ROME CAVALIERI WALDORF ASTORIA

Asumptuous, marble-floored lobby embraces many of the exquisite items from this hotel’s impressive collection of around 1,000 artistic artifacts, making it seem like an alternative Villa Borghese.

Among the 17th and 18th century paintings are a triptych by Giambattista Tiepolo, as well as works by Abraham Brueghel and Giuseppe Bazzani; giant wall Beauvais tapestries from 1725 featuring historic Chinese themes; ornate sculptures; statues holding glittering candelabra aloft; and antique timepieces such as a gorgeous gold-leaf and lacquered wooden grandfather clock.

The 370-room and suite Rome Cavalieri, a member of the 30-strong Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts group, is located atop the hill of Monte Mario off Via Francigena, a former pilgrim’s route from Canterbury in England. Set in a 15-acre private park, five kilometers from downtown Rome, it hosts two restaurants: L’Uliveto, where breakfast and dinner are served, with views to an outdoor swimming pool; and roof-top terrace, La Pergola, under the direction of chef Heinz Beck, which places the hotel in the unique position of being the only one in Italy to boast a Michelinrated three-star restaurant.

Guests staying in suites here enjoy access to the Imperial Club, offering VIP check-in, complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and all-day drinks.