Hassler Roma

Right at the top of the Spanish Steps, in what has to be one of the most prominent locations in town, is the Hassler Roma, a longtime local institution owned and operated by the same Swiss family since the 1890s. This fact accounts for two of the Hassler’s strengths, which are rarely found under the same roof: its exceedingly warm welcome and its thoroughly professional manner of operation. And though it’s got as rich a history as any century-old luxury hotel, and remains traditional in its elegance, it’s been kept beautifully up to date.

The rooms, in classic grand-hotel style, are all a little bit different, with influences that fall on each side of the turn of the 20th century. No room is anything less than lavish, and the selection is rather top-heavy, oriented more towards suites than classic doubles, and with a handful of named suites, culminating in the ornate Villa Medici penthouse and the strikingly modern Hassler Penthouse. Meanwhile the Amorvero Spa sees to it that the Hassler’s guests are maintained in the manner to which they’re suited. And the hotel’s pride and joy is the Michelin-starred Imàgo restaurant, set on the sixth floor with a panoramic view of the city; it’s complemented by the discreetly hidden Hassler Bar, inspired by the glamour of the 1940s.