Arguably Rome's most distinguished hotel, the Hassler Villa Medici boasts a peerless location at the top of the Spanish Steps. The exterior may be slightly less grand than one would expect - the Swiss Wirth family, who own the hotel, rebuilt it in 1939 - but the guestrooms are certainly among the world's most beautiful and opulent. The most expensive ones are, of course, those that overlook the Spanish Steps, but even the more standard-issue rooms at the rear of the property are soigné, with antique furniture and high ceilings. Only medium sized, the bathrooms are classy, complete with a range of deluxe body and hair products.
The hotel offers an array of fine dining options. The Rooftop Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, is world-famous for its panoramic view (ask for the plan that points out the monuments along the skyline). Its renowned chef, Francesco Apreda, specialises in adding special touches to traditional Italian cuisine, strengthening the Mediterranean characteristics of each dish.
The Hassler Bar is where Princess Diana savoured one of the hotel's "Veruschka" cocktails (pomegranate juice, vodka, and champagne). The Palm Court Garden, which becomes the hotel bar in summer, is a riot of flowers. The new Salone Eva is a stunning homage to 19th-century style, luxuriously appointed with tufted velvets, satin drapes, embroidered pillows, red banquettes.
Available by appointment, the hotel’s Wellness Club offers an array of specialised massages and exclusive beauty treatments which include chromotherapy, a sauna and steam bath, as well as a solarium tanning shower.