Clutching a room service-delivered Aperol Spritz, I feel as fortunate as a Michelangelo angel frozen forever in a ceiling fresco here. I could flutter in this celestial spot all night.
From the ample terrace of my sixth floor, jewel box of a bijoux guest room at legendary Hotel Hassler, I can see the Eternal City unfurl in all its glory. Almost decorative, muted with colors of ancient stone, awash with architectural swirls, Rome’s cityscape looks like a huge, silky swatch of paisley fabric cast out from the heavens. Perched, pinnacle-like, Hotel Hassler sits atop the Spanish Steps looking down. It’s like a portal—or as the hotel itself says “the stairway to heaven.” Clutching a room service-delivered Aperol Spritz, I feel as fortunate as a Michelangelo angel frozen forever in a ceiling fresco here. I could flutter in this celestial spot all night.
As it turns out, though, I’ve got dinner reservations at the 7th Floor Terrace Bar, just a quick stairway up from my room. So, eventually, I have to tear myself away, though not before reveling in the fact that my room lies next to the magniloquent Presidential Suite San Pietro, Audrey Hepburns favorite haven when she stayed here. We actually share a terrace, though there’s a divider for privacy. Being so close to Audrey’s suite (where scads of other famous folk have stayed) somehow gives me a smattering of glitterati status all my own. I just feel her vibes.
Intimate, exclusive, currently with 87 rooms (which includes 21 suites), Hotel Hassler, a Leading Hotel of the World, opened in 1893. As the only grand hotel in Europe that remains privately owned and managed full time by family, it has been led for six generations by the Wirths—consummate Swiss hoteliers. Now standing at the helm, twins Roberto Wirth, Jr. and Versuschka Wirth took over management at the death of their father.. They carry on the family tradition. Working side-by-side in complementary roles, they ensure Hotel Hassler stays relevant to present times, while also allowing the hotel’s historical gravitas to be the foundation. Thank the Wirth twins for increased attention to sustainability efforts and modern additions to the hotel’s amenities, such as the expansive Amovero Spa, which will open in 2026, complete with a pool and state-of-the-art fitness room.
The Rooms and Suites
Rooms tastefully combine classic and contemporary touches. Mine was a bedazzlement of silk sheathed walls in jewel tones, a pampering marble bathroom, mosaic tiles, lavish linens and textiles and polished mahogany wood. For a special occasion, check into The Hassler Penthouse is a 4,305-square-foot 8th-floor suite that offers stunning views across Rome’s skyline. The two-bedroom suite features two panoramic terraces in Travertine marble, a grand piano and fully-stocked cocktail bar area in its elegant living room. Private butler service goes without saying. Alternatively, chooseThe Penthouse Villa Medici Suite, situated on the hotel’s 7th floor. Its astonishing terrace stretches 1,614-square-feet to hold a balcony and terrace with a gazebo, fireplace, sunbeds and an LCD flat screen.
Dining and Drinking
The grand marque attraction for epicureans is Hotel Hassler’s Imàgo, the hotel’s sublime Michelin-starred restaurant, featuring inventive plates, ever Roman but with a twist, by Chef Andrea Antonini. Try the chef’s elevated Roman style artichoke, porcini and goat cheese gnocchi and Sea Bass—for example. As mentioned, the 7th Floor Terrace Bar draws guests up for the sunset, happy hour snacks or light suppers and provocative cocktails. Salone Eva, the hotel’s all day restaurant opens to the garden-like Palm Court in summer, while Carmen’s Bar, formerly known as the Hassler Bar, kindles thoughts of heyday Rome in all its glamorous, lavish glory. Think: red leather upholstery, subdued lights and gilded mirrors.
Service
‘Gracious, helpful, coddling, kind, white-gloved to the max and exclusive. A special shout out to the concierge team—they can do anything.
More on the Location
Literally a step from the Spanish Steps, minutes from the Trevi Fountain, seconds from Piazza di Spagna, near the Villa Borghese and the Barcaccia fountain, and close enough to carry your shopping bags back from famous Via Condotti, Hotel Hassler could not be in a better location.
