Junior Suite at Hotel Hassler Roma
The Hotel Hassler Roma is where one can find some of the best hotel views in Rome. It’s a special gem in the luxury hotel offerings in Rome—family-run for over a century, it offers guests a uniquely personal “everybody-knows-your-name” kind of service ensconced in the luxurious trappings of a five star hotel. The location quite literally overlooks the Spanish Steps and if you book enough in advance you can secure a Junior Suite Corner Room with windows facing most every direction and remarkable vistas overlooking the best of Rome.
The Junior Suite on the 4th floor is an enviable perch with four oversized windows that overlook the Spanish Steps, St. Peters, and the other Roman landmarks. Open a bottle of wine from the room’s amply stocked minibar and enjoy sunset from the privacy of your own Hassler suite. Alternatively, you can tuck into a craft cocktail in the hotel’s marvelously cozy bar with deep leather banquette seating and soft lighting, it is the perfect bijou little spot to unwind after a strenuous day of exploring. The Hassler’s Panoramic Terrace is open seasonally and only available to guests—on the 7th floor it offers commanding views and a lovely perch for taking in the sunset.
Junior Suite Hassler Roma
Don’t be surprised if staff members address you by name throughout the hotel—it’s attentive without being fawning. At breakfast on the second day I was seated in my preferred spot and before I could utter a word, servers descended with my preferred tea. They also remembered the honey—and the insignificant fact that I like two teabags. It’s a small place with observant staff, a bit like having a five star Italian grandmother overseeing your stay. The family-run feeling dates back to 1921, which is when the Wirth family assumed management and ownership of the hotel. After the hotel was requisitioned by the US Air Force to serve as their Rome headquarters during World War II, the property was renovated and a new Hassler was finally opened to the public in 1947. The recent death of patriarch Roberto Wirth (who was also deaf), now leaves the property under the guidance of his twin children Roberto Jr. and Veruschka Wirth. Despite the recent changes, the new generation of leadership hasn’t; skipped a beat—delivering five-star family-run ambiance in terms of service, quality and experience.
When you aren’t gawking at the sunset from your suite, these are the five things you must do when in Rome:
Best Italian Lunch outside of Vatican City at Osteria Le Streghe. This destination delivers on ambiance, incredible pasta, and great wine in a charming location.
Dinner worth the drive at Al Ceppo, just a short taxi ride from the city center, this is where the chefs go to eat on their night off. The open-air grill is where the magic happens here, with sensational grilled seafood and meat dishes. Refined and elegant food, intelligent service and a warm, living-room like ambiance make this one of Rome’s best upscale restaurants.
Most Decadent Gelato at Gelateria Cremilla: Here you can watch the gelato being made behind the glass wall—a gelato that decadent beyond reason. Be sure to try the biscotti and chocolate flavors.
The Best Walking Tour from an Archeologist: ArteFacto is a cultural association of archeologists and art historians who offer their expertise via tours, lessons and seminars. Book a walking tour of Rome with the fabulous Francesca Dell’Era–an archaeologist and licensed tourist guide who will reveal all of Rome’s secrets.
Underground Rome at the Necropolis of St. Peter: Start any tour with this fascinating dive into the origins and tombs that pre-date the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica, with a final view of St. Peter’s tomb. Tours are small and limited. Reservations require a faxed request and advance planning.
