Villa Agrippina Gran Melia

This urban resort is a sleek and stylish five-star option on the banks of the River Tiber. The design is contemporary with touches of Italian classicism, and the result is both atmospheric and supremely tasteful. Note, the Villa Agrippina Gran Melia was previously referred to as just the Gran Melia.

All the rooms feature high-end amenities like Nespresso coffee maker, cascade shower, and Clarins toiletries, and they are all spacious. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but for an extra tier of luxury upgrade to a RedLevel room. These come with a whole bunch of extra perks like a private welcome with sparkling wine, a la carte breakfast, bubble baths, access to the RedLevel lounge, and preferential booking at the restaurant, spa, and Balinese beds by the pool.

As well as a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the hotel is home to a luxury spa with excellent facilities. These include a sauna, Turkish bath with aromatherapy, sensorial showers, ice machine, outdoor plunge pool, and exclusive treatments by Clarins. Access to the spa is free for RedLevel guests.

Gran Melia Rome is located very close to the Vatican. St Peter’s Basilica is 10 minutes away, while the entrance to the Vatican Museums is 20 minutes away on the other side of the walled city. The gay bars in Trastevere (Beige, Garbo, and Frene i Frizoni) are about a 20-minute walk away. With this in mind, it's not surprising that the Villa Agrippina Gran Melia is one of the most booked luxury gay-friendly hotels in Rome.