R O M E

The Hotel Savoy is a quick 5 minute walk from the top of the Spanish steps, a perfect location when visiting the city’s more renowned sights, shopping and restaurants. As of our visit in the fall of 2019, the rooms were a bit outdated although clean and well appointed. The hotel has a big bright lobby with a grand staircase and a rooftop terrace with a beautiful view of the sprawling city, I highly recommend going up there around sunset for an aperitivo. Our rate included a daily breakfast which was served in the downstairs dining hall. We had our own car and found a garage a couple of blocks away, but I am sure the hotel would set up car transfers if needed. It’s also worth pointing out that a delicious Forno is (dangerously) located right across the street, offering a delicious variety of pizza al taglio.

More recently we stayed at Hotel EightySeven. It is in the same area, also a short walk from the Spanish Steps. This was also clean, and our room had private access to a terrace shared with other nearby rooms, but the decor and the spaces were very dark and narrow. This hotel also had a roofdeck but it was very small and – although they advertise a great view – it was obstructed. They did set up our car transfers to and from the airport which was nice.

Armando al Pantheon – Tucked away next to the Pantheon, we discovered this hidden gem thanks to CNN’s docuseries “Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy”. On the show, he visits this restaurant for the city’s famous pasta amatriciana, but trust me when I say that the Saltimbocca melts in your mouth and the rest of the menu is fantastic as well. Reserve a table ahead of time as the restaurant has limited seating, but if everything is booked, don't despair. Show up and politely ask if they can squeeze you in, it worked for us twice during our latest trip.

Il Gabriello – I did my own research for this one and it did not disappoint, I'd say this was my second favorite restaurant. Inconspicuously tucked away in a basement among the high-end designer shops, the ambiance is beautiful and decorated impeccably.

For a quick pasta on the go (only in Italy, right?) definitely stop in Pastificio Guerra. There will likely be a line with lots of Italian people too, not just tourists (which is a great sign!) but it's worth the wait. They don’t seem to have a website but it's right by the Spanish Steps at Via della Croce, 8, 00187 Roma.

Venchi – Gelato and chocolate truffles to die for. There are multiple locations downtown and it is very popular for Italians and tourists alike.

I overheard a tour guide say that the best coffee in Rome is at Tazza D'Oro by the Pantheon. We immediately went there and it was, in fact, one of the best coffees I've had although I will admit, I am not a coffee expert.

As far as the famous Roman "pizza in teglia", we went back to the place across from Hotel Savoy twice and loved it, I forget the name but you can't miss it. We also just watched “Chef's Table” on Netflix and the second episode is all about a Roman chef famous for pizza. I wish I had watched before I went so please go try it for all of us! It's called Bonci Pizzarium and apparently it is the best in Rome. It looks like it's by the Vatican though so plan accordingly.

Almost everyone who visits Rome has a list of must-see things – the Colosseum, the Forum, the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo, etc.

Here some unique things worth adding:

Parco Savello or Orange Tree Park. There's a door with a keyhole somewhere in the park, when you look through it, you can see the Vatican. It sounds odd but I remember going there as a child and finding it truly magical.

The Mouth of Truth, which any fan of Audrey Hepburn will need to see.

The Pantheon is beautiful but you’ll likely walk by it numerous times during your strolls through the city.

Fontana di Trevi, of course. Don’t forget to throw a coin over your left shoulder and make a wish, it’s tradition. Just be warned, this corner of Rome is always packed. I have walked by it zillions of times and have never seen it empty.

Piazza Navona. The architecture is breathtaking as is its history. The square is surrounded by bars and restaurants so I recommend grabbing a seat and enjoying the scenery with a coffee or an aperitivo.

The Trastevere neighborhood across the river is very artsy and full of cool graffiti and street art if that’s your thing. It offers a variety of cool restaurants and bars, mostly frequented by university students.