Hotel Gregoriana Review: Charming Boutique Hotel Near the Spanish Steps

In planning my trip to Rome, I reached out to Hotel Gregoriana, and manager Vassili Balocco kindly agreed to host me in exchange for a review. As always, I only contact properties that align with my – and my readers’  – interests, so you can be sure that the opinions in this post are my own. I’m very excited to introduce you to this family-run boutique hotel near the Spanish Steps!

**Psst! If you love Hotel Gregoriana as much as I do, you can take advantage of the special discount for Berlin & Around readers: stay 3 nights for the price of 2 using the promo code BERLINANDAROUND. Book here.**

Hotel Gregoriana: Historic Charm Mixed with Local Flair

When I travel, I always imagine what it might be like actually living in that place.

Of course, it’s difficult to get more than a glimpse at local life on a short trip. However, in Rome, I was pleasantly surprised – and immediately captivated – at how easy it was to develop a daily routine. From the first moment, I felt right at home in this dazzling metropolis.

I believe I owe that sense of “homecoming” to my accommodation, Hotel Gregoriana. So if you’re also looking for a Roman “home away from home”, read on and let this historical property inspire you!

With Thousands of Hotels in Rome, What Makes Hotel Gregoriana So Special?

That really is a good question, but I’d say I have the answer!

A lovely hideaway run by the same family for 40 years, Hotel Gregoriana is near the Spanish Steps but tucked down a quiet cobblestone lane, so you don’t get hordes of people constantly stomping by.

From the private balcony in my deluxe double room, I could see over the rooftops of the surrounding properties, many of which were apartment buildings and offices. This added to the feeling of being in a proper neighbourhood and not on the tourist track.

During my stay, I quickly slipped into an evening routine of enjoying a glass of Villadoro Ortrugo (white wine from Central Italy) on my balcony, preparing posts for the next days and watching as night fell over the city. I could totally imagine myself doing this every day, long-term.

Furthermore, practical features – from a full-sized wardrobe to amble shelves in the bathroom – ensured that my stay was more comfortable than at a typical hotel. I would almost go as far as to say that Hotel Gregoriana is a holiday home & hotel hybrid, with only kitchen facilities missing in-room (fridge aside).

Hotel Gregoriana’s Top Advantage: Location, Location, Location!

The absolute top advantage of staying at Hotel Gregoriana has to be the location. Head out the main entrance, cross towards the middle of the narrow street, and you’ll see the Sallustiano Obelisk appear, watching over the Spanish Steps. You are about 50 metres away from this iconic Roman attraction.

Similarly, a 7-minute stroll will get you to the world-famous Trevi Fountain. Walk for 10 minutes and you reach the Rinascente department store, with its stellar rooftop terrace and 2000-year-old aqueduct running through the basement (yes, only in Rome!). You can also walk to the Colosseum in 20 minutes and the Vatican in 40.

During my stay, I explored Rome almost entirely on foot with Hotel Gregoriana as a basecamp, coming back to my room for afternoon siestas before exploring again once it got a bit cooler.

So as someone who most enjoys discovering a destination on foot, Hotel Gregoriana was a great choice.

And best of all? I could jump out of bed in the morning and quickly access some of Rome’s most beautiful sights, beating the crowds without the need to set a 5 AM alarm. I know fellow Instagrammers and photographers will appreciate this!

A Historical Hotel with Family Spirit

Like most spots in Rome, Hotel Gregoriana has led many lives. Built in the 17th century, the property used to be a convent for the Suore dell’Immacolata Concezione di Nostra Signora di Lourdes (Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of our Lady of Lourdes).

The nuns also ran a small hostel on-site, called Pensione Florida, offering simple accommodation to religious tourists and pilgrims.

In 1971, the family that still owns Hotel Gregoriana today bought the building and renovated it entirely to create a comfortable, upscale hotel. However, the soul and character of Pension Florida remain visible, attesting to the building’s lengthy heritage.

Next March, Hotel Gregoriana will celebrate 45 years in business. The hotel’s former manager, who helped organize the grand opening in 1977, still works there today. Many other employees have also been part of the Hotel Gregoriana family for years, something that is ever rarer in our fast-paced world.

This family feeling extends to guests, many of whom have been returning to Hotel Gregoriana for decades. Even as a relatively new guest of the hotel, I understand why: there’s this sense of returning home the second you step through the door.

Hotel Gregoriana’s Rooms & Suites

As a 3-star hotel near the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, you might expect Hotel Gregoriana to be exceedingly expensive. This isn’t the case, however: there are accommodation options for every budget, from single rooms to spacious suites with private rooftop access.

The Deluxe Double Room

I stayed in a deluxe double room facing the inner courtyard, one of 3 to offer a cute balcony with a small table and chair set.

Upon opening the door, I was immediately struck by just how spacious the room was, even including a full bathroom with a tub & shower. I was also very pleased to discover a sizable wardrobe with a full-length, double mirror – and enough hangers for all of my clothes!

Plenty of personal touches, like the hand-written welcome note, artwork by Erte or the seashell-shaped soap holder, further infused charm into the practical side of the facilities.

The Crown Jewel: Rooftop Suites

Hotel Gregoriana boasts 3 stunning suites on the upper level, two of which have access to a small rooftop terrace and one that – get this – has its own private garden!

I was lucky enough to visit the garden and was so inspired – this is the kind of place I would love to just sit and write in all day, amidst lemon trees and lavender. And of course, you can catch a fabulous sunset from up here!

The master suite itself is so spacious that I got lost in it during my tour! Every room oozes golden age charm, with large windows that open up to sweeping views over Rome’s city center. Furnished much as a grand old apartment would be, the suite hasn’t lost its homey character, either.

Extra Perk: Delicious, Complimentary Breakfast

Start the day off right at Hotel Gregoriana with a free and substantial breakfast included in all bookings. And let me tell you, this breakfast is sensational!

On my first morning, I tried the “sweet” option, which included a delicious apricot tart from the upscale Roman bakery Antico Forno Roscioli. On the second day, I enjoyed a selection of local meats and cheeses. The third morning, I went back to the apricot tart because I just couldn’t get it out of my head!

Special Deal for Berlin & Around Readers: Stay 3 Nights, Pay 2

To sweeten the deal, my readers get an amazing discount – even better than the hotel’s members rate. Book 3 nights and only pay for 2 using the promo code BERLINANDAROUND as you browse rooms. This deal applies to all rooms at the hotel, including those gorgeous suites!

So, who else is ready to pack their bags and head to Rome?!

Final Thoughts: Hotel Gregoriana Ticks All the Boxes – and More!

When choosing a hotel, I make sure it ticks off many boxes. Location and value for money are definitely at the top of my list, alongside safety (which is especially important as I’m primarily a solo female traveller).

Next, I look at comfort and convenience – I’m a sucker for a free breakfast, as it just makes things so much easier in the mornings! And finally, because my career revolves around discovering and sharing inspiring photo spots, it helps if my accommodation itself is aesthetically appealing.

As you can imagine, Hotel Gregoriana met all of my criteria, further enhancing my first magical trip to the Eternal City. If you’re planning to visit Rome and are looking for a hotel near the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain or Barberini Palace, Hotel Gregoriana is your go-to!