Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalierly

[boomy]

Thought I'll post more detailed review and some photos of this amazing property.

First impression can be deceiving



From outside it doesn't look very impressive but it all changes when going inside.

Concierge



Diamond check-in desk

 

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Artwork in the lobby





Outside as well



More artwork on each floor

 

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Outdoor and indoor swimming pools





The spa is very luxurious and entry is complementary for diamond members. This is the only photo I could take inside.

 

[boomy]

We were lucky to score P+P rate (32K + €132).
This rate is for the most basic Deluxe room.
WA properties are quite stingy when it comes to free upgrades and we got two levels up to Premium Rome City View which means high floor facing the city.



Complementary water and chocolate in room.



Salvatore Ferragamo amenities in the bathroom, +1 said are very good quality. I have no idea but thought they smell nice.



We found bottle of Italian sparkling and more chocolates in room after everything turndown.



Since the property is located high above the city centre the views are spectacular.



Unfortunately my iPhone camera can't capture the view as clear as seen in realit

 

[boomy]

The hotel provides shuttle service to/from the city centre almost every hour. The ride take approx 30 min.
Taxi to/from Termini station cost ~€15.
Taxi to/from FCO airport cost ~€55.

We noticed higher than usual security around the hotel, including two police cars parked at the front gate. When asked about it was told the King of Norway is staying in house, hence the extra security.

Breakfast at restaurant was complementary for the first night but later the cost would be €20 per person after diamond discount.







The breakfast was exceptional with table service and extensive Asian selection, something not yet seen in all European hotels.

 

[boomy]

The next day we decided to try the Imperial lounge but were told we must upgrade to Imperial room at the cost of €210 extra per night. To put it into perspective, Imperial rooms are the same size as deluxe and the only difference is they are located on the higher floors (7th & 8th). Our room was on the 6th floor so there was really no incentive, apart from the lounge access, to upgrade. Luckily on that day they didn't have any Imperial rooms left so they gave us special offer to buy just the lounge access for €90 which I thought was fair price, especially for two guests.

The lounge is quite fancy and has balcony with great views of the city. They serve no less than 5 meals a day from breakfast to late night drinks until 11pm. Even the staff changes their clothes according to time of day!







View attachment 68

 

[boomy]

The view

 

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Breakfast





Morning Tea

 

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Afternoon Tea





Pre-Dinner Canapés





The lounge became more crowded in the evening so couldn't take proper photos of the food and drinks

 

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Post-Dinner Light Serve







Alcohol is offered all day, wines self-serve and spirits available on request.
Can't say we were blown away by the quality of F&B but the whole atmosphere in the lounge was so nice that overall it was an enjoyable experience and we felt that we got good value for money.
Speaking to some regular guests we learnt the hotel used to offer complementary access to diamonds but the lounge was always overcrowded and setting wasn't as nice.

 

[boomy]

The bar looks great and has live music every night.







The WA hosts one of the most famous restaurants in Rome - La Pergola (3 Michelin stars) located on the top floor. I've tried to book a seat but was told it's usually fully booked two months in advance.

In summery, it's a truly amazing hotel and the P+P deal allowed us to enjoy levels of luxury that we wouldn't normally pay for, especially for a city hotel.

 

[drron]

We were lucky 8 years ago to get 6 nights on points via a VIP package.As a diamond then we did get Imperial lounge access.The lounge was busy but not really overcrowded.One night at the next table one of the owners was talking to a couple of Blackstone execs complaining of all the HH diamonds using their points to stay there.
Not surprisingly 6 months later no more Imperial lounge access.
We did get to dine at La Pergola but we booked 3 months out when online bookings opened.It was great.

 

[Shinkz]

I managed to book 4 nights in July during the flash 50% off sale at about 190 AUD a night. I am so excited for this! trying to get the restaurant reservation is a pain

 

[serfty]

...
Speaking to some regular guests we learnt the hotel used to offer complementary access to diamonds but the lounge was always overcrowded and setting wasn't as nice.

when they first stopped giving Imperial lounge access to Diamond they acully set up a HHonors lounge on the ground floor called the "Colloseo Lounge".

This was pretty basic with simpke snacks some self service coffee, soft drink, beer & wine.

 

[parsonstrish]

Lovely hotel, I stayed 10 years ago, my room looked similar to yours, mine facing city also, hearing church bells was special. My first sight of a bidet in luxiours bathroom. I wasn't game to try it. I had access to imperial lounge, not diamond, you could have eaten each meal there at that time. One of my memories was watching 'new tricks' in Italian. I have very fond memories of this hotel.

 

[hummel]

Stayed there in 2012 and my wife still raves about it - Great memories of lounging by the pool in the Italian summer.

One day we'll get back there.

 

[robtemt]

I managed to book 4 nights in July during the flash 50% off sale at about 190 AUD a night. I am so excited for this! trying to get the restaurant reservation is a pain

Is it too early for you to be back? How'd you find the hotel? AND the restaurant? Did you have any problem getting a booking?

 

[Shinkz]

Is it too early for you to be back? How'd you find the hotel? AND the restaurant? Did you have any problem getting a booking?

I stayed a week ago for 5 days. Hotel was fantastic, the spa could be the best one I've been to from a WA property. My HH Diamond was recognised and I received a imperial floor upgrade from a basic room.

The restaurant on the roof of the building La Pergola was absolutely incredible. If you are into food you will appreciate this 3 Michelin star restaurant. Every single uber driver who took me back to the hotel asked if we were going to the restaurant. Generally seems to be recognised as the best in Rome.

The shuttle to the city runs regularly and is easy to use.

The only downside is that there really is nothing near the hotel so we ended up spending a lot of money on over-priced hotel food (not just at La-Pergola )

I was very happy with the stay and considered purchasing the plush toy gladiator to add to my conrad/hilton collection. The price was 60 euro so I decided against..