pleased with our choice!

      Polly xx

      Delete
  4. The view from your hotel is so gorgeous! And having a bottle of Prosecco on hand makes it even better!

    http://thecourtneydiaries.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow, this place looks stunning! I love the design of the hotel room!

    http://roadesque.com
    http://ourruins.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved the mixture of old and new, they managed it perfectly!

      Polly xx

      Delete
  6. Wow! Can't believe this is right in the middle of a city as busy as Rome! Such a beautiful place to start your honeymoon and so nice of them to upgrade you and give you all these lovely little touches. The rooms and hotels look so spacious compared to most other places I've seen and heard about in Rome, a great find! I may have to pinch this idea when I finally get round to taking my hubby to Rome, as he's never been.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh wow, I'm delighted! Pinch away! It truly was perfect for us - great situation, extensive grounds, lovely pool and great food (which I wish we'd tried!). I know you'd both love it.

      Polly xx

      Delete
  7. This sounds like they put the ROMEance in Roma. Sorry, couldn't resist!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well Emma, I do believe you have spoiled the title of an upcoming blog post for the rest of my readers! I love that pun! ;-)

      Polly xx

      Delete
  8. Wow, what an amazing looking hotel! Great way to kick off your honeymoon! I love Rome - such a fabulous city. x

    Kate Louise Blogs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the best city in the world I think! Made even better by our awesome hotel choice.

      Polly xx

      Delete
  9. This looks so incredibly perfect for a honeymoon. I am so jealous, especially because it's getting so cold in London at the moment.

    Ashleigh x
    www.quintessentiallyme.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahh, is a winter mini-break on the cards?!! It was as close to perfect as you can get, we were so lucky!

      Polly xx

      Delete
  10. Stunning hotel looks beautiful and the perfect place for a honeymoon Lucy x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't think of a better way to have started our trip :-)

      Polly xx

      Delete
  11. Rome is one the best destination for honeymoon and the picture you have share it's really amazing

    ReplyDelete
  12. Can't believe this is right in the middle of a city as busy as Rome! Such a beautiful place to start your honeymoon and so nice of them to upgrade you and give you all these lovely little touches

    ReplyDelete

DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS