At Hotel Hassler (www.hotelhassler.com) in Rome, Proprietor and General Manager Roberto Wirth has spent 20 years leading a staff that provides the utmost in personal service to its royal, celebrity and VIP guests. The hotel offers 85 rooms and 15 suites; front rooms face the Spanish Steps and are available in all categories.
All of Rome has dined at the Rooftop Restaurant for 60 years. The view lures everyone to Sunday brunch and the restaurant is open all day. Its new executive chef, Francesca Apreda, incorporates seasonal specialties, and his signature dishes include authentic pasta creations such as pumpkin-filled ravioli and fettuccine with marjoram. Restaurant reservations can be made at the time of booking by fax (+39 06 699 41 607) or e-mail ([email protected]).
One of the special advantages of staying at the Hotel Hassler is access to Palazzetto, a restaurant within a private club, located across from the hotel within the International Wine Academy of Roma (Signore Wirth is founder and chairman). The building (Vicolo del Bottino 8, 00 39 06 6990878; www.wineacademyroma.com) is a stylish multi-story 19th-century palazzo that has been entirely renovated to provide classes, wine tastings, a terrific restaurant (serving lunch and dinner) and a unique terrace overlooking a sea of tourists on and around Lord Byron’s favorite steps.
The hotel’s Wellness Center provides a sauna, massage treatments and Club 303—a gym overlooking the city, and a chic, guests-only beauty salon managed by Maurizio Lulli.More than a few Hassler guests—particularly fans of Armani, Bulgari, Ferragamo, Gianfranco Ferré, Gucci, Krizia, Prada, Mila Schön and Versace—check in to their beautifully refurbished suites and then head down the Spanish Steps to the boutiques that line the narrow streets off of bow-shaped Piazza di Spagna. Some head to Via Margutta’s art galleries, and to Via del Babuino, where designer boutiques wedge between antiques shops.
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The Hassler, one of Rome’s most distinguished addresses, is within walking distance of Via Veneto and many of the most popular spots in the city. Management relies upon personal contact with agents. Contact Uta Wilmer ([email protected] or 39 06 699 340) or Axelle Marois ([email protected] or 39 06 699 340). Head Concierge Nino Maffezzoni arranges everything from dinner at Rome’s best restaurants or a Rolls Royce with English-speaking driver to a private butler, personal shopper or trainer or a helicopter charter and a romantic dinner in Capri.