Hotel Mediterraneo
Let’s start with the view. In the glass enclosed dining room and on the flowered terrace of La Terrazza, the Roof Garden on the top floor of the Hotel Mediterraneo, you’re treated to a sweeping panorama of all of Rome. Not a city where skyscrapers are the norm, my guess is there are few spots to gaze longingly over the rooftops of the romantic destination. The highest building in the center of Rome, this hotel offers one of them and it’s a prime spot to spend a few minutes with that special someone. Go at sunset when the city’s monuments are illuminated and the town begins to flex its’ gorgeously antique muscles. Snag one of the tables edging the open air garden and share a prosecco. You’re in Rome after all and this hotel will take care of you like Mama does.
And that is the point about the Mediterraneo. It’s a place that coddles its guests and gives them the sense that this is their home away from home. From the huge marble baths with glass shelved vanity tables, double sinks, separate walk-in shower enclosures and porcelain tubs
to the generous tea tray with Italian candies and biscuits, the Mediterraneo knows a thing or two about hospitality.
Located within walking distance of the most important archaeological sites such as the Coliseum and the Forum, this flagship property in the small, family-owned Bettoja Hotels chain is a jewel in the group’s tiara. One of the most notable, handsome and well preserved examples of the Italian Art Deco style in Rome it has an impressive history. Built between 1938 and 1942-44 by architect Mario Loreti, the lobby as well as all the public spaces, ooze grandeur and sophistication. I was reminded of Greta Garbo and John Barrymore in Grand Hotel as I passed through the elegant revolving lobby door and into the foyer. Practically a sea of glistening marble furnished with oversized mohair club chairs and sofas, many of the walls are decorated with intricately detailed mosaics peeking behind velvet drapes and flanked by busts of the emperors. You half expect Fred and Ginger to fox trot out of one of the elevators whose walnut doors are carved and inlaid with Deco scenes straight off an MGM set. And the Oscar for Best Art Direction goes to … the Hotel Mediterraneo!
But it doesn’t stop there. The elegant breakfast room is inspired by the sea, decorated with tritons and mermaids carved in oak and lanterns reminiscent of ancient galleons. Do have a champagne cocktail in the eye-popping bar where an alabaster counter with Venini crystal and more inlaid panels will have you running for your top hat. But don’t dare put it on because you’ll want to tip it in the direction of the Bettoja family, whose choices for preserving the striking originality of this property merit an award. On the 10th floor are 10 sunlit and luxuriously furnished suites with Jacuzzi’s and private terraces. Naturally, grab one of those.
After just a short stay in the city it had begun to feel a little bit like the hotel was home. Could I live here, I thought, like Eloise did at the Plaza Hotel in New York City? Absolutely!
Hotel Mediterraneo
Via Cavour, 15
Rome, Italy 00184
39 06 488-4051
www.bettojahotels.it