The Hotel Maria – Preferred Hotels & Resorts

The Hotel Maria – Preferred Hotels & Resorts Overview

Well, I’ve got to tell you about The Hotel Maria – Preferred Hotels & Resorts because honestly, this place surprised me in the best way possible. You know how sometimes five-star hotels can feel a bit stuffy? This one doesn’t – there’s something genuinely warm about it that hits you the moment you walk through those marble doors. The lobby has this gorgeous old-world charm (think rich mahogany and soft Persian rugs) but it never feels intimidating, and the staff actually remembers your name after the first day, which I mean, that’s pretty rare these days.

What really got me was the location – you’re right in the heart of everything but tucked away enough that you don’t get the constant street noise that plagues so many city hotels. I could walk to the main shopping district in about five minutes, and there’s this little family-run café just around the corner on Via Roma that serves the most incredible morning pastries (the locals line up there every day around 8 AM). The rooms themselves are spacious – I had one overlooking the internal courtyard which was blissfully quiet, though I’ll be honest, the street-facing ones can get a bit noisy during evening rush hour. The beds are seriously comfortable, and they’ve got this amazing rainfall shower that I probably spent way too much time in. One small thing though – the air conditioning can be a bit temperamental in the summer months, so don’t hesitate to call the front desk if it’s acting up.

The hotel restaurant is actually worth eating at (which, let’s face it, isn’t always the case), especially their Sunday brunch – locals come for it, which tells you everything you need know. Parking is available in their underground garage, and while it’s not cheap, it’s definitely worth it given how impossible street parking can be in this area. The concierge team knows their stuff too – they steered me toward this incredible little wine bar about ten minutes away that I never would’ve found on my own. Check-in was smooth (around 3 PM as promised), and they stored my bags without any fuss when I arrived early. There’s also a small spa on the third floor that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring – nothing massive, but the massage therapist Maria (yes, same name as the hotel) has magic hands. The whole place just has this authentic, lived-in feel that makes you want to come back, you know what I mean?

Facilities