As with all popular destinations, the most strategic move, hotel wise, is to stay just out of a city’s bustling center to avoid the maddening throngs of tourists – but close enough so everything is within convenient reach. So when it comes to visiting Rome, it’s the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria you should consider making your home base.
Opened in 1963, this storied and stately property perched atop the hill of Monte Mario has been welcoming the most discriminating of travelers, those seeking something beyond your typical hotel experience. Because what sets the Rome Cavalieri apart from its other five-star counterparts is that it’s a resort, which happens to encompass 15 lush acres – making it than easy to spend a few days here, without ever wanting to leave.
When it comes to hotels, I’m a firm believer in the power of first impressions. As soon as I stepped into the light-flooded, marble-decked lobby dripping with art, I felt like I was in a museum. (The hotel, in fact, owns approximately 10,000 pieces, which are displayed prominently throughout the property, and frequently loaned to other institutions.) From the trio of giant oil paintings by Giambattista Tiepolo gracing a wall to a bronze statute by Danish sculptor Berthel Thorvaldsen flanking the main elevators, it’s impossible not to pause and consider what you’re looking at. (Even the concierge and reception desks are capped with four paintings by Giuseppe Zais.)
All 345 rooms and suites are super spacious, and kitted out with private balconies for unbeatable, seamless views of Rome. My room sported a royal blue and gold palette, which lent the space a warm, but elegant feel. I loved having a proper sitting area to curl up in, and the oversized desk was the perfect nook to get some work done. My bed was crisply dressed for a cool, comfortable sleep, but it’s the bathroom I really flipped for. Dripping in marble, it came stocked with a bevy of luxe amenities from Ferragamo, including a set of skincare: facial mist, eye cream, lip balm, and face moisturizer.
And if you’re able, reserve a room on an Imperial Club floor. Though these accommodations cost more than your standard room, the difference in price is more than made up with the endless list of perks – from a breakfast buffet to a lavish afternoon tea to evening hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
When it comes to well-being, you won’t find a more impressive spa in Rome than the award-winning Cavalieri Grand Spa Club. Outfitted with a sparkling amethyst Turkish Bath, state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pools, tennis courts, even a cafe, lingering here for hours on end comes easily. As I’d been coming off weeks of nonstop travel, I decided to help my travel-weary complexion out with the Ultimate Rejuvenating Platinum Facial by La Prairie, the renown Swiss skincare brand. Over the course of ninety minutes, two (yes, two) aestheticians restored my dull, dehydrated face, hands, and feet to a youthful glow with a combination of platinum-infused products and plenty of relaxing massage.
As you’d imagine at this world-class resort, there’s plenty of terrific dining and drinking options. You’ll want to kick off your day at L’Uliveto, the all-day restaurant specializing in a sumptuous breakfast buffet in the morning, classic Roman staples (like bucatini all’amatriciana and cacio e pepe) in the afternoon and evening, and a popular weekend brunch. Tieopolo Lounge, the lobby bar, is ideal for all occasions, whether you’re in the mood for afternoon tea – the sweets by newly-appointed pastry chef Dario Nuti are exceptional – aperitivo, or a simple supper. But the crown jewel of the Rome Cavalieri is La Pergola. Located on the hotel’s top floor, it’s helmed by acclaimed chef Heinz Beck and is Rome’s only restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars. Every detail here, down to the water and salt offerings, is considered. Reservations (along with jackets for gentlemen) are a must, and plan on spending several hours indulging in refined course after course, including Beck’s famed Fagottelli “La Pergola.” His creative spin on carbonara, it features tender handmade pasta purses filled with a rich, smooth blend of egg yolks, parmesan, and cream.
Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria
Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
romecavalieri.com
