Marcella Royal Hotel – Rooftop Garden

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about the Marcella Royal? I was expecting just another mid-range Roman hotel, but walking into that lobby – there’s this immediate sense that someone actually cares about the details here. The Via Flavia location is honestly perfect if you want to feel like you’re staying in a real neighborhood rather than tourist central. I mean, you’re still close enough to walk to the Spanish Steps in about fifteen minutes, but you’re tucked away on this quieter street where actual Romans live and work.

The rooftop garden is where this place really shines, and I’m not just saying that because it’s in the name. Most hotel “gardens” in Rome are like three potted plants on concrete, but they’ve actually created this little oasis up there. The morning light hits it just right – I found myself having coffee there every day around 8 AM when it was still cool and you could hear the city waking up below. There’s something about being above the street level noise that makes you appreciate Rome’s skyline differently. The staff knows their stuff too, which matters more than you’d think. When I asked about getting to Trastevere for dinner, the front desk guy (Marco, I think?) didn’t just point me toward the obvious tourist route – he told me about the bus that runs right from the corner and actually explained which stops to watch for. That kind of local knowledge makes a difference when you’re trying to maximize your time.

The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star – clean, comfortable, with decent air conditioning that actually works (crucial in summer). Nothing fancy, but honestly? After walking around Rome all day, you just want a good shower and a bed that doesn’t creak. The soundproofing is surprisingly good considering you’re in the middle of the city. I was on the third floor facing the street and barely heard traffic, though I’d probably still request a back room if you’re a really light sleeper. Check-in was smooth, parking nearby is doable but tight – there’s a garage about two blocks away if you’re driving, though honestly, don’t drive in Rome if you can help it. The 8.6 rating feels about right; it’s not going to blow your mind, but it does everything well without any major complaints. If you’re looking for something that feels authentically Roman without breaking the bank or dealing with hostel drama, this is your spot.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $222. Superior Deluxe Double or Twin Room with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional staff and location. – Kim from Canada – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great location. Part of my stay was solo and I felt very safe in that area. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Shoutout to Joanna, who assisted with tickets for the hop on hop off bus, the Vatican and overall Rome knowledge. She was very friendly and made me confident to explore Rome on my own.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Overall it was a nice stay – Jessica from United States – 12 June 2025 (9/10)

  I really love the location of the hotel so many places to eat where you didn’t have to walk far and it wasn’t in a busy area .
  
  What could be improved: That you have to wait until 2 pm to check in. All the other hotels in different cities had allow us to do early check in . We had to sit in the lobby for 40 minutes after we had to ride a train into Rome

• Exceptional – Deborah from United Kingdom – 28 May 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely hotel, friendly staff, rooftop.terrace was lovely

• Lovely, friendly hotel. – Colin from United Kingdom – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great friendly hotel.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Stunning roof top . Amazing singer and keyboard on the Saturday which was very enjoyable. Excellent – Amanda from Zimbabwe – 19 May 2025 (9/10)

  Stunning roof top restaurant for really great breakfast ! Great food great staff!

• Very good – Mihaela from Romania – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very good
  
  What could be improved: Very good

• Nice front desk with helpful staff with calling taxi and dinner recommendation. – Vicky from United States – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  Convenient location

• Papa died – Richard from United Kingdom – 28 April 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful common areas and nicely appointed room and lovely bathroom, obviously designed by a man as no surfaces to place anything or hooks to hang anything, but still very nice hence 10/10
  Terriffic breakfast and nice food.
  
  What could be improved: A little noisy early morning to the front.
  The Pope died so a tad busy

• Fine. – Judy from United States – 21 April 2025 (9/10)

  Na
  
  What could be improved: Internet was slow and non consistent.

• Enjoyable – Tricia from Canada – 7 April 2025 (8/10)

  Coffee in the room would have been nice instead of having to go to the restaurant first thing
  
  What could be improved: No coffee in the room

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities