Roman Holiday: Stunning Hotels, Vatican at Dawn, Ostia Antica & a Seaside Resort

Rome is the eternal city that travelers visit time and again, and somehow it never stops providing awe and joy!

This trip I visited several of the city’s top hotels to check out which are the best fit for our clients.

Hotel Eden, located at the top of the Spanish steps, is part of the prestigious Dorchester Collection group of hotels re-opened after a long closure and gargantuan renovation. During this renovation every detail was selected to insure that absolute comfort and luxury are foremost.

Below, we are warmly greeted by the fabulous concierge team.

The guest rooms & bathrooms are dripping with luxury, the views of the gardens and surrounding neighborhoods are stunning.

The lobby lounge is a stunning contemporary update.

Dinner and views at the rooftop Il Giardino and La Terraza are a must, whether you are staying there or not:

PRIVATE VATICAN BEFORE DAWN:

It is no secret that globalization and growing economies have created an unpleasant phenomenon of “over-touristed” cities throughout Europe, and Rome is no exception. Getting to see the most sought after sites requires planning and patience and if you work with an excellent agent and are willing to spend a little more, accessing key sites before they are open to the public will allow you an all-together more rewarding experience.

Here I am with my small group accessing the busiest attraction in the world – the Vatican before opening hours and even more especially with Gianni Crea, the holder of the keys!

Check out this article and see me below with Gianni himself as we enter the Vatican museum before dawn.

DON’T TRY THIS! These are images of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel during REGULAR OPENING hours:

crowds-of-tourists-visiting-the-vatican-museum-H1X8A6

DO TRY THIS! Resort to Laura Madrid to Plan an Exclusive Private Visit:

After a wonderful morning exploring the masterpieces at the Vatican, I was off to explore another type of La Dolce Vita, visiting more of Rome’s most sumptuous hotels to size up the best rooms and suites for my clients.

Hotel Hassler might have the most privileged location in Rome, at the top of the Spanish steps with absolutely incredible views of the city. It offers a wide range of special suites and penthouses where you might feel like Caesar himself. Even if you are not staying at the Hassler, a special dinner at Imago is highly recommended.

Hotel de Russie next to Piazza del Popolo has the most private and serene interior garden, which is the place in Rome for cool cocktails and peaceful lunches. This hotel also offers spacious rooms and suites and a marvelous restaurant.

My favorite time in Rome is artichoke season. Every meal had roasted artichokes during this trip and the braised artichokes below did not disappoint!! The gorgeous zucchini risotto and the caccio e pepe pasta were to die for as well!

Many of our clients make a day trip to see the fascinating ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum but just outside Rome, is Ostia Antica which does not receive a fraction of the crowds. This 2000 year old ancient harbour city is located close to the modern town of Ostia, just 15 kilometers outside of Rome.

After touring the ruins, I traveled to the Thyrennian seaside resort of La Posta Vecchia, “Rome’s Voluptuous Seaside Resort”.

This is a wonderful historic hotel on the ocean, just 18 miles to the Rome Airport and 24 miles from the city center, is the perfect place to stay at the beginning or end of an Italian holiday. Many times my clients need one last night near the airport or prefer to relax and overcome jet lag before the start of a longer trip. La Posta Vecchia is an historic and worthy place to dine like an aristocrat and sleep like an emperor.