Our second stop in our three-week tour of Italy is Roma, and here again we use Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best to highlight the eternal city’s five best hotels as voted by their readers, and for you we add a look at the top suite in each. In looking at Forbes 5-star list, there is near unanimous consensus, with only the Rome Cavalieri dipping to 4-stars, however the top suite and Michelin 3-star dining probably more than makes up for that.
1. J.K. Place Roma
At 93.75 J.K. Place Roma tops the Travel + Leisure list of top hotels here, and the design and finishes are to say the least beautiful. That said, if you are looking for an expansive suite, you will have to skip down as the largest suites here are under 600 sq. ft., however, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, if small is beautiful to you, then take a closer look. Travel + Leisure says, “Housed in a former school of architecture that’s been given a new life by interior-design wizard Michele Bönan, this chic boutique hotel combines contemporary furnishings with mid-century antiques for a thoroughly modern feel. The hotel is centrally located, close to the Spanish Steps and Via dei Condotti, and those who stay in one of its 28 rooms or two suites, which come with rosewood four-posters and two-tone marble bathrooms, find no fault. Wrote one fan: ‘This is my all time favorite hotel. The level of luxury is above all others.’”
JK Master
The JKMaster Rooms at 540 sq. ft. are true suites composed of living room with sofa bed and separate bedroom. Furniture by architect Michele Bonan and spacious full Italian marble bathrooms, double sinks, large showers and walk-in closets give the space a larger feel. All the JKMaster Rooms have rosewood canopy beds, are fully-equipped with LED Satellite TV with sports and movie channels, Bose Mini link sound system, complimentary WI-FI Internet connection, individually controlled air conditioning, electronic safe, and complimentary minibar. For more suites click here.
2. Hotel Eden
Part of Dorchester Collection (The Dorchester, Beverly Hills Hotel, Plaza Athenee, etc.) Hotel Eden went through a full renovation two years ago bringing it back to the top of many award lists.
Travel + Leisure says, “Hotel Eden is a classic, grand European hotel. Since its opening in 1889, the Eden has played host to European royalty and regular travelers alike. Traditions live on here: guests are greeted by a top-hatted, white-gloved doorman as before entering the opulent lobby with an imposing central staircase fitted with ornamental wrought-iron railings. Rooms are spacious and feature luxurious touches, include marble-tiled bathrooms. Also popular are the views from the Eden’s terrace garden, which overlooks the nearby domed cathedrals and Spanish Steps in a picture-worthy scene.”
Bellavista Penthouse Suite
The one-bedroom 2,174 sq. ft. Bellavista Penthouse Suite includes butler service to compliment panoramic views of the city from its rooftop location. Your private elevator opens to high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a living room with dining and study area. In the bathroom are exquisite mosaics, marble, an enormous shower and an oversize circular bath with spectacular views of Rome. Click here for more suites.
3. Hotel de Russie
Sir Rocco’s eponymously name group and its Hotel de Russie is where Ancient Rome meets Art-Deco eliciting both fans and detractors, but for those who love it, this is often referred as their favorite in the collection.
Travel + Leisure says, “It’s hard to beat this beautifully updated 19th-century palazzo with 122 rooms, phenomenal terraced gardens, and incredible location between Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps. Since its 2000 opening, the Hotel de Russie has been a favorite of Hollywood elite not just for its convenient location and white glove service, but also for its urban seclusion. Near some of the city’s best shopping on Via Condotti, the hotel is a shopper’s paradise as well as a rare urban oasis of green. Its distinctive modern interiors are an eclectic mix of pastels, handsome dark woods, and walls accented with Mapplethorpe photography. The newly renovated on-site spa is rock star-ready with Turkish bath, swimming pool, chromatherapy, wellness zone, and ever-present personal trainers. Especially pleasant in summer is the Stravinskij bar in the outdoor garden courtyard and the Jardin de Russie restaurant with its terraced gardens.”
Nijinsky Suite
Located on the top floor of Hotel de Russie, the 1,851 sq. ft. Nijinsky Suite has views of the neighboring Villa Borghese gardens, the hotel’s own Secret Garden, the Pincio and across the city. The suite is decorated in a contemporary style and is composed of a library, guest powder room, sitting room, kitchen with a separate bar area and a dining room that seats 10 guests. The dressing room and the walk-in wardrobe lead onto a marble and mosaic bathroom with a steam bath and separate shower. The 2,572 sq. ft. terrace is furnished with a sofa, teak tables, chaise lounges and a variety of Mediterranean flowers and plants, providing a perfect space for hosting private lunches and dinners. Nijinsky can be connect with a Deluxe Room to form a two-bedroom suite. For more suites, click here.
4. Hotel Hassler
Hotel Hassler Roma is located in the heart of Rome at the top of the Spanish Steps, and is a favored venue for weddings, spa breaks, conferences, and its fine dining. The location overlooks the Spanish Steps and is near the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Spagna and the Vatican. Its key selling point is location – and if you are averse to crowds, is the biggest negative as well. Travel + Leisure says, “Historic but with multiple personalities, the Hotel Hassler is quintessential Rome. Perched on a hill above the Spanish Steps, the 96-room property mixes classic style—rich French silks, gilded furniture, and playful frescoes—with contemporary design elements, like brightly colored furniture, linear dark panels, and Swarovski accents. It’s a favorite among celebrities for its impeccable concierge service and privacy, and for its Michelin-starred restaurant Imàgo.”
Hassler Penthouse
Located on the Hassler’s 8th floor, the three-bedroom 3,552 sq.ft. Hassler Penthouse suite offers views over Rome’s city center skyline, including the Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna with its Barcaccia fountain by Bernini and the Via Condotti, Rome’s most exclusive shopping street. The suite was completed at the end of 2012 with a state-of-the-art music and lighting system. The elevator provides direct access to the suite, which features two terraces in Travertine marble, a grand piano and fully-stocked cocktail bar area in the living room with dining area, two large King bedded rooms and one single room, a kitchen with custom-designed bone china tableware, and the views of the city from every room, including the bathrooms, complete with chromotherapy-enhanced rain showers. Private butler service is included. For more suites, click here.
5. Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
One of my personal favorites, particularly if you want to enjoy Rome but not stay in the middle of it, Rome Cavalieri started life as a Hilton back in the day when Hilton’s were often the top luxury hotel in a particularly city. Conrad Hilton himself opened the hotel in 1963 and it at the time it was the epitome of “La Dolce Vita,” the favorite spot of Hilton’s Hollywood pals, and today with many millions of constant love, it remains in top shape. With hilltop views looking down on Rome, it is home to the only three-star Michelin in the city and offers a resort setting with large outdoor pool.
Travel + Leisure says, “Three miles outside the city center, this sprawling 1960 urban hotel with a 15-acre private park sits atop the highest hill in Rome, offering sweeping city views. (An efficient shuttle ferries guests to and from the city center.) Despite its mod exterior, the hotel exudes culture and sophistication; works from owner Angelo Guido Terruzzi’s art collection—which includes an original Tiepolo—adorn the halls. The 370 rooms are generously proportioned, with suites and Imperian floor rooms offering the most space (and style), in addition to a private elevator and a stable of business-friendly amenities. There’s an on-site spa and gym (and the city’s largest pool), but the hotel’s three-Michelin-starred panoramic restaurant, La Pergola (pictured in the headline of this issue —and chef Heinz Beck’s white asparagus au gratin with Parmesan mousse—is reason enough to consider this ‘out of the way’ location.”
Penthouse Suite
You’ll have a 2,300 sq. ft. rooftop terrace with Jacuzzi (three images above) overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica, and then there is the 2,115 sq. ft interior featuring dining area with bar, guest cloakroom, private wine cellar with prestigious labels, and master with walk-in closet and dressing room. For more suites, click here.
