Rome can get brutally hot in the summer, especially this summer it seems. After a day touring the Colosseum and Roman Forum under the blazing sun, there is nothing better than retreating to a cool hotel for a swim. But finding hotels with pools in Rome isn’t easy. I’ll often get my trip planning clients asking for “Rome hotels with pool” and not realize that they are going to have to pay a premium because, in Rome, space is a luxury.
Luckily, there are even some Rome hotels with pools that offer day passes! Here are five of my favorite hotels in Rome with swimming pools, which are great when visiting Rome with kids.
5 Rome Hotels with Pools
1 – Aldrovandi Villa Borghese
I stayed at the Aldrovandi Villa Borghese last fall and really fell in love. It is slightly outside of the heart of the historic district on the other side of the Borghese Gardens. I don’t see this location as a downside though because it is set in a more residential neighborhood just across from the park and away from the tourist throngs. A 20-minute cool, peaceful walk through the park brings you to the top of the Spanish Steps and the heart of the action (or you could take a complimentary shuttle over.) In the Borghese Gardens you will find playgrounds, boat rentals, segway and bike rentals, and even a zoo.
Everything about the hotel is comfortable elegance. The type of hotel where you walk in and automatically your shoulders relax but you don’t feel like it is so fancy you can’t walk through unless you are dressed to impress. The rooms are classic Roman style without being too ornate. Large bathrooms and tall ceilings give an impression of space that is hard to come by in a Roman hotel. It also feels very Italian, not just another American brand. Plus, the Aldrovandi has one of my favorite hotel breakfasts (champagne anyone?)
But the real hidden jewel is the Aldrovandi’s relaxing courtyard and shaded pool. It is surprisingly large for a city-hotel pool and is serviced by an outdoor cafe. There aren’t a ton of lounge chairs so you may want to grab one early or hope for the best at the end of a hot day. For hotels with pools in Rome — the Aldrovandi is my favorite!
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2- Gran Melia Rome
The Gran Melia hotel is part of a Spanish chain and sits on the Vatican side of the river, just a five-minute walk to St. Peter’s. It is located in Villa Aggripina and blends old-world architecture with a very sleek and modern design. I also stayed here last fall and loved the public spaces. The rooms are on the smaller side and have their quirks — like high-tech lighting and heating systems and glass walls/windows between the room and bathroom.
However, there are some suites that will accommodate smaller families and even some decorated by Kid & Coe equipped with everything families with young children need. There are some perks, like a phone that you can take out with you that is loaded up with restaurant recommendations and other information tourists need on the go. But the pool area is absolutely lovely with a grassy area around it for kids to run around — so hard to find in the city! The spa at the Gran Melia would also be a great retreat from the heat (just not for kids.) It is perfect for families visiting the Vatican and it is also not a far walk across the Tiber to sights like the Pantheon, Campo dei Fiori or Piazza Navona.
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3 – Rome Cavalieri
The Rome Cavalieri is a Waldorf Astoria property and is best for people that want to be outside of the hustle and bustle of Rome. It is situated on a hill overlooking the city, about a 10-20 minute cab ride to most main attractions. But what it has to offer are large sprawling lawns, a seasonal kids club, a 3 star Michelin restaurant, and fun activities like gladiator lessons on the grass.
The other thing to note is that the decor is very baroque so you will see lots of brass and ornate fixtures. That style is not for everyone and is a contrast to the contemporary Gran Melia. It is also huge and hosts many business travelers and conferences, which makes it lose a bit of the authentic feel.
However, the pools are simply gorgeous. They have a large outdoor pool and a lovely indoor pool that is part of the spa. I also think it is perfect for those looking for just one to two nights in Rome before flying in our flying out of Italy and are okay taking a cab to dinner or sightseeing. Ideal for someone that has been to Rome before and prioritizes the pool and outdoor space. One important note — there is a charge to use the pool (even for guests) unless you booked through a Virtuoso agency like Ciao Bambino. They do also offer day passes for non-hotel guests as well.
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4 – Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa
This brand first popped onto my radar because of its Sorrento property and I was happy to learn of another Rome hotel with a pool. Also located outside of Borghese Gardens, on a different side than the Aldrovandi, the Parco dei Principi is classic, old-world Italian. Lots of gold and brocade that can sometimes feel dated but is really just traditional. The 25-meter, heated pool is lush and large, even though it doesn’t have a ton of character. Open May through September, the pool is also open for non-hotel guests for a fee, and guests should also book a rate that includes the pool. Just keep in mind that they do sometimes close the pool for private events, and that can be a bummer!
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5 – Boscolo Exedra Roma
This Autograph Hotel (a Marriott brand) has a “cool pool.” You know, the kind that isn’t so much for swimming but a bit more of a place to see and be seen. The rooftop pool is shallow but can still refresh after a day in the sun. Just keep in mind that it too may be closed occasionally for private events. However, the views are pretty and it is very Instagrammable. Personally, I don’t love the location as there aren’t a lot of restaurants and shops in the immediate neighborhood, but it is close to the train station if you are continuing on to Florence, etc.
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The thing to keep in mind when you are picking a Rome hotel with a swimming pool is that there are always going to be trade-offs and many times it is location versus pool. While it is so fun to be in the center of everything, being in the middle of Rome when it is 100 degrees and the heat is reflecting off the buildings and pavement, you may wish you had picked a Rome hotel with a pool.
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
