|
|
The truly grand St. Regis Grand hotel in Rome, Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando 3 was created by César Ritz in 1894, with the great chef Escoffier presiding over a lavish banquet. It was the first hotel in town to offer “a private bathroom and two electric lights in every room.” Its roster of guests has included some of the greatest names in European history, including royalty, naturally, but also such New World moguls as Henry Ford and J. P. Morgan. This lavish |
hotel is within walking distance of many of Rome’s major sights.
A real discovery and a charmer, The Inn at the Spanish Steps, Via dei Condotti 85 , is the former Roman residence of Hans Christian Andersen. It has been transformed into one of the most desirable little upscale inns of Rome, with each bedroom furnished in gorgeous, authentic period decor. Not far away, the brilliantly restored Hotel de Russie, Via del Babuino 9 in North America, was a retreat for artists, including Picasso and Stravinsky. Reclaiming its 1890s style, it’s been remade as a stunning little boutique hotel with a fabulous location right off the Piazza del Popolo and excellent service.
Best hotel for Families: Families gravitate to the Hotel Ponte Sisto, Via dei Petinari 64 ,near the Piazza Navona and the Campo de’Fiori in the heart of Rome. It’s a restored Renaissance palazzo offering reasonably priced family suites on its top floor with terraces overlooking the rooftops of the ancient city.
Best Moderately Priced Hotel: So you don’t have a bottomless expense account? We’ve got a couple of wonderful values for you.Consider the Hotel Columbia, Via del Viminale 15, one of the newest properties in the neighborhoods surrounding Stazione Termini;everything is well-maintained and comfortable. We also like La Residenza, Via Emilia 22–24, with a convenient location near the Villa Borghese and Piazza Barberini.Here you’ll get a good price on a homey, spacious guest room.
Best Hotel for a Romantic Getaway: A private villa in the exclusive Parioli residential area, the Hotel Lord Byron, Via G. de Notaris 5, is a chic hideaway. It has a clubby ambience, and everybody is oh-so-very-discreet here. You get personal attention in subdued opulence, and the staff definitely respects that DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door. You don’t even have to leave the premises for dinner; the hotel’s Relais Le Jardin is one of the finest and most romantic restaurants in Rome.