Worth Traveling For
The storied Hotel Hassler crowns Rome’s Pincian Hill near the Piazza de Popolo as grand as a celestial palace. From my sixth-floor suite’s terrace, I half expect to see a Michelangelo angel set free from the Sistine Chapel fluttering its wings in the clouds above me. Instead, I gaze upon the city’s terracotta tapestry — a vista so resplendent with history its stories can almost be heard wafting up to my perch. Owned and operated for six generations by the Wirth family, with fraternal twins currently at the helm, the Hassler has evolved over time in that refined Roman way. It’s distinctly world wise, cultivated, confident with Roman superiority, glamorous, and ever hospitable. Think old world and innovative at once — as was the Roman Empire before it. Audrey Hepburn adored the Hassler in the heyday, and the glitterati and high rollers with taste continue to come. The Hassler’s so divine, it’s been nicknamed “the Stairway to Heaven,” but I’d submit that’s a misnomer. Hotel Hassler isn’t the route to heaven. Plainly said: it’s heaven itself.
The Spanish Steps lead straight to The Hassler like a Rococo red carpet. Edged by dapper-dressed doormen, the gilded front doors open to blissful opulence: marble, lush textiles, handsome nooks, and attentive hoteliers. Perfectly situated for exploring Rome for the first or hundredth time, The Hassler lies near some of Rome’s most sought-after shopping, sights, and restaurants. With a new flurry of just-completed renovations, The Hassler continues to deftly balance between the past and the present. Expect re-polished rooms and suites, many with gleaming marble replacing carpets. The Michelin-starred Imàgo was renovated to vaunt a new, open kitchen and Chef’s Counter Experience. The new Palm Court garden was refreshed with design by Jacques Garcia. Most exciting perhaps, a long awaited, new, two-story spa with a focus on longevity and complete with swimming pool, opens in autumn 2026.
Hotel Highlights
With views of Rome and Roman cuisine taken to another level by Chef Andrea Antonini, the sleek restaurant serves up unforgettable specialities. Don’t miss the elevated Roman-style artichoke. Opening to the leafy Palm Court, Salone Eva serves classic dishes all day long. Take your nightcap in Carmen’s Bar (formerly known as Hassler Bar), a sultry rendition of dolce vita era Rome with red leather upholstery and gilded mirrors to reflect the moodiness.
Rooms and Experience
Plummy and posh, each of The Hassler’s 87 rooms and suites make for a cosseting and elegant home base. Regal and stately, equipped with all the contemporary accoutrements you’d expect, they’re the sort of rooms that make you want to linger rather than go out. Expect silk-wrapped walls in jewel tones, rich fabrics, mahogany wood, and mosaic tiles. Take the two-bedroom, 4,305-square-foot Hassler Penthouse and invite a friend to share the two panoramic terraces, grand piano, butlers, and fully stocked cocktail bar.
What To Know Before You Book
Plan to make use of Rome’s finest concierge team. Not only are they affable, but they excel at listening to your questions and matching you with the perfect experience. They’re happy to receive emails or calls in advance, but on the spot they can make VIP calls for you, and even hand draw a map that take you on a secret route.
Address: Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Closest Airport: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)
Feature image courtesy of Hotel Hassler. Travel Curator may earn a commission for booking links on this page.
