1. checkin[hassler roma, ]Rome has it all history, romance, stunning architectureand fantastic food. Selma Nadarajah makes the most of theItalian capitals best assets, with a stay at the historic, five-starHassler 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 thanDwight D. Eisenhower (his study is now a stay at a historic hotel, atop the famousa luxurious renovated suite). With such Spanish Steps. Gliding through the Hasslers distinguished guests, the staff are used to revolving doors into a lobby adorned withdelivering the highest quality of service one burgundy and gold marble is like steppingex-concierge, at the hotel for more than back in time. A Murano glass chandelier and30 years, fielded a request for Holy bronze replica of the mythological She WolfCommunion from the Pope. create the ambience of an elaborate film set too bad its abuzz with tourists in jeans. whats the room like?There are 95 rooms and suites, ranging in wow factor style from baroque to Art Deco, and some Although its 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 Audreyyellow wallpaper and matching antique Hepburn and Gregory Peck, while filmingfurnishings, 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 ownbottles of Armorvero shampoos and lotions, gladiator Russell Crowe. It was even used as created by the Hasslers president Roberto World War II headquarters for the American Wirth, while the fridge is stocked with GreyGoose vodka and Louis Roederer bubbly.hows the food?Its all about the top-floor, Michelin-starredImgo restaurant. Chef Francesco Apredaserves creative and elegant modern Italian think slivers of tuna tartare with asparagusand drops of raspberry vinaigrette againsta backdrop of breathtaking views. Havingworked in Tokyo, Francesco adds Japanesetouches a miso-marinated black cod withsweet-and-sour eschalots is unforgettable.For more relaxed dining, head to HasslersFromtop:Imgo;Michelin-starredchefFrancesco sister hotel, Il Palazzetto, next door. Its theApreda;thePresidentialSuite;andIlPalazzettosterrace. only restaurant actually on the steps, and is Previouspagefromtop:Hasslerspenthouseterrace;also a wine academy. Lunch is casual, buttheHasslerstandsatthetopoftheSpanishSteps.come dinner, youll find black truffle gratedover carbonara, and a sea urchin tagliolini.whats nearby?Romes iconic attractions and the glamorousboutiques of Via Condotti are within walking PHotogrAPHy:couRteSy of HaSSleR Romadistance. Spend the day taking in the sights,then drop in to Antico Caff Greco, whereliterary greats refuelled with espressos anddolce. End with a massage overlooking thecity at the Hasslers Armorvero Spa, beforefeasting on a degustation at Imgo. d.Our writer was a guest of the Hassler Roma,Piazza Trinit dei Monti 6, +39 06 699 340,visit: hotelhasslerroma.com.138 delicious.