Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
"How did it strike you on arrival?Arriving at the Rome Cavalieri feels a bit like stepping into Rome’s bygone era, a time of endless manicured gardens, cheery butlers, and azure swimming pools where cocktails can be taken at any time of the day, darling. Nice. What’s the crowd like?There are plenty of group travelers here, and couples, too—think dapper men in chinos and linen, women in big hats and sunglasses. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The Vista Suite comes with plenty of holiday treats. But first, the abode: it’s all very grand, with plush patterned carpet in royal blue and big golden columns. There’s an adjoining common room, too, and a terrace overlooking the city. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed is lose-yourself-in-it big, with silky soft bed linen. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The bathroom is made of marble, with an utterly civilized separate shower and bath. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is strong, and the basic package is free. Room service: Worth it?Room service gets a makeover at the Rome Cavalieri—there’s the fifteen course Imperial Breakfast, complete with quail eggs, black truffles, and pineapple carpaccio—or the silver service lobster, which comes with a side order of 500 white roses. If you’ve got cabin fever, book a lazy brunch at L’Uliveto or try some pretty, artistic plates at Heinz Beck’s recently redesigned La Pergola, the only three-Michelin star restaurant in the capital. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The swimming pools are as close to outdoor swimming as it gets in Rome, ensconced among hundreds of hectares of gardens. It’s perfect for a post-sightseeing paddle and, best of all, the smartly-dressed waiters bring you trays of ice-cold Negronis while you sunbathe. Guests in the Vista and Corner Suites get a few extra special treats, like a luxury picnic in the park, complete with your own butler, a massage, and a couples’ yoga session. Fashion mavericks can even learn how to make their own Italian sandals from a Roman shoemaker—just remember to unleash your inner Italian superstar and add some clunky diamanté bling to your new toe tappers." - Maresa Manara
