Rome is the city of La Dolce Vita – it is always glamorous and a destination for gourmands, culture and history lovers and couples in love. Rome was the heart of civilization after being founded in 753 BC by the twins Romulus and Remus who according to legend, were raised by a wolf. Rome became an empire which lasted for centuries and is known as the birthplace of many great philosophers, artists and writers. The majestic city is an architectural wonder, being home to over 900 churches and nearly 300 fountains!
What better way to experience Rome but on a luxury long weekend or a few leisurely days in the city? We will suggest you what to do in Rome, where to stay, what to eat and how to get around, whether it’s a weekend in Rome or a long-term stay. Some of Rome’s top hotels rub up against magnificent Roman ruins, others occupy the former dwellings of great aristocratic families, still others are the domain of more recent fashion royalty. Nonetheless they all offer exceptional levels of comfort. Let’s have a look.
Hotel de Russie
Rooms from £940/night
Luxe from £1100/night
This hotel is relatively young, having been opened in 2000, however it has already established itself as a prime hotel frequented by countless Hollywood celebrities. It is also located in a prime area, between the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo. This hotel is ideal to stay at for extended periods as well, and it’s also great for business travelers because the conference rooms can be used to host a number of events.
Hassler Hotel
Rooms from £850/night
Luxe from £2140/night
The Hassler Roma describes itself as the “Stairway to Heaven,” and, like the song, it’s an icon. This hotel is one of Rome’s leading luxury five-star hotels with good reason. The decor of the hotel has been handled and designed by Astrid Schiller Wirth, and features an eclectic and unique mix of Belle Époque grandeur, along with a modernized iteration of the Art Deco aesthetic. This unique hotel also features a Michelin-starred restaurant in its midst, Imagò, which has a grand panoramic view of the city from the sixth floor of the building. In addition to that, this hotel has a couple of charming themed restaurants designed in the stylings of the 40s and has modernized rooms overlooking the city.
Portrait Roma
From £700/night
From £900/night
On one of Rome’s most fashionable streets, Via Bocca di Leone, mahogany doors open to a shiny hallway, complete with big, blown-out black and white snaps of Salvatore Ferragamo himself. You can invite your friends up for a private party on the hotel terrace, or take advantage of the complimentary shopping card, which gives guests a 10 percent discount at Rome’s most stylish boutiques—with extra-sweet benefits if you shop at Ferragamo.
The St. Regis Rome
From £700/night
Luxe from £1700/night
First opened in 1894 as “The Grand”, the St. Regis was Rome’s first true luxury hotel. Luxury suites feature a myriad of original artwork from the private collections of important contemporary artists, including Luca Pignatelli, Ubaldo Bartolini, and Paolo Fiorentino. In addition to the great architecture the guests also have complete 24/7 access to butlers, and a restaurant named Vivendo that serves delightfully scrumptious traditional dishes.
Rome Cavaliery Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Rooms from £300/night
Luxe from £1050/night
This luxury boutique hotel is a true feast for the senses. The Cavalieri is quite remotely located from all the primary attractions like the Colosseum, it’s about a 15 minute or half an hour taxi ride from the center of Rome. If you’re looking for some gastronomic delights, you can head on over to their charming restaurant La Pergola. However, this restaurant is so wildly popular that even if you’re a guest at the hotel, you still need reservations weeks in advance.
Rome is home to thousands of restaurants, but it’s not always easy to examine the culinary gems from the tourist traps. Roman cuisine is defined by a unique set of ingredients, techniques, and dishes that set it apart from the food of all other Italian cities. While the traditional trattorias and osterias still dominate the dining options and serve a predictable litany of specialties, there are now an increasing number of alternatives, from fast-food riffs on local recipes to international flavors and neo-trattorias. Read on for our picks for the best places to eat in Rome, no matter how long you’re there, where you’re staying, or what you may be craving for your next meal.
Antico Arco
Cuisine: Italian
Antico Arco is one of the city’s most popular places to eat, so you’ll definitely want to book ahead. People who love real-deal Roman classics will appreciate how well it’s executed here, whether you’re going for the seven-course tasting menu (with wine pairings, of course) or sampling from the à la carte dishes.
La Pergola (at Rome Cavalieri)
Cuisine: Mediterranean
This acclaimed restaurant is the culinary star of the city, and widely considered one of the best places to eat in Rome by locals and international foodies alike. Having earned three Michelin stars and established itself as a favorite among the international jet set. This restaurant specializes in innovative Mediterranean dishes – underpinned by fresh ingredients and a chef with an adventurous and passionate approach to food – are complemented by a wine cellar containing 53,000 bottles from 1888 to the present.
Metamorfosi
Cuisine: Fusion
Located within the Parioli district, this Michelin starred restaurant is classic yet contemporary in design, with a distinct culinary identity that balances tradition and experimentation. While embracing seasonality, the Colombian chef Roy Salomon Caceres creates fusion dishes like lamb tartare with oyster emulsion and spicy capsicum powder on each of the tasting menus.
Aroma (at Palazzo Manfredi)
Cuisine: Mediterranean fusion
The rooftop of the Palazzo Manfredi hotel hosts the sumptuous and stylish dining experience Aroma, where fresh, sophisticated blends of traditional Roman and Mediterranean flavors come with show-stopping views of the Colosseum.
While the sleek and elegant interior dining space offers a refined and welcoming ambiance
Enoteca La Torre
Cuisine: Italian
Set within Anna Venturini Fendi’s magnificent Villa Laetitia, Enoteca La Torre captures the essence of la dolce vita. This high-end restaurant serves artful plates that complement its grand setting: helmed by Domenico Stile who hails from Campania, you’ll find Southern Italian ingredients like buffalo milk cheeses, Sorrento lemons and fresh fish featured on the menu. For a real treat, opt for the seven-course surprise tasting menu selected by the chef.
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