Hassler Roma

The history-rich Hotel Hassler holds a prime location in Rome, and many rooms have a privileged view of the church at the top of the Spanish Steps.

• Imago, the Michelin-starred restaurant with panoramic views of Rome’s rooftops
• Palazetto, the unique event space with a panaramic terrace overlooking the Spanish Steps
• The 4,300-square-foot Hassler Penthouse, which boasts two panoramic terraces made of travertine marble

Walking into the lobby of the Hassler is like entering a grand property of the past where the reds and golds of the impressive marble entryway evoke scenes from the hotel’s opening in 1893. One of the most historic properties in Rome and one of few that is not a part of a larger hotel chain, the Hassler is an old-world bastion that is so tied to its home city that staying there feels like a window—albeit an outdated window—into the Wirth family's Roman experience.

Family-run for more than a century, the Hassler offers an abundance of personal touches that make it an intimate Roman experience. The toiletries are made by the owner’s family (the products can also be purchased to take home), the service is excellent and the whole property feels very private. (Photography is banned in the hotel.) Thus, despite being a city landmark and located just around the corner from the Spanish Steps, the Hassler has serene accomodations in the city center.

The hotel’s 79 rooms and 13 specialty suites are uniquely decorated with contemporary touches alongside rare antiques and paintings, velvets and brocade textiles and leather and wood furnishings. Roo. choice is important—the best are undoubtedly the specialty suites, which were renovated most recently. Other rooms feel decidedly dated, and multiple Indagare members have given negative feedback on the general conditions of the furnishings.

Still, the Hassler has no shortage of amenities and public spaces, including the beautiful Hassler Bar (a dark maroon space reminiscent of Paris’ Hemingway Bar), Salone Eva, which offers all-day dining, and the Palm Court, a courtyard space with an unusual bar that looks like a giant clamshell. The main foodie attraction, however, is the Michelin-starred Imàgo, which is located on the 6^th floor and serves gourmet Italian fusion cuisine like tandoori-style duck and cacio e pepe risotto that can be enjoyed alongside panoramic views of the Eternal City. Rounding out the amenities at the Hassler are a small gym and the Amorvero Spa, where travelers can indulge in treatments or relax on the alfresco terrace.

Note: As of November 2023, the hotel is still in the process of renovating the spa.

Travelers who are looking for a central location, a historic hotel atmosphere and who appreciate the feel of Roman nostalgia