I decided to take my best four-legged friend on a trip to the Eternal City. I love to travel. Rome is always on my list for a grand tour. However, I often worry about where my dog can stay. I spent weeks looking for the right spot. I kept asking myself: Are Hilton Hotels Near Villa Borghese Pet Friendly? I found out that the answer is a big yes.
The area around Villa Borghese is a dream for people like us. It is a massive green heart in the middle of a busy city. This park covers about 80 hectares of land. It is the third-largest public park in Rome. I needed a place close to this grass and the trees. My dog needs space to run.
I usually look for pet friendly hotels lake buena vista or check which hotels are pet friendly in vegas when I am in the States. This time, I shifted my focus to Italy. I found several Hilton options that welcome pets with open arms. I will share my full guide with you now.
The Magic of Villa Borghese for Pet Owners
I arrived in the Parioli district first. This area is very quiet and fancy. It sits on the northern side of the park. The sidewalks are wide. The traffic is low. This makes it much less stressful for a dog.
Villa Borghese is not just a park. It is a utility for travelers with pets. It offers a break from the hard travertine stone of the city center. I saw the Bioparco di Roma nearby. I also saw the Galleria Borghese. The park has wooded glades and secret gardens.
First of all, I looked at the Hilton Garden Inn Rome Claridge. This hotel is a great gateway to the park. It sits at Viale Liegi 62.
A Deep Dive Into the Hilton Garden Inn Rome Claridge
I found this hotel very practical. It is only 0.7 kilometers from the entrance of the park. That is a short 8-minute walk. I timed it. It took me exactly 7 minutes to reach the Bioparco.
The staff at this hotel are famous for being helpful. They even gave me a free map of Rome when I checked in. The hotel has 93 rooms. These rooms are spread over seven floors.
The Pet Policy and Fees
The rules here are very clear. They allow up to two dogs in one room. Each dog can weigh up to 20 kilograms. This is about 44 pounds. Many other hotels in Rome only allow small dogs under 10 kilograms. Therefore, this hotel is perfect if you have a medium-sized dog like a Beagle or a Spaniel.
The cost is another plus. They charge a non-refundable fee of €30.00 per pet for the whole stay. This is very cheap compared to other luxury spots. Additionally, they have a “no cats” policy according to some travel sites.
Room Features and Comforts
I stayed in a room with a 50-inch Smart TV. It had a Nespresso machine and an electric kettle. These tools helped me keep my dog’s routine. I used the mini-fridge to store fresh food for him.
The beds are very comfy. I slept well on the premium bedding. The room was soundproofed. I did not hear the tram noise from the street. On top of that, some rooms have a private balcony.
Additionally, the hotel has a 24-hour gym. It also has a sauna and a Turkish bath. I enjoyed the Claridge Restaurant. They serve Italian classics and a great breakfast buffet. The breakfast costs €20.00 per person.
Similarly, the location makes travel easy. The Liegi-Ungheria tram stop is only a 1-minute walk away. Trams are often better for pets than crowded buses.
Later, I decided to look at a more historic option. I moved toward the city center.
The Luxury of Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection
I found the Aleph Rome Hotel at Via di San Basilio 15. This building used to be a bank headquarters. It was built in 1930. It is a mix of history and modern style.
This hotel is in the heart of the city. It is between Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini. I walked to Villa Borghese in about 10 to 12 minutes. It is also close to the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
The Strict Pet Rules
The Aleph is very fancy. They use a lot of Cipollino marble and onyx. Because of this, their pet policy is more strict. They only allow one small pet per room. The max weight is 10 kilograms or 22 pounds.
The fee is also much higher. You must pay a non-refundable fee of €150.00 for your stay. This covers the deep cleaning needed for the marble floors.
I had to sign a formal Pet Policy agreement. Here are the main rules I followed:
- I kept my dog on a leash in all public areas.
- I did not take him into the restaurants, bars, or the pool area.
- He was not allowed in the spa or the fitness center.
- I had to stay in the room when housekeeping or room service came by.
- I told the front desk whenever I left him alone in the room.
Opulent Amenities
The hotel has 80 rooms. My room had high ceilings and marble floors. I loved the walk-in shower and the Nespresso machine.
One of the best parts is the rooftop pool called the Organics Sky Garden. It has amazing views of the Roman rooftops. Additionally, there is a spa hidden in the old bank vault. It has a hammam and a Finnish sauna.
On top of that, the Barberini Suite has its own private terrace. If you want a luxury escape, this is the place. It is a serene spot away from the city noise.
Finally, I checked out some boutique partners of Hilton. These are part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH).
The Best Deal: Hotel Lord Byron
I was shocked to find the Hotel Lord Byron. It sits in a quiet part of the Parioli district. The address is Via Giuseppe de Notaris 5. It is an Art Deco haven.
This hotel has a very rare policy. Small pets stay for free. I did not have to pay an extra fee at all. However, I had to ask for a pet-friendly room when I booked.
Practical Details
The weight limit is about 10 kilograms. They offer food and water bowls for your pet. They ask that you do not leave your pet alone in the room.
The hotel is very close to the park. I reached the Borghese Gardens in a few minutes. It is a short 0.7-kilometer walk.
Similarly, the rooms are elegant with vintage marble baths. My room had satellite TV, a safe, and a minibar. I enjoyed the Relais Le Jardin restaurant, but pets are not allowed there.
Additionally, the second guest stays free in a member’s room on some stays. This is a great value for couples.
Close to the Gardens: Margutta 19
I also visited Margutta 19. This hotel is on a famous street where Picasso once lived. It is a hidden retreat.
It is the closest hotel to the park. The walk is only 0.3 kilometers. That is about 5 minutes.
The Pet Policy
This spot is only for very small pets. The max weight is 3 kilograms. That is only 6.6 pounds. They charge €30.00 per day for the pet.
The suites have garden views and travertine marble bathrooms. I liked the freestanding tubs. It feels very private and high-end.
The Ultimate Pet Resort: Rome Cavalieri
I must tell you about the Rome Cavalieri. It is a Waldorf Astoria hotel. It is not near Villa Borghese. It sits on the Monte Mario hill. It is about 2.5 miles away.
This hotel has the V.I.P. (Very Important Pets) program. It is the most dog-friendly place I have ever seen. They even have a resident dog named Contessa.
Special Services for Pets
They offer a doggy menu with gourmet food. You can hire a dog walker for pooch personal training. The hotel has 15 acres of private parkland for these walks.
Additionally, they can arrange a visit to a nearby doggy spa called La Domus Aventina. Your pet can get a shampoo, massage, and a comb-out.
The Costs and Limits
They allow pets of any size in some rooms. The fee is €35.00 per night. However, some sources say the limit is 11 pounds for certain rooms. You should check before you book.
One big downside is the transport. Pets are not allowed on the hotel shuttle bus. I had to take a private taxi to reach the city center.
Comparing Your Options
I made a list to help you choose. I looked at the cost and the distance.
- Hilton Garden Inn Rome Claridge: Best for medium dogs. It is an 8-minute walk to the park. The fee is a flat €30.
- Hotel Lord Byron: Best for saving money. It is an 8-minute walk. The pet stay is free.
- Aleph Rome Hotel: Best for a central luxury stay. It is a 12-minute walk. The fee is a flat €150.
- Margutta 19: Best for the shortest walk. It is a 5-minute walk. The fee is €30 per day.
- Rome Cavalieri: Best for total pampering. You need a taxi. The fee is €35 per night.
Important Things to Remember
I learned a few lessons on this trip. First of all, not every Hilton in Rome takes pets. The Cosmopolita Rome Colosseum does not allow them.
Later, I realized that many hotels change their names. The old Hilton on Via Veneto is no longer a Hilton. Therefore, always check the current brand before you go.
I also noticed that the Parioli area is the best for walking. The sidewalks near the Claridge and Lord Byron are much better for a dog than the crowded center.
Similarly, use the tram lines 3 and 19. They are helpful for getting around with a pet.
FAQ
Is Villa Borghese dog friendly?
Yes, this park is a paradise for dogs. It is the third-largest public park in Rome and covers about 80 hectares. You will find many wooded areas and gardens where your pet can enjoy a walk.
Can dogs go to Hilton hotels?
Many Hilton hotels welcome dogs. There are sixteen Hilton properties in Rome that allow pets. You should always check the specific rules for each hotel because weight limits and fees vary.
Where to stay in Rome with a dog?
You have several great choices. The Hilton Garden Inn Rome Claridge is excellent for medium dogs. The Hotel Lord Byron is a wonderful pick if you want a pet to stay for free. If you want luxury, the Aleph Rome Hotel is a top spot.
Can I leave my pet alone in a hotel room?
Rules vary by property. At the Aleph Rome Hotel, you can leave a pet alone if you notify the front desk. However, the Hotel Lord Byron asks that you do not leave pets unguarded in the room.
Do hotels check dog weight?
Yes, they often have strict weight limits. For example, the Aleph has a limit of 10 kilograms. The Claridge allows dogs up to 20 kilograms. Margutta 19 only allows very small pets up to 3 kilograms.
Concluding words
You will find that many Hilton hotels near Villa Borghese are very pet friendly. The Hilton Garden Inn Rome Claridge is a practical choice for dogs up to 20 kilograms with a low fee of €30. If you want to avoid fees, the Hotel Lord Byron allows small pets to stay for free.
The Aleph Rome Hotel offers a luxury experience in a historic bank for pets under 10 kilograms. Always remember to check the specific weight limits and rules for each property before you travel.
