Grand Hotel Plaza

One of Rome's older properties, Grand Hotel Plaza is housed in the historic Palazzo Lozzano, which was converted into a hotel in the 19th century. It's been a favorite of the film world, with the great Italian director Federico Fellini often visiting, as well as serving as a backdrop for movies like "Ocean's 12" and "Gangs of New York." The interiors are sumptuous and make a handsome first impression, including shades of ruby red and chocolate brown, mahogany paneling, and a Carrara marble staircase with an ornate lion sculpture. The Salone delle Feste is a particularly impressive space, with its coffered ceilings, mosaics, and huge crystal chandeliers. Both bars are done in the distinctive Stile Liberty (late 19th-century Italian Art Nouveau), making this hotel a bit of a design-lovers dream. While it misses the luxury mark with its lack of features (and some tired and worn areas), the hotel draws well-heeled leisure travelers, particularly couples, to its elegant but unstuffy atmosphere. Thanks to its extensive meeting facilities, the hotel also appeals to business travelers. 

Grand Hotel Plaza is in the center of Rome on the fashionable Via del Corso, in an area with numerous restaurants and luxury shops like Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Hermes. The L.go Goldoni bus stop is across the street. Ponte Cavour and River Tiber are a little under a five-minute walk west from the hotel, while Piazza Spagna, the Spanish Steps, and the Spagna Metro station are a little under a five-minute stroll east. The Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Villa Borghese, and the Pantheon are all about 10 minutes or less on foot or by bus, while the Colosseum is about a 15-minute bus ride from the hotel. St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican are about 15 minutes away by metro. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Termini Station. Leonardo da Vinci International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel, or about 40 minutes by train from Termini. 

Grand Hotel Plaza has 200 rooms, suites, and lofts in a number of configurations. The look is mostly upscale and refined, with eye-pleasing details like high ceilings, decorative stucco, period furniture, and original art. Some feature parquet floors or woven rugs, while suites showcase elements like Biedermeier furniture and 18th-century lamps. It's worth noting that many are tired, with worn furnishings, walls, and flooring. There are also occasional issues with heating and cooling. Some guests have also complained of unpleasant smells in bathrooms and elevators. Single Rooms start at 161 square feet (15 square meters), so keep in mind that some rooms are a bit small (though not by Rome standards). Suites have sitting areas. All rooms have minibars, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs, though the lack of coffeemakers is disappointing. Some rooms have 32-inch TVs, which are little small for a hotel of this class. Additionally, TVs are sometimes mounted on a wall adjacent to the bed, making for awkward viewing. Over 40 rooms have private, furnished balconies. Lower-floor rooms may also experience noise issues, particularly those overlooking Via del Corso. Bathrooms are clad in Carrara marble and come with bidets, premium bath products, and showers or shower/tub combos (some of which are jetted).

Features aren't numerous here, and the hotel lacks a gym (the spa is being constructed as of 2017). An ample, well-liked breakfast features a range of hot and cold items, but there's a fee for most guests and it's expensive. The hotel's fine-dining restaurant serves inventive Mediterranean and Roman cuisine with fresh ingredients and seasonal menus. Room service is available. There's also a seasonal restaurant situated on an outdoor terrace with citrus plants and views of the surrounding area. A sophisticated cocktail bar occupies a space with decor inspired by 18th-century Italian composer Pietro Mascagni, who once lived at the hotel. Also on-site are a lobby bar, concierge desk, bell staff, meeting rooms, business center, and wedding services. Valet parking is available, but it's quite expensive. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.