The weather was wonderful for the first part of our trip to Rome but alas, it turned on us as we approached Palazzo Manfredi – a 17th century palazzo and intimate boutique hotel in the heart of the ancient city.
As the sky turned grey and it started to pelt with rain, Palazzo Manfredi quickly comforted our mood with its friendly smiles and warming home-from-home comforts. As we entered the building, it fast became the perfect reprieve to get away from the dreariness outside.
We took the opportunity to cosy under the covers in our classic contemporary deluxe room and had a well-earned rest from walking around the city before dinner. Featuring 16 exquisite guest rooms and suites in total, each room blends old with new and is stylishly kitted out with free access to Wi-Fi, a pillow menu, personal dining table with chairs to enjoy room service, plush fabrics, marble flooring and beautiful bathroom with Romanesque bathtubs. 
With all that the rooms have to offer, we couldn’t ask for more and it really felt like being in our very own private mini-retreat.
With all that the rooms have to offer, we couldn’t ask for more and it really felt like being in our very own private mini-retreat.It would be a huge injustice if I failed to mention that this property boasts the most unparalleled, breath-taking view of The Colosseum – the largest ever amphitheatre built in the whole of the Roman Empire, all the way back in 80 AD. We were given a room with the colossal view and this in itself lifted our spirits even higher than a hot drink on a day like this could ever have managed.
At Palazzo Manfredi, you can also view the sheer iconic beauty of the partially ruined architecture when dining at the hotel’s rooftop award winning fine-dining restaurant, or should I say experience, called a Roma. We were treated to a magnificent seven-course taster menu in the conservatory space, paired with carefully selected wines by our sommelier, Alfredo. Our seasonal, Italian delights by marvellous Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio included oysters with mint perfumed grapefruit ice, handmade ‘orechiette’ pasta in a rustic rabbit ragout and lamb noisettes with a lavender sauce.
Despite the weather and it being a Sunday night, guests poured in and the restaurant was soon at full capacity with a brilliant atmosphere. Soon after, the sky thankfully cleared and the hotel staff opened up the terrace doors to capture The Colosseum in all its glory, gorgeously back-lit, setting such a romantic mood for those of us dining in the property.
We had planned to venture out from the hotel later that evening but after such an incredible culinary experience, we decided to head back to our room for a good night’s rest-what a truly memorable and magical stay.
Palazzo Manfredi, Relais & Chateaux offers Prestige rooms from £242 per night, including breakfast.
www.palazzomanfredi.com/ +39 06 77591380
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