We went to Rome in October, and decided to stay at the Hassler, where we spent almost two weeks to celebrate our anniversary. From the moment we checked in, everything exceeded our expectations. Check-in was not only easy but personal. We were led to our room, which was beautifully and romantically appointed, with a view to the church next door. Exactly what we had hoped for on this trip! A series of welcome gifts from the management awaited us, and this touched our hearts (and brought tears to my eyes). As we explored our large room, its wood carvings and gorgeous furnishings, we also noted that it had every modern amenity quietly tucked away in small corners -- warm, fluffy bathrobes awaited us in the self-lit closet. Every light in the room, from the central chandelier to the lamp lighting the landscape painting, had a dimmer, adding to the romantic atmosphere. And the discreet (thank goodness) flat-screen television set allowed us to watch news from everywhere imaginable -- from Italy to Spain, CNN to BBC, France 24 to Germany.
Other posters have spoken of the bathroom, but I have to say, WOW! It, in itself, was an amazing place. A huge jacuzzi tub, separate shower, separate toilet with bidet (married couples, in particular, will appreciate this separate toilet feature, I think ;0)), and a double sink. Add to that the house brand Amor Vero products provided (this scent will forever remind me of Rome, and, if you have a chance, purchase the fragrance; yes, it is that wonderful), and there were mornings I never wanted to leave the shower, evenings I could have stayed in the bathtub until my skin pruned.
Morning breakfasts were a delight, with a wonderful choice of eggs and every conceivable pastry (as well as many I had never conceived of, but crave to this day), all served by a staff that remembered us each day, our names, beverage preferences, seat preferences, everything.
I don't know if it's the time of year and the people who go to Rome in October, but the Hassler felt a little like something out of an Agatha Christie novel, in the best sense. We saw many of the same guests from breakfast at dinner at Salon Eva in the evenings, leading to chats about where to go, what to see, and a sense of community that large, impersonal hotels simply lack.
This leads me to another thing: the food! We ate at Imago, which has some of the best food in the world (not an exaggeration), served in a place with one of the best views of Rome. I had never enjoyed a meal like this in my life, and highly recommend Imago to anyone and everyone going to Rome, wherever they are staying.
But, if you are a guest of the Hotel Hassler, don't miss Salon Eva for dinner! It is such a delight! This intimate tea room serves up an incredible dinner each evening, and many hotel guests, after a long day of sightseeing, find themselves relaxing in its beautiful surroundings, listening to the American Songbook as played by a wonderful pianist, and eating incredibly prepared Italian fare, often cooked to order, in this beautifully decorated dining room just off the lobby. We were lucky enough to be there during white truffle season, and a simple meal of pasta al burro with white truffles gave me a taste of what heaven must be.
The Hassler makes you feel like you are staying in the gorgeously appointed home of a duke or prince. Everything is always quietly perfect, and the staff seems genuinely happy to work there.
It's not that we will return. It's that it is the only place we will stay when we visit Rome. I have never experienced such perfection in a hotel. Well done does not even begin to express our thanks and appreciation for everything the staff at this exceptional property does right, each and every day. Many, many thanks. Until we meet again!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
November 30, 2012
Dear Guest,
I would like to thank you for having chosen to stay at the Hassler while in Rome, to celebrate your wedding anniversary and also for taking so much of your time to share with us the lovely impressions you have about the stay.
My aim as a boutique family hotelier, with five generations of tradition, is to allow my clients to experience a unique and enjoyable break and make them feel “home away from home” – and your lovely and flattering comments of appreciation make me happy to know that in this instance, my goal has gone well beyond my best expectations!
It has also been my pleasure to pass on to the staff concerned, your vivid description of gratification, concerning your dining experience at Imàgo.
On a closing note, I hope the future holds in store other opportunities for you to return and repeat and maybe even exceed this experience!
Kindest regards,
Roberto E. Wirth
President and Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.