Set theatrically in the heart of the city at the top of the historic Spanish Steps.
The Hassler Roma enjoys a privileged position on the Piazza di Spagna, overlooking the picture-perfect Roman skyline.
Since 1893, the Hassler Roma has been one of the most prestigious hotels in the world thanks, in part, to its tradition of impeccable service and gracious hospitality.
And here we are…following in the footsteps of everyone who’s anyone. Royalty, celebrities, writers and musicians—all have looked down from the Hassler’s breathtaking perspective and signed its Golden Guest Book. Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly honeymooned here. President Eisenhower turned a suite into his private study before the war, and King Gustaf of Sweden was so impressed that he invited Hassler’s pastry chef to his palace to serve zabaione. The charm of old-world Europe lives on in owner Roberto E. Wirth’s collection of treasured art, splendid antiques, tapestries, French crystal and Limoges porcelain, with pieces furnishing even the smallest rooms. Astonishingly beautiful trompe l’oeil paintings, well-preserved mosaics and stunning frescoes provide decorative accents, as classical Roman ochres and Pompeian reds steal the show on more than one occasion during our walk-about.
How the other half lives
Private elevators whisk us up to where the other half stays. Here, the want-for-nothing suites promise more than a good night’s sleep. Envisioned with great care and passion by Wirth himself, the eighth floor, four-bedroom Hassler Penthouse Suite is gifted with the latest technology and is contemporary to a tee. Attention to detail reigns, with custom china tableware in the state-of-the-art designer kitchen, delicious Hermès fabrics in hues of dove grey, rich burgundy and orange, Botticino marble floors, hand-hammered stain-less steel
his-and-her sinks and a grand piano as stand-outs. Two beautifully furnished terraces in travertine marble define the perimeter of the 400-square-metre heaven-sent suite, offering guests breathtakingly private bird’s-eye panoramas. On the seventh floor, the Penthouse Villa Medici suite’s recent facelift is just as royal-worthy and, for our money, ideal for late-afternoon cocktails before an intimate meal at Imàgo, the Hassler’s fine-dining restaurant.
Not afraid to live large, we’ve reserved a romantic table at Imàgo along with the best of them, and we’re not the only ones to be overawed by the restaurant’s masterful floor-to-ceiling panorama of the Eternal City. With a flourish, the menu dégustation begins, as does the maître d’s armchair tour of the spectacular sights right before our eyes. Equally memorable is Chef Apreda’s divinely inspired six courses, where melt-in-your mouth parmesan ravioli in cold tuna broth, double malt and seven spices paired with a 2012 Chardonnay is worthy of a Michelin star—as is the emotional first-bite moment of Apreda’s mango and apricot cannoli, dressed with chai powder and coconut sorbet.
Yes, my friends, our visit to Roma was truly blessed, Hassler style.
www.hotelhasslerroma.com
Photos: Hassler Roma
