Review: Villa Agrippina, a Gran Melià Hotel

How did it strike you on arrival?
Rome in summer is glorious, and there’s nowhere better to bed down than at Villa Agrippina, a five-star property on the banks of the Tiber, not far from Vatican City. An olive tree-lined drive takes you past manicured gardens to a vast, pink palazzo, with a soaring, palatial entrance. Inside, polished floorboards and elegant armchairs put you right at ease, while the staff magically whisk your bags to your room. The message is clear: your holiday begins now.

Nice. What’s the crowd like?
Families and couples: anyone looking for a resort-style stay in the Eternal City.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
Premier Rooms are filled with light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows—but fear not, the curtains are so heavy that, when drawn, complete darkness descends. The bluetooth speaker helps make the room your own, and there’s a flat screen TV if you’d like more entertainment than the Botticelli-esque painting hanging above the bed.

But it’s the Agrippina Private Pool Villa that’s got us talking. Not only does this two-bedroom suite have its own garden and swimming pool, it can be linked with the next door’s Supreme Room, turning it into the perfect party pad. Feeling peckish? Snap your fingers and your private chef will appear, ready to prepare a meal of your choice.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
Meliá's specially-designed, ultra-comfortable dreamax mattresses are the stuff of legend, and when paired with their pillow menu, you’re guaranteed some sensational slumber time.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies—any of that find its way into your suitcase?
The Nespresso machine is always a winner, and the mini bar is well-equipped.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
If you can, ask for a room with a bath rather than a shower. The all-glass, in-room bathroom is completely sexy, the Carner Barcelona shower gel the perfect accompaniment to the white marble bath. You can thank us later.

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?
Wi-Fi is spotty, but free, across the property.

Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?
Anyone from Guest Experiences, hands down. They’ll organize your day, book your transport, and meet you when you come back, just to make sure everything went okay.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. If you’re after on-site fine dining, the recently-revamped Follie Restaurant is headed up by chef Alfonso D’Auria and takes Italian classics to a whole new level.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?
Gran Meliá is the perfect urban resort, with plenty of perks. Whether you want a day by the pool or a tour of Rome, the staff want to make sure your stay is the best it can be.