Centrally located, excellent service, stylish Art Deco, and an exceptional value, Rome’s four-star Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo is a quite the score. I was in Rome only for a few days and wanted an easy-in, easy-out solution to the Eternal City. This was it.
Steps away from Termini train station, getting to the hotel was a breeze and much appreciated after a delayed flight. Termini is also where both the A and B lines intersect which made getting around Rome incredibly smooth.
Hotel Mediterraneo’s Rooftop Terrace with a View of the Vatican
What wasn’t a breeze, however, was that the airline lost my luggage. Fortunately, Hotel Mediterraneo’s front desk angels were on the case. One receptionist had an insider contact in Fiumicino’s lost luggage department, who was his eyes and ears. I was deeply grateful, as I can attest that not all Italian hotels are equally sensitive to the disaster of lost luggage. Being reunited with my suitcase became a three-day affair as it was still in Los Angeles. Everyone at the front desk worked so diligently, that I happily ‘paid’ them in cannoli to show my appreciation.
The ten-floor hotel is a relatively new building in Rome. Designed in 1936 by master Art Deco architect Mario Loreti, it is perched on Esquiline Hill, the highest of Rome’s Seven Hills. I got quite a view of Rome from all directions. The best view, however, was from the terrace where the breakfast feast was served. I could relax and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Vatican and beyond before heading out into the beautiful chaos that is Rome.
The Art Deco Lobby
Its 251 rooms, lobby, and bar are Art Deco Italian-style. Think marble busts, golden mosaics, a majestic staircase, wood paneling, oak carvings, chandeliers, and luxurious red carpet. The 10th floor is also where you want to be. Light and bright suites with balconies and sweeping views of Rome, a lively bar, and the breakfast terrace transforms into a lively restaurant in the evening.
Art Deco Bar
Light and Bright Suites with Terraces
After a delicious two cappuccino breakfast, I headed out and was a quick walk from Rome’s most popular attractions such as: Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Pantheon, Palazzo delle Esposizioni, and the stunning Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore.
The Breakfast Buffet
A few more perks I enjoyed at Hotel Mediterraneo was their expert concierge including restaurant reservations that could only have been local’s knowledge as I was the only foreigner. And they booked my train travel, which made navigating Italy much easier.
The hotel is dog-friendly, with one caveat, however, that your dog is polite. Two gyms (that I vowed to use but never did) are available for the workout-centric traveler – if walking all day around Rome isn’t enough exercise. And for tired feet and sore backs from Rome’s Sanpietrini cobblestones, guests can book a Shiatsu, ayurvedic, anti-stress or relaxation massage complete with aromatherapy.
When my stay in Rome was up and it was time to check out, I walked to the lobby with my retrieved suitcase and left the Hotel Mediterraneo with a high sense of satisfaction. Minus the missing luggage, my experience had been just as I had hoped. Smooth. I waved goodbye to this Art Deco Roman gem and to the fantastic staff at the front desk who thanked me once again for the cannoli.
DETAILS:
Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo ****S
Via Cavour, 15 – 00184 Roma Italy
+39 06 4883288
*I was a guest of Hotel Mediterraneo. This review is a true representation of my experience at the hotel.
*Images courtesy of Hotel Mediterraneo.
Author, journalist and publishing consultant, Donna Sozio has been featured in 200+ media outlets including the Tyra Banks Show, Early Show, Fox News, Good Day LA, Seventeen Magazine, Yahoo! Personals, Match.com, Lavalife.com, WeBlogtheWorld.com, EcoSalon.com, OrganicAuthority.com and many more.
Her books The Man Whisperer (Adams Media) and Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers (Kensington) were Amazon.com bestsellers, had TV/Film options and were translated into German, Portuguese and Czech.
