Cavalieri Hotel, Rome – Luxury Hotel Review

Rupert Parker finds an oasis of tranquillity in Rome, with stunning views, yet only 15 minutes from St Peter’s.

St Peter's from Cavalieri It’s impossible to forget that Rome wasn’t built in a day, as I make my way from the train station, ancient ruins jutting out at every corner.  It’s a sweltering evening at the height of summer, but I’m climbing up the Monte Mario to my home for the night, the Cavalieri. Suddenly the city lies below me and I’m in fifteen acres of lush Mediterranean parkland and pulling up to the hotel. I’m slightly disappointed by the 60’s boxy exterior, expecting some grand palace, but once inside the opulence of the interiors and the art collection, including three glorious Tiepolos in the lobby, impresses.  From my balcony, on the 7th floor, I have a magnificent view of all of Rome, St Peters to the right, the Vittorio Emmanuel II Monument straight ahead and the Coliseum in the distance.

Cavalieri pool and Rome view Just below me is the 25m outdoor pool, a cool haven to soak away the travails of the day. My room is spacious, divided into sleeping and living areas and the bathroom is clad in Travertine marble with Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries.  I’m slightly disappointed to have two single beds rather than one huge double, but the one I choose is so comfortable and agreeably wide that I find I have no problem drifting off into a deep sleep.

That’s after I’ve visited the Hotel’s Grand Spa which offers a wide range of global pampering treatments, from Shiatsu finger pressure to Ayurvedic healing.  At its centre is a spectacular Turkish bath with hot and cold plunge pools, and a fabulous Roman-style relaxation lounge where you can recline like an emperor on cushioned divans.  There’s a total of four swimming pools, hydro massage and whirlpools, a state-of-the-art technogym gymnasium with adjoining pilates and yoga rooms.  Add two Davis Cup clay tennis courts and a fitness circuit in the spacious grounds and you don’t have to go anywhere else.

Cavalieri Art Gallery The same is true of eating.  At the top of the hotel is one of the best restaurants in Rome, if not in Italy – the three-Michelin starred La Pergola is the only one in the city to get this number of stars and Heinz Beck, the German chef, fully deserves them.  There’s a wine cellar with over 60,000 bottles, a water menu with 29 choices, olive oils and vintage balsamic vinegars from the best producers in Italy, and the finest ingredients sourced from all over the Mediterranean.  Add the magnificent view and you have the perfect recipe for fine dining.  

I opt for the more relaxed dining of L’Uliveto restaurant, which overlooks the pool and the landscaped gardens, and take a table outside.  The menu features Mediterranean and international dishes, with a healthy nod towards Italian cuisine.  I start with three types of 100% buffalo mozzarella, served with marinated vegetables and tomato cappuccino.  Outstanding is the smoked mozzarella and when I complement the waiter, he tells me that some people send it back, thinking it’s long past its sell by date.  Next is wheat linguine pasta with clams, surprisingly without their shells, although just as tasty.  Rome sunset For main course, I can’t resist the rack of lamb, crusted with sesame and pistachio and served with julienne asparagus. |It’s perfectly cooked, red on the inside and deliciously moist. I finish with a selection of cheese, pecorino, brie and gorgonzola, ample portioned and served just at the correct temperature.

I must say I’m impressed by this hotel and it’s the perfect place to relax after you’re been braving the hustle and bustle of the tourist sights during the day.  If mobility’s an issue, then they’ll meet you at the airport or the railway station and provide you with a spacious wheelchair accessible room on the ground floor complete with appropriately appointed wheel-in shower.

It’s not cheap but the rates are on par with other luxury hotels in Rome.  Enjoy the pool, relax in the grounds and, best of all, enjoy the glorious food.

Rome Cavalieri
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Via Alberto Cadlolo 101
Rome, Italy
Visit website

160 people found this helpful
18052

Share Article:

Rupert Parker

Writer, photographer, cameraman & TV producer

Leave a comment

*

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest travel tips on top destinations.

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Most Recent Articles

There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about the quintessential British coach holiday….

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.