By Katherine Fleischman
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Rome Cavalieri, which previously was a Hilton property, is known as the first hotel in Europe rebranded as a Waldorf Astoria. Hosting 1,100 original pieces of artwork, including 4 giant tapestries, furnishings, sculptures and historical paintings, their museum-worthy art collection is “gasp-worthy,” allowing you to get up close and personal, without waiting in snake-like lines at the museums and tourist attractions.
A respite from the city, Rome Cavalieri is “The Rooftop of Rome,” boasting 360-degree unobstructed views of the city, including the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, all national monuments. Situated in a posh residential neighborhood atop Monte Mario, in a private 15-acre Mediterranean park above the Eternal City, Rome Cavalieri offers a luxurious haven for guests to retreat, the panorama green as far as the eye can see, including three outdoor pools and an indoor pool lit up in blue.
The property has 370 rooms and 25 suites (all with a private balcony and terrace), with an imperial floor where you can enjoy access to the club area, offering an array of light bites and refreshments – including a tea time with scones, sandwiches, and a plethora of teas. If you are looking to bathe in luxury, consider the Penthouse Suite, equipped with Karl Lagerfeld’s living room furniture and original artwork by Andy Warhol. Host a private dinner or rooftop party with breathtaking views of the city after stepping upstairs through a winding staircase with a retractable translucent roof. The bathroom is the size of a traditional apartment, dripping in Acqua di Parma amenities, with a walk-in closet. 
The hotel offers Rome from a different point of view, being only 10 minutes away from the Vatican and 15 minutes from the historic city center with private shuttle in and out, directly from the hotel.
If you are looking to unwind, the award-winning expansive spa includes ten treatment rooms with La Prairie and Natura Bissé products. Choose from sand therapy in the desert room or green nature in the forest room.
I dined at Uliveto, overlooking the landscaped park and outdoor pool, offering Mediterranean and eclectic global dishes served by Executive Chef Fabio Boschero. I selected a tuna dish as well as wild Canadian rice served with seaweed salad and algae chips, with a sweet finish of cheesecake, sorbet and gelato.
Experience Waldorf Astoria first-hand by booking at waldorfastoria.com
Photos courtesy of Katherine Fleischman.