Become a Member
Travel

Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria

Rome

November 24, 2016 23:20
A 1960s hotel with a boxy exterior and a large 25m outdoor pool

ByRupert Parker, Rupert Parker

1 min read

The Cavalieri sits on the Monte Mario, the highest hill in Rome, and is about 20 minutes from St Peter's.

As I arrive, I'm slightly disappointed by the 1960s boxy exterior, but once inside, the opulence of the interiors and the art collection in the lobby, impress. From my balcony on the seventh floor, I have a magnificent view of the eternal city.

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. I'm slightly disappointed to have two single beds rather than one huge double, but it's so quiet here that I'm soon drifting off into a deep sleep.

That's after I've visited the hotel's Grand Spa which has a spectacular Turkish bath at its centre and a fabulous Roman-style relaxation lounge where you can recline like an emperor on cushioned divans. For exercise, there are four pools, tennis courts and a fitness circuit in the spacious grounds.