For my second stay in Rome I chose a town center hotel (last time I was far away at Waldorf Rome) and I trusted Leading Hotels of the World to find a good place. The Majestic Roma is pretty cheap compared to others 5-star residences in the center so the choice was easy, even if the classical style was not very attractive for me ; what I didn’t expect is a fantastic upgrade given by the Hotel Manager at check-in thanks to my LHW membership. I have been upgraded from Junior Suite to the second signature suite of this hotel for free, the San Isodoro Suite which has 110sqm of space, 2 bathrooms and a private terrace overlooking via Veneto.
The exact style is a mix between classical and art-déco ; floors, walls and colors are art-déco while furnitures are clearly classical. The result is quite good although I really prefer pure and minimalist atmospheres.
Globally I had a good stay but not impressive, the breakfast could be improved but style good value ; without any upgrade I could feel more disappointed.
The Majestic Roma has been inaugurated in 1889 and had been renewed several times ; today it is composed of 98 guest rooms including 2 main suites, the San Isodoro and Via Veneto suites. My original book was a 50sqm Junior Suite at 420 EUR/night.
Living
The hotel is a monument in itself, common areas seem a bit like parisian hotels: classy and old style. Unfortunately there is no pool, the SPA looked ok but I didn’t try it.
When you go through the entrance the Front Desk looks quite small and group check-in/out and concierge. Not too easy but the monument is so old I don’t think they could change it ; the lift is a must see, an authentic old-fashion elevator from early 1900s. I liked also the main terrace and the restaurant, both overlooking Via Veneto at the second floor.
Room
One of the largest suite I ever stayed in. 5th and last floor, 110sqm of space, a huge living-room, a canopy bed, 2 bathrooms, a terrace… And a welcome gift, a Calvin Klein wallet !
Furnitures, in classical style, are a bit used and could be renewed but the general feeling when you enter the suite is good. The view is pretty nice, on the bedroom side you can see what is behind the hotel – a private palace and garden – and on the terrace side you can see Via Veneto and all Roma roofs.
My only regret would be the absence of a jaccuzi in the terrace ; indeed it is so huge and there are only a table and 2 chairs while it offers complete privacy…
Dining
Breakfast was nice as expected but not impressive, like the rest of the stay. There is no plenty of food but everything is good and you can eat either inside – Versailles style – or outside at the hotel terrace. Be careful, the buffet breakfast does not include american food (potatoes, bacon, omelet, …) and that could be changed at it becomes a standard in 5-star places.
I didn’t experiment room service as it was too expansive ; 31 EUR for a pizza is definitely too high, especially when you have some very good italian trattorias just beside in the street.
Level of exigency
Regarding clean service, it is quite strange because I see them only 2 or 3 times in the hotel but my room was cleaned every morning and turndown service every night ! So maybe they are hidden in adjacent rooms waiting for guests leaving..
By the way globally service quality was just as expected, waiters can serve you at the restaurant for breakfast if requested and are weel-educated, people at front desk or concierge are very qualified (“Clef d’Or” for the concierge) and ask you if eveything goes well each time they see you !
Stay from April 30th to May 02nd 2012
