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| The Penthouse Suite is adorned with a Warhol series and has a sliding glass ceiling that opens to a private rooftop. |
When in Rome, you don’t always have to be surrounded by hustle and bustle. Situated on a hilltop about 20 minutes from the city center, the Rome Cavalieri, The Waldorf Astoria Collection is a true respite for those seeking exclusivity and serenity—and sweeping views of the Eternal City.
The hotel opened its doors in 1963 as the Cavalieri Hilton, Rome, but in September 2008 it re-launched as a Waldorf Astoria property and became the first of the collection in Europe.
Guests are introduced to opulence as soon as they enter the Cavalieri. Art aficionados will enjoy the priceless tapestries, rare antiques and masterpieces by Venetian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo that are showcased in the main lobby. Other pieces from the vast Rome Cavalieri Art Collection, including period furniture, paintings and antiques, are sprinkled throughout the hotel.
Star Sightings: The Cavalieri is no secret to Hollywood’s heavy-hitters, such as John Travolta, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney, who have all enjoyed stays at the hotel. Some celebrities have even called the Cavalieri home for periods of time, such as Julia Roberts who resided in the luxe Penthouse Suite while filming Eat, Pray, Love.
The aesthetic of the hotel is carried through to the 2,690-square-foot Penthouse Suite, which combines classic and modern décor. Note: This suite features a series of four Andy Warhol paintings, as well as a limited-edition oversized sofa and armchairs designed by Karl Lagerfeld for his home in Paris. Not only are guests privy to great views from the bedroom and sitting room, but they can also soak in the skyline from the hydromassage tub in the bathroom or from the 2,150-square-foot roof terrace, complete with whirlpool.
Tip: If the Penthouse Suite is booked, the Planetarium Suite is a worthy replacement, and just as posh. It is a smaller version of the Penthouse, but also offers a Lagerfeld sitting area, sweeping city views and a 1,500-square-foot roof deck with hot tub.
The Cavalieri has two other specialty, oversized suites: the Petronius Suite, which is the largest in the hotel, with a formal dining room for eight, and the Napoleon Suite, which features three large balconies.
For more understated accommodations, there are three other levels of suites to choose from: nine Corner Suites, five Vista Suites and seven Alcove Suites. Also, there are 345 spacious Deluxe Rooms, which come with balconies. Best Views: The odd-numbered rooms look out over Rome. Also, higher the floor assignment, better the vista.
Note: The Imperial Club, on the seventh floor, has all-day bar and refreshment services, light breakfast buffet, evening hors d’oeuvres and concierge service. Guests staying on the seventh and eight floors—the Imperial Levels—have unlimited access to the lounge.
Luxury travel advisors can contact Reservations Supervisor Barbara Russo ([email protected]; 011-39-06-3509-2031) or Yield Supervisor Valeria Licoccia ([email protected]; 011-39-06-3509-2111) to arrange accommodations.
Awarded three stars by The Michelin Guide, La Pergola is on the top floor of the Rome Cavalieri and offers expansive city views. Acclaimed chef Heinz Beck serves up haute Mediterranean cuisine in a classic dining room that is decorated with 18th- and 19th-century works of art.
For a meal that is fit for a king—or at least the First Lady—suggest your clients try the Fagottelli “La Pergola.” Reportedly a hit with Michelle Obama who sampled the dish last year, this handmade pasta is filled—not dressed—with a creamy carbonara-type sauce, zucchini and crispy bacon.
Note: La Pergola is a must-visit for your clients who are true oenophiles. Its wine cellar houses 53,000 bottles and its wine list has more than 2,500 labels.
Seating does change slightly each night depending on the different parties coming in, so there are no preferred table numbers. It’s suggested that any seat by the window is a prime table as is any on the outdoor terrace, which is open during summer months. The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays and during brief periods in January and August. Note: Jackets are required for gentlemen.
The restaurant is as popular with Italians as it is with tourists, making reservations paramount. They should be made at least two or three months prior to the desired date. For arrangements, get in touch with Loes van Velzen ([email protected]).
For a more casual bite (in a decidedly country-club atmosphere), L’Uliveto offers garden views and faces the Cavalieri’s main pool, which almost makes you feel like you’re in Beverly Hills. Guests should try to score a table by the windows. During warmer months, outdoor seating is offered and the tables by the pool are highly coveted. Three meals are served here daily, and its Music Brunch on Sundays is a favorite with both locals and guests.
L’Uliveto’s Manager Sandro Quintarelli ([email protected]; 011-39-06-3509-2145) can set aside a table for your clients. Same-week reservations are common.
One of the largest full-service spas in Rome, the Grand Spa Club is a healthy 25,000 square feet. Taking inspiration from the ancient baths of Rome, the spa provides plenty of hydrotherapy experiences, such as a Turkish bath, hot and cold plunge pools, several outdoor pools and an indoor pool with a waterfall designed for hydromassage. Here, a global approach to spa-ing—everything from a series of head-to-toe Ayurvedic services to exotic Balinese-inspired Lulur treatments, which incorporates yogurt, spices and fruit into massage—is followed.
Luxury Travel Advisor recommends the 90-minute ultra-relaxing Platinum Facial. Not only were we lavished with La Prairie products during the session, but we were also lulled into oblivion by two therapists who, despite this being a facial, worked on us in harmony from head to toe. Debora Tamburri and Cinzia Ferri are the two therapists that come highly recommended for this service. Spa Director Carlotta Zampilloni ([email protected]) and Assistant Spa Manager Maria Mariosa ([email protected]; 011-39-06-3509-2950) can be reached to book spa treatments for VIPs.
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| Alcove Suites overlook the hotel’s Mediterranean gardens and come with complimentary access to the Imperial and Cavalieri Grand Spa Clubs. |
Sightseeing: Head Concierge Markus Dobritzhofer ([email protected]; 011-39-06-3509-2040) is happy to coordinate private tours of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Gardens for guests. He can also suggest options for the younger set, such as Gladiator Training. Hint: No request is overlooked. A guest recently requested that the humidity in the Penthouse not rise above 40 percent so that he could play his violin in ideal conditions. To the guest’s satisfaction, the concierge hired a team of experts to specially outfit the suite to reach the desired result.
For those who believe “when in Rome, get married,” VIP nuptials can be arranged through Luigi Aquini ([email protected]; 011-39-06-3509-2000). On the menu is the Million Dollar Wedding, a package named after its price tag. It includes accommodations in the Penthouse Suite for the newlyweds, 50 executive-floor rooms for up to 100 guests, a chic cocktail reception and an elaborate seven-course menu and wedding cake by Chef Beck.
Getting There: The resort has a private landing space for helicopters, but it is temporarily closed. Airport or train station transfers can be arranged through the hotel, which owns a fleet of Mercedes-Benz for the convenience of its guests. The cars can also be booked for excursions around the city.