by Jesse Stirling
Heart of the Eternal City | The Regina Hotel Baglioni – Rome, Italy
Rome was known as the Eternal City even among the ancient Romans themselves. It was called so because the Roman people thought that no matter what happened to the world, no matter how many other empires might rise and fall, Rome would go on forever. Anatole Broyard wrote, “Rome was a poem pressed into service as a city,” and we’ve all heard the expression, “All roads lead to Rome.”
In the heart of The Eternal City lies the The Regina Hotel Baglioni. Situated on renowned Via Veneto, near the Spanish Steps, you are close to Rome’s key attractions and elegant shopping areas. You are right in the hub of the action; the middle of the whirlwind of Italian traffic, passion, and activity; the eye of calm surrounded by the storm of culinary, fashion, and cultural excitement and excellence. The hotel offers refined luxury with an Italian touch, in perfect harmony with cosmopolitan hospitality.
The entrance to the seven-story hotel is magnificently beautiful, boasting a grand foyer and opulent decor in a spotlessly clean environment. Adjacent to the lobby, Brunello Lounge & Restaurant serves up authentic Mediterranean cuisine, focusing on fresh and flavorful ingredients. The wine cellar features 500 labels and the lounge serves an array of creative libations. Breakfast is included in the rate, so savor delicious, unlimited fresh food until 11:00 a.m. in the lavish breakfast area. The cappuccino is world class. No detail is missed.
The guest rooms and suites feature a sleek art deco style. The large, marble-floored chambers are decorated with beautiful textiles and Murano glass light fixtures. The suite is tasteful, elegant, lovely, and absolutely massive by European standards. The closets are plentiful, the Wi-Fi is fast, the shower is heavenly, and the bed divine. Be sure to indulge in a luxurious bubble bath and take time to unwind. Other hotel features include 24-hour room service, in-room safes, air-conditioning, and an on-site spa and fitness room. Pets are allowed.
The service is modern and impeccable. Your every need is anticipated: limo or town car service, tour assistance, business center, banquet and event facilities, fine dining, or “insider” tips from the resident concierge. Close to midnight, hankering for one last incredible Italian pizza experience, I find myself whisked away in a taxi to local hotspot “Dar Poeta,” located in the bohemian Trastevere district. Taking a post-dinner stroll, a roaring nightlife scene explodes in full bloom across cobblestone streets. I spy a handsome young man present a beautiful young woman with a paper straw, folded into a little plastic flower. In return, he receives a big passionate kiss on the mouth. Ah, those Italians. That’s amoré!
Giotto di Bondone once observed, “Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions, and the city of yearning.” If you want an indulgent five-star experience in the center of the Eternal city, the Regina Hotel Baglioni awaits. The hotel is listed in the 2010 Travel + Leisure 500, and the property is a member of Relais & Chateaux. You owe it to yourself to feel the magic of Italy and open your heart to la dolce vita, “the good life.” That’s amoré.
