When it comes to the very best views of Roma, the Hassler has the greatest address in town. Initially opened in the late 1800s, the five-star hotel is now run by fifth-generation hotelier, Roberto E. Wirth and is one of Rome’s few luxury buildings that has remained in private hands. In its ideal central Rome location atop the Spanish Steps, the Hassler pulls out all the stops, from fine dining cuisine to an exclusive Amorvero in the heart of Rome.
Discretion has made the Hassler – a member of The Leading Hotels of the World – the preferred choice for royalty, politicians, musicians and celebrities since the property opened its doors in 1893. The list of famous faces who have stayed here includes Robert De Niro, George Clooney, Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana and Pablo Picasso, and there’s a strong chance of bumping into a famous guest at breakfast – whilst staying here, we bumped into a certain President visiting on his diplomatic travels.
Today, Hotel Hassler is on almost everyone’s list of top European hotels, and it is widely regarded as one of Rome’s top luxury hotels. The family-run hotel is synonymous with the highest quality of service, and attention to detail and is small enough to allow guests a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, with just 66 rooms and 20 suites, but still maintains a five-star service that one would find in a large luxury hotel brand.
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Location
This historic hotel, perched above the famed Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), overlooks Rome’s most luxurious shopping district, which is located on the upmarket Via Dei Condotti. The Hassler’s own electric car can transport you immediately down the hill to your favourite designer store if you don’t fancy weaving through the busy crowds on the Spanish Steps, whilst the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and Villa Borghese are all within walking distance of Hotel Hassler. Many of the hotel’s upper-floor rooms and suites, as well as the penthouse restaurant boast spectacular views of Rome’s stunning rooftops and church domes.
The concierge can also provide complimentary bikes if guests want to ride through the enormous Borghese Gardens.
Style & Service
The hotel’s distinctively traditional Italian decor and charm mixed with Art Deco is something to be noticed from the minute you pass through the front lobby, with the property exuding sophistication, from the marble floors to the dark brown wood panelling and the grand Italian paintings and statues. The check-in process is simple, and the staff will greet you as if you were an old friend visiting for the weekend, a personal touch that stems from its family ownership.
The original 19th-century concierge desk in the hotel foyer, where anything and everything is arranged for guests, is one classic throwback that deserves appreciation.
Rooms & Suites
While guest rooms are generous compared to other city hotels, the views of the garden landscapes and Rome rooftops are spectacular. Most of the 66 unique rooms and 20 suites have had a facelift during the past five years. Some rooms and suites also come with front row seats to the Spanish Steps, the Villa Borghese gardens, Rome’s spectacular rooftops, or the Basilica of St. Peter’s Church.
The beds are enormous, with luxurious bedding, each visitor can also select a pillow from a broad pillow menu. The bathrooms are opulent, with polished marble accents and Roman vases, as well as Amorvero toiletries – the hotel’s own line of bath and body products. Illy coffee machines are available in all rooms, and minibars are supplied with Champagne, excellent wines, and snacks.
The hotel is decorated in classic Roman colours such as ochre and Pompeian-red, which merge with neutral tones like grey, beige, and white. Exquisite panelling, ornate furniture, French silks, 16th-century antiques, Venetian lamps, and marble are featured throughout the rooms and suites.
Food & Drink
Imàgo, Hassler’s sixth-floor restaurant with breath-taking panoramic views, is led by executive chef Andrea Antonini. Antonini’s seasonal menu features delicacies including sea urchin and saffron risotto with clementine and exquisitely plated lamb with goat cheese and a fresh wild herb salad, among others.
The Hassler Bistrot is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant located in a sophisticated drawing-room just beside the grand lobby. An elegant space ideal for delicious meals dedicated to genuine Italian and traditional Roman flavours. With its elegant and refined atmosphere the Hassler Bistrot is the preferred Rome dining spot for locals and guests where one can enjoy dinner with live piano music and Hassler’s incomparable service.
Elsewhere, the Palm Court’s picturesque garden and antique ivy-covered stone walls are exceptionally stunning and worth a visit and the Hassler Bar, with its deep red leathers and dark hardwood, is the perfect spot for a post-dinner aperitif.
Spa & Facilities
The Amorvero Spa, which features a sauna and steam room as well as a panoramic rooftop view of Rome and the Spanish Steps, is a great place to unwind after a day of exploring the city. Its patio, which is located on the third floor, is fantastic for soaking up the sun and unwinding after a treatment. The Rossano Ferretti Hair Salon provides an individually tailored service, whilst personal trainers are offered for workout sessions in the Fitness Centre, which has cardio machines and a weights area.
Hassler Roma also welcomes children with a number of rooms that can be connected to certain rooms and suites. The hotel also has kid-friendly selections in the mini bar and concierge services for scheduling the city’s top kid-friendly activities.
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
