The Hotel Minerve used to be a Royal Palace and has a enviable position in the heart of this historic city, 30 seconds walk from the Pantheon, 2 minutes from the Spanish Steps and 5 from the Piazza Navonna. This really is the centre of the tourusts Rome, and the price charged by this hotel reflects this.

The card on the back of my bedroom door informed me that my room cost 600euros per night, with breakfast 31 euros per person extra, bearing in mind that my room was smaller than my Son's bedroom at home, this is high end pricing.

The decor and finishings of the hotel are of the highest standard, but you get the feeling that they have tried to get as many rooms as possible into this stylish ex-palace, rather than creating something you will return to again and again.

You must go up to the rooftop terrace/bar/restaurant an hour or so before sundown and get terrific views of the city, but don't expect the same view from your room, most look out onto a wall a few metres away.

Saying all this, if you can get this hotel at a good rate on line, and don't expect a palacial room, then the location has it.

It is probably one of the most well known Hotels in Rome. I have decided to book there for my Roman latest stay. I must say that reviews on this Hotel do not help. Nevertheless, I ended up booking there since I got a special deal. Then I thought I could compare history, other opinions and what is my perception and taste. Well, the Hotel Grand de la Minerve won my bet. The only way to get there is by cab, however you are in Rome, you are in the real touchable ancient centre of Rome. How breathtaking it is, no words over the feelings while staring around you. The Hotel, just partially refurbished, is magnificent in its early century building, famous Murano glasses all around the lobby, large spaces; traditional in its style as it should be due to the location. Last but not least, professional staff. It is definitely a full 5 star service Hotel.

Location - Absolutely perfect for us, as we weren't too bothered about the Roman ruins. 1 minute to Pantheon. 5 minutes to Piazza Navone (and open top bus stop). 10 minutes to Trevi fountain. 15 minutes to Spanish Steps. Same to Vatican (or 2 minutes to bus route if you don't want to walk).
Staff - Helpful, efficient and approachable. Nothing but praise for them.
Rooms - We had a superior (= standard) and a deluxe (next level up). Both were excellent but the difference was worth the extra for the extra space/furniture and the corner windows facing two directions. Both rooms were quiet, clean, well furnished and nicely decorated. Beds were on the firm side, but that suited us. We made a point of asking for non-smoking and got them. The rooms around us were also non-smoking.
Bathrooms - Not exactly power showers (5th floor), but up to the standard of the rooms otherwise.
Breakfast - excellent quality but expensive. If you get continental breakfasts make sure you see it on the check or you'll be charged for the buffet, whether or not you get it.
Other - Charging for internet access ? No WLAN in room ? No excuse in a hotel of this standard, and even when we paid for it the speed was barely adequate for checking e-mail and tourism-related browsing.

Beautiful property in a very fascinating spot in Rome.

Our room was decently large and very quiet. Some parts of the rooms are renovated, other not so much. Overall, very good standard. Bed slighty too stiff.

What we liked most was the quiet elegance ad the atmosphere in general. Responsive staff.

A bit too expensive.