The Hassler Roma hotel is a historic 5-star property located at the top of the iconic Spanish Steps in Rome. It has hosted many famous guests since opening in 1893 and offers opulent rooms and suites with views of the Spanish Steps. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Imàgo, that serves creative modern Italian cuisine with views of Rome, as well as a more casual restaurant on the Spanish Steps. Nearby attractions include landmarks, boutiques, and cafes that guests can explore after relaxing at the hotel's spa.

1. checkin
[hassler roma, ]
Rome has it all – history, romance, stunning architecture
and fantastic food. Selma Nadarajah makes the most of the
Italian capital’s best assets, with a stay at the historic, five-star
Hassler Roma, situated at the top of the iconic Spanish Steps.
delicious. 137

2. check in.
making an entrance Air Transport Command by President
Nothing better defines a visit to Rome than Dwight D. Eisenhower (his study is now
a stay at a historic hotel, atop the famous a luxurious renovated suite). With such
Spanish Steps. Gliding through the Hassler’s distinguished guests, the staff are used to
revolving doors into a lobby adorned with delivering the highest quality of service – one
burgundy and gold marble is like stepping ex-concierge, at the hotel for more than
back in time. A Murano glass chandelier and 30 years, fielded a request for Holy
bronze replica of the mythological She Wolf Communion from the Pope.
create the ambience of an elaborate film set
– too bad it’s abuzz with tourists in jeans. what’s the room like?
There are 95 rooms and suites, ranging in
wow factor style from baroque to Art Deco, and some
Although it’s not quite an excavated ruin, newer Classic Doubles, offering modern digs
the Hassler has been open since 1893 and has from around $760 per night. My room is an
played host to a star line-up of Hollywood opulent Grand Deluxe, decked out in butter-
glitterati. Notably, this includes Audrey yellow wallpaper and matching antique
Hepburn and Gregory Peck, while filming furnishings, with a view of the Spanish
Roman Holiday, plus more famous faces from Square. The marble bathroom has large
Grace Kelly and Princess Di, to our own bottles of Armorvero shampoos and lotions,
gladiator Russell Crowe. It was even used as created by the Hassler’s president Roberto
World War II headquarters for the American Wirth, while the fridge is stocked with Grey
Goose vodka and Louis Roederer bubbly.
how’s the food?
It’s all about the top-floor, Michelin-starred
Imàgo restaurant. Chef Francesco Apreda
serves creative and elegant modern Italian
– think slivers of tuna tartare with asparagus
and drops of raspberry vinaigrette – against
a backdrop of breathtaking views. Having
worked in Tokyo, Francesco adds Japanese
touches – a miso-marinated black cod with
sweet-and-sour eschalots is unforgettable.
For more relaxed dining, head to Hassler’s
From top: Imàgo; Michelin-starred chef Francesco sister hotel, Il Palazzetto, next door. It’s the
Apreda; the Presidential Suite; and Il Palazzetto’s terrace. only restaurant actually on the steps, and is
Previous page from top: Hassler’s penthouse terrace; also a wine academy. Lunch is casual, but
the Hassler stands at the top of the Spanish Steps.
come dinner, you’ll find black truffle grated
over carbonara, and a sea urchin tagliolini.
what’s nearby?
Rome’s iconic attractions and the glamorous
boutiques of Via Condotti are within walking
PHotogrAPHy: couRteSy of HaSSleR Roma
distance. Spend the day taking in the sights,
then drop in to Antico Caffè Greco, where
literary greats refuelled with espressos and
dolce. End with a massage overlooking the
city at the Hassler’s Armorvero Spa, before
feasting on a degustation at Imàgo. d.
Our writer was a guest of the Hassler Roma,
Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6, +39 06 699 340,
visit: hotelhasslerroma.com.
138 delicious.