Rising above Rome’s Piazza della Repubblica in curving, honey-colored stone, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi offers a living glimpse into the city's imperial past. The hotel occupies one of the capital’s most commanding addresses. From this palatial perch, guests overlook the Naiad Fountain and the stately arcades that once belonged to Diocletian’s Baths. Below the lobby, the ancient Roman ruins are embedded into the foundation, like memory carved in marble.
Location
Though centrally located, the hotel feels slightly removed from the tourist fray—close enough to the city’s pulse, yet with space to breathe. It sits just a short stroll from Termini Station, placing you minutes from both Rome’s main metro lines and high-speed trains. From here, the Via Nazionale leads to the Forum, while Trevi Fountain lies just to the west. And adjacent to the hotel is Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. This remarkable church was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century and is built within the ruins of the Diocletian Baths. It houses impressive artworks (and surely one of the world’s largest pipe organs) and serves as a testament to Rome's layered history, blending ancient Roman, Renaissance, and modern elements.
The Palace
The present-day neoclassical palace was built in the late 1800s and originally opened as a railway hotel. Its monumental colonnade and balustraded balconies recall Rome’s age of Grand Tour travel. The hotel’s structure partially incorporates the curved exedra of the original bath complex, dating back to the 3rd century AD. Glass floors in some lower-level areas reveal fragments of those thermal ruins—arched passageways, mosaic remnants, and long-forgotten bathing chambers. This literal connection to antiquity isn’t a gimmick; it’s the hotel’s soul.
A sweeping staircase, wrought-iron balustrades, and polished marble floors anchor the lobby. Corinthian columns line the lounge and bar areas, while vaulted ceilings and mirrored walls reflect the warm light throughout. Arched doorways, antique chandeliers, and a palette of creams, golds, and pale grays reinforce the building’s noble bones.
Accommodations
The 232 rooms and suites are laid out across two wings and four floors, each with slightly different character. Many feel more like city apartments than traditional hotel accommodations, especially the upper-floor suites, which include terraces and oversized windows with views of the Vatican, the dome of Santa Maria degli Angeli, or the grand fountain below. All share a sense of gracious scale. Rooms in the main wing feel particularly classical, with soft-toned damask walls, intricate moldings, and leather-bound writing desks.
Marble bathrooms are spectacular. Some are nearly as large as the bedrooms and feature deep soaking tubs, dual vanities, and walk-in showers. Luxurious Acqua di Parma bath amenities (sigh) offer a fragrant nod to Italian refinement.
Cuisine
Cuisine is a focal point at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, and each venue delivers a distinct experience. INEO, the hotel’s flagship dining room, is led by Chef Heros De Agostinis, who brings global technique and Roman tradition into quiet harmony. His inspiration stretches from the Middle East to South America. The tasting menus—offered in four or six courses—highlight seasonal ingredients and meticulous execution. Though each dish is perfectly portioned, you’ll very well extend your intake when confronted with the bread cart and the five different selections, paired with fresh olive oil. The environment is sleek and softly illuminated, with linen-draped tables and sculptural lighting. The whole experience—from the aesthetic, to the service, to the cuisine and the wine selections—is worthy of a Michelin star, and it feels destined for such recognition.
At the other end of the spectrum, SEEN offers a rooftop experience that pairs Roman sunset views with music, mixology, and global small plates. This is where the city comes to party. Both locals and guests mingle over champagne, sushi, and elevated Mediterranean bites. The vibe is energetic and utterly Roman.
At breakfast at La Fontana you’ll find a bountiful spread of fresh fruit, Italian pastries, charcuterie, made-to-order eggs, and pretty much anything else your heart and palate desire.
The Spa
Anantara Spa at Palazzo Naiadi offers a calm, restorative escape in the heart of the city. The space and the treatments draw on the site’s Diocletian history, offering a nod to centuries-old local bathing rituals. Treatments include Ayurvedic traditions from Asia and time-tested wellness practices. The result is a thoughtful mix of old and new. (Try the Diocletian Spa & Bath Ritual, 120 minutes of pure bliss, the seaweed wrap of which temporarily cured my lower back pain, allowing for a peaceful night of sleep.)
The Pool
A rare luxury in Rome, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi is home to a stunning rooftop pool that features panoramic vistas of Rome's iconic skyline. From this elevated oasis, unwind while gazing upon landmarks and savoring delectable drinks and snacks. Whether swimming morning laps or enjoying a cocktail at sunset, the experience is extraordinary.
Service
Throughout the property, service is intuitive. Many loyal staff members have been with the hotel for years, and their dedication to the iconic property is palpable. At check-in, staff greet guests with prosecco and warm towels. Turndown service arrives with slippers placed bedside. And the concierge handles requests efficiently, whether booking a private tour of the Vatican or securing dinner at a local trattoria with no online presence.
The Takeaway
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi isn’t just a hotel—it’s an experience steeped in Roman character. History, design, cuisine, and hospitality converge in one artfully composed package. Whether you’re soaking within a marble tub above ancient ruins or sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over domes and spires, the sense of place is unmistakable. Here, the Eternal City feels both grand and gracious.
Photos courtesy of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi
