We’ve stayed at the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel several times now and as corny as it sounds, it’s a little like coming home. We love Rome, but we almost love the hotel more. Rome is a busy city and this September was busier than ever. I suspect the throngs of tourists in the city are enjoying the freedom of traveling again, just as we are.

So what is there to love about the Rome Cavalierei…

The mangificent pool at the Rome Cavalieri.

From the moment we stepped out of the car at the entrance of the hotel, people were just so nice. Nice is such a weak word, but I mean really nice. I’m not a person who needs pampering, but it’s an understated kind of niceness or service that just comes effortlessly and it made me feel good.

The entrance to the Rome Cavalieri.

Checking-in was a dream too. They were expecting us and were really pleased to see us. They were apologetic they couldn’t offer us an upgrade as the hotel was full (no surprise), but they had kept us a large (50 square metres) beautiful room overlooking the pool, the Eternal City and Saint Peter’s Dome. This simple level of customer service was heart-warming, unlike some hotels who seriously weren’t expecting us. They couldn’t find our reservation, then offended me by asking if I had booked the room on booking.com…really!

Tim normally looks after the checking -in formality, so I just sat and enjoyed the moment, taking in the art. Reception at the Rome Cavalieri is like sitting in an art gallery. Renaissance art adorns the walls and I’ve never seen such a collection in any other hotel.

Art adorns the walls of the hotel.

Taking the lift to our room, we were very happy with the generosity of the space and our stunning view. The porter talked us though the facilities, then graciously left us to unpack.

As you know, Rome is a very popular tourist destination, even before Covid. When you have been in the city, taking in the sights, shopping or eating, it’s great to get some reprieve from the heat and crowds, and there’s no better place than poolside at the Rome Cavalieri.

Breakfast is served adjacient to the pool. The array of fresh produce to choose from is mouth-watering. Each each day I had a bowl of fruit, followed by a caprese salad – yum.

The hotel is really a resort, which is unheard in the middle of a city like Rome. Whoever built this place, managed to combine a 5 star hotel, located on 15 acres of lush Mediterranean park, and a poolside set up that’s next level. I don’t know of another hotel I feel more comfortable in, waiting for the lift in my bathers, looking at a 16th century paintings, worth millions.

The poolside service at the hotel is no different from the rest of the hotel’s service. Breakfast is served adjacent to the pool so it’s easy to see the team preparing the pool for the guests. Mattress are removed every night, and a fresh, white fitted towelling cover is slipped on. Then, towels are laid over the cover.

I left my watch under my chair one morning after an early morning swim. After realising I had misplaced it I returned to the pool hours later. The lovely pool attendant recognised me immediately and assured me he had securely stored it.

If you’re thinking this hotel must be a long way out of the city, you are wrong. The hotel is located on Rome’s highest hill top, only 15 minutes from the Trevi Fountain, 10 minutes from the Vatican City and Trastevere where we love to eat. It’s hugely accessible and whilst not cheap possibly offers much better value for money than staying in a 5 star hotel in the heart of the city, with no pool. The hotel runs shuttles into  the city, and taxis are about 6-8 Euros.

Trevis Fountain

Once you have stayed at the hotel once, you’ll find it hard not to go back and there’s no better place, than poolside at the Rome Cavalieri.