If you like your hotel stays served with a side of splendid grandeur, Rome Cavalieri is bound to leave you impressed, says editor Sophie Ritchie
As novelist Jerzy Kosinski once penned, “The principle of true art is not to portray, but to evoke”.
An international institution of awe-inspiring luxury, the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort is a 5-star world of sheer opulence. Set within a 15-acre private park that overlooks the Eternal City skyline, it sits atop the leafy hill of Monte Mario like an eagle upon on its perch.
Located 5km away from Rome’s swarming centre, this vast belvedere encourages a guest to eat first with their eyes (there’s far more than just the triple Michelin-starred dishes awaiting within to devour).
Large and luscious, Rome Cavalieri was opened in 1963 during a hedonistic period of economic development. It’s been welcoming the creme de la creme of society ever since, with Hollywood stars, royalty and Heads of State alike all resting their heads on the pillows here.
Today, you’ll find this Waldorf Astoria resort filled with everyone from conference goers to luxe jet-setters. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, all those checking in seek to experience the same dedication to sublime perfection that’s firmly established Rome Cavalieri as one of Rome’s, if not Italy’s, most extravagant hotels.
The Art
One of this property’s most notable features is its impressive art collection. Its original owner, the late Angelo Guido Terruzzi, bequeathed his entire personal art collection to Rome Cavalieri – leaving it decorated with an incredible array of hanging oil paintings, French period furniture, mesmerising sculptures and more than 20 rare tapestries.
Wandering into its enormous reception is like stepping inside a prestigious art gallery – the walls drip with gold frames portraying scenes from across the centuries.
Nor is this limited to the main areas. With over 1000 pieces in total, you’ll find artistic finesse dotted about the hallways, suites and almost every nook and cranny of the property.
The Room
There’s nothing petite about Rome Cavalieri. There are 345 deluxe rooms alone to choose from here, as well as 25 lavish suites ranging from 80 – 450m2 in size.
These spaces have been carefully designed to inspire. Find shades of gold woven into everything from bed headboards to the majestic patterned carpets, conjuring regal interiors with a a classically elegant style.
As always, it’s the small details that create the biggest impression. Silky bedding, sound-proof screens, fresh flowers and private balconies with stunning skylines all create a room designed to help a guest relax and enjoy Rome at their own personal pace.
Bathrooms are worth a booking in themselves. Large baths, specific soap menus, marble surfaces, surrounding mirrors and a large enough stack of Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries to keep a beauty salon in business for a week.
In spite of its ritzy aura, this hotel comes with a surprising eco-friendly edge. Adding to its pre-existing accolades, it was recently awarded Green Key certification, making it the first hotel in Rome to boast such a title.
With a keen interest in food waste and monitoring CO2 emissions, the hotel remains committed to sustainability – last year, it even launched an initiative to turn its leftover bread into beer. Which brings us to the dining.
The Food & Drink
Gourmands will have a hard time going hungry within these elaborate walls. Feast at Heinz Beck’s rooftop La Pergola for a bite at Italy’s sole three-starred Michelin restaurant.
As well as panoramic views, the innovative menu is complimented with a wine list that comes from a cellar stocked with over 70,000 world-class bottles. Dining here is intended to be exceptional – expect dishes that range from foie gras with apricot to Beck’s signature fagotelli pasta.
Alternatively, enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal at the downstairs Uliveto Restaurant. Tuck into tuna seared in tomato water, tender beef carpaccio or a drool-inducing range of pastas for a stomach full of excellence.
Breakfast is also served at Uliveto, with buffet table after buffet table brimming with fresh fruit, hot options, different breads and even stations inspired by the Far East.
Morning coffee is best sipped at Tiepolo Lounge and Terrace for caffeine accompanied by famous artwork – whilst hot summer days call for refreshment at the al fresco Pool Bar.
The Facilities
Rome’s main attractions may not directly be on its doorstep, but there’s still plenty to explore. Over 2500m2 of pampering awaits at The Cavalieri Grand Spa Club, with ten treatment rooms, a duo of saunas, whirlpool and an amethyst Turkish bath (which features a freezing plunge pool for braver guests).
Gym bunnies can delight in a huge state-of-the-art fitness centre, whilst there’s also three outdoor swimming pools and a chic glass-domed indoor pool for the water babies.
Try your hand at tennis, take on a gladiator challenge, catch the complimentary shuttle to the city centre or simply sit on one of the lobby’s velvet sofas and soak it all in – either way, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
The Wordrobe Verdict
If you like your hotel stays served with a side of splendid grandeur, Rome Cavalieri is bound to leave you impressed.
With exceptional facilities, gourmand cuisine and an aura of utmost opulence, experience Rome at its most regal with this prestigious hilltop property.
Make it happen
Where: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
How: Nightly rates at Rome Cavalieri start from 323 Euros (approx. £285) in a Deluxe Room, double occupancy. For reservations and enquiries, please visit romecavalieri.com or call +39 06 35091.
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
