The life of luxury
KATE FIELDER takes a weekend break in Rome to sample la dolce vita
CITY breaks are something I’ve grown to appreciate in my more grown-up years.
I want the hustle and bustle of a vibrant city, the energy, the vibe, but I also want a sophisticated hotel, a peaceful haven to recover after a jam-packed day sightseeing, and wandering the streets from one tourist hotspot to the next.
I found myself travelling to Rome in early spring, it made perfect sense for a short weekend break because it’s an incredibly easy destination to get to, with regular direct flights from regional airports, and it’s a destination so far removed from my home city that there is a level of adventure unmatched in my other city break travels.
Ticking all the boxes in my quest for a peaceful haven not far from a vibrant city was The Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Resorts. The Rome Cavalieri is nestled on the highest hill in Rome, the magnificent Monte Mario. The Rome Cavalieri overlooks the stunning Eternal City, and due to its more unusual location – unlike most of Rome central hotels – space is plentiful.
Arriving at the hotel, you soon realise this is so much more than a hotel.
It’s home to more than 1,000 pieces of artwork, French period furniture, gigantic tapestries and elegant paintings.
The Rome Cavalieri is a sought-after property, one of the top hotels in Rome, frequented by Hollywood greats, sporting heroes and political leaders, and it’s not difficult to see why.
With decadent bedrooms and luxury suites, including a most impressive penthouse apartment, all manner of guests can retreat to their own luxurious haven. Every room has a balcony, so the trip can be made even more special, waking to the view of Rome. Another option is staying in an Imperial Room – VIP service is offered with these rooms, located on the Imperial floors of the hotel.
With private check-in and out, access to the Imperial Lounge is also included, meaning drinks and snacks are available all day long, at no extra charge.
Rome’s only three Michelin-starred restaurant La Pergola is situated on the roof terrace of the Rome Cavalieri. Such a lavish restaurant with the all important views, and food consistently made to the highest standard to keep its coveted Michelin stars. However, even if staying at the hotel, booking is essential, and usually quite far in advance.
A more accessible in-house all day dining option is L’uliveto Restaurant, which serves a superb buffet breakfast, with lots of choice and worldwide influence.
Dinner is a classy affair in the L’uliveto Restaurant, fresh local ingredients with an elegant twist and sophisticated presentation. With a sommelier on hand to expertly guide guests through the wine list. When weather permits, the seating area on the main terrace, with that all-important view, makes the perfect setting, without the Michelin price.
But nobody goes to Rome to stay in hotel grounds, no matter how amazing they are. People flock here to spend time in a city that doubles up as a living and breathing museum, witnessing some of the greatest artworks in history, like the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, or visiting many of the most beautiful sights in the world, while casually wandering the streets.
Peeling myself away from my lush surroundings, I jumped on the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus into the city ready for a pre-booked 3.5 hour tour of the magnificent Vatican City and the amazing art it holds.
The show stopper was a trip through the magnificent Sistine Chapel – with some of the most famous works of Michelangelo and much more. The sheer size, detail and magnitude of the paintings can be overwhelming.
But my personal favourite part of the Vatican City was the Gallery of the Maps, a huge room decorated with 40 maps of ancient Italian regions all painted between 1580 and 1585, by the famous geographer of the time, Ignazio Danti.
And after our tour, following our guide with hundreds of other tours going on, it was time to head to the city and meet our friendly shuttle bus driver and wearily head back to The Rome Cavalieri and toast the end of my stay with an ice-cold prosecco on the balcony overlooking the magnificent city of Rome.
When in Rome...