Rome Hotel Mediterraneo: A fusion of the past and present

From ancient times to today Rome is full of history. Discover the Pantheon, Colosseum, the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica and much more. There is something around every corner for travelers to see and learn. Even the hotels have a legacy, making their impression on the city’s overall character. One such Rome hotel is the Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo.

Hotel Mediterraneo sits on top of Esquiline Hill, the highest of Rome’s Seven Hills, about a block away from the Termini Station.  Here one can up a train, subway, shuttle or bus; thus making the hotel ideally situated to get around Rome.

Hotel History

This Rome hotel is one of three owned by the Bettoja Family. Now in its third generation, the hotel boasts a tribute to a day gone by, the era of the Art Deco movement. Architect Mario Loreti designed the Mediterraneo in 1936. At the time Rome needed something big to accommodate the World Fair for 1942, which ultimately canceled due to World War II.

The Hotel

The hotel is monumental in structure and considered the tallest building in the center of Rome with its ten floors and approximately 245+ rooms. There are standard rooms, superior, junior suites with balcony and a view.

The name Mediterraneo gives the hotel its sea theme, and one sees that the hotel is adorned with wood and marble along with mosaics, woodcarvings, and Roman busts. The Mediterraneo embellishes grandness from a very decadent era. The Bottoja family is determined to continue the hotel’s legacy by preserving its original style and integrity. There is a heavy cost in maintaining this grandiose character, but it pays off when you enjoy the décor and ambiance of the Mediterraneo.

There is attention to detail from the time this hotel was built to now. Looking at the stairwells, one observes the marble staircase and its construction of huge slabs of marble. This hotel could withstand an earthquake or other act of nature.

The tenth floor houses the suites and Roof Garden Restaurant. With its spectacular views of Rome’s skyline of historic buildings, it becomes a treat to enjoy breakfast, lunch or a candlelit dinner. This restaurant is perfect for summertime Al Fresco dining out on the patio. The food is excellent and the serving staff very friendly.

In addition to the Roof Garden Restaurant, the Taverna on the ground floor serves breakfast daily. Restaurant 21 serves lunch and dinner and is adorned by a mosaic of a hunting scene created by artist D’Urso.

Like the large spacious high ceilings of the lobby and foyer, the guest rooms are large and roomy with hardwood floors. The rooms are very comfortable and inviting. Those staying in a superior room and up receive a welcome gift with their stay, a fruit basket, and welcoming drink plus deluxe breakfast.

Hotel Amenities

Amenities include free Wi-Fi and a fitness area. Shiatsu, Ayurvedic, anti-stress or relaxation massages, and aromatherapy are also available. This Rome hotel is pet-friendly; small dogs only.

For more information:

Bettoja Hotel Medeterraneo
Via Cavour, 15, 00184 Roma, Italia
Tel (+39) 06 4884051
Fax (+39) 06 4744105
E-mail: mediterraneo@bettojahotels.it

Note: Common to the travel industry, this writer received hosted accommodations. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.