"How did it strike you on arrival?This place is palatial luxury all the way: a creamy white façade, ornate balconies, and doors that are whipped open by bowler-hat-clad doormen. Inside, it’s all marble columns, glittering chandeliers, and soaring ceilings, a nod to the building’s grand past as a financial headquarters. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Quite a few guests arrived by luxury cruise and extend their stay, plus a tribe of loyal Hilton travelers. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Rooms are chic and modern, with marble flooring and padded headboards in soft beige hues. The King Deluxe room has a comfortable writing desk and windows with city views. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The pillow menu is always a winner, and these are filled with feather (non-allergenic, of course), for extra squish. And 400-count thread sheets always make for a good night sleep. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?It sounds simple, but the complimentary bottles of water go down a treat after a day out. That, and endless espressos from the in-room coffee maker. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Not all the King Deluxe rooms have a bath, but the waterfall shower more than makes up for it. The bathroom’s all Didimon natural marble, in Burberry beige hues. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is free, and consistently strong, even with the laptop outside, the balcony doors closed. Room service: Worth it?There’s a good selection of salads (niçoise, caprese, waldorf) and pizzas, plus the classic club sandwiches (including a vegan option) and burgers. But the spaghetti with clams (€23) really stands out, as good as any you get at the Italian seaside. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Come Springtime, guest should make their way to the sixth floor outdoor pool, pronto. Or head to the Sky Blu rooftop restaurant for beautiful-looking plates of deconstructed Italian classics. The spa is worth a visit, hidden away behind one of the original bank’s vault doors. The gym is equipped with all the workout basics, and the Cognac & Cigar Lounge offers a mean selection of fine quality spirits and cigars. Bottom line: worth it, and why?This is one of the grandest Hilton’s we’ve seen, part of the brand's luxury Curio Collection. Home to a sparkling new spa, a secluded rooftop pool, and one of Rome’s chicest restaurants, it’s definitely worth a visit." - Maresa Manara
