Romantic Rome Hotels

Located on a green and beautifully landscaped swath of central Rome opposite the Borghese gardens, Hotel Aldrovandi Palace has gardens of its own. It stands inside a small half-acre park that includes a swimming pool. The hotel's restaurant was awarded 1 Michelin star in 2010. In agreeable weather, guests can dine outdoors on the terrace beside the pool.

Known for its romantic terrace from which guests can view the dome of the Pantheon, the dome of St. Ivo’s church, and the roof terrace of the Quirinale, Grand Hotel de La Minerve Roma was built in 1620 and has operated as a hotel since the 18th century. Its Stendhal suite, with an elaborate frescoed ceiling, is particularly enchanting and named after the writer who stayed here. The plaza in front of the hotel is home to Bernini's statue “Pulcin della Minerva."

Considered one of the world's finest hotels and named the best one in Rome by Condé Nast Traveler, the legendary Hotel Hassler stands atop Rome's famed Spanish Steps, which affords guests panoramic views of the city. Just about every famous visitor to Rome in the past century has passed through the doors of this five-star hotel. The 82 rooms and 13 suites are individually designed in a refined Italian style. Highlights include the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Imàgo, and the neighboring, Il Palazzetto, a four-room 16-century palazzo containing a restaurant, wine bar with panoramic terraces, and the International Wine Academy of Romam which offers wine-tasting classes.

Overlooking the seven hills of Rome, the turn-of-the-century Hotel Eden is a member of the Starwood Hotels group. Ideally, you'll get a fifth-floor room with a balcony to take in the views. If not, head up to the rooftop La Terrazza dell’ Eden restaurant, which boasts both a connoisseur’s wine list and one of the world's most romantic panoramas.

Once a private villa, the five-story, 32-room Hotel Lord Byron is tucked away in a quiet Rome neighborhood near diplomatic embassies in the Parioli Quarter. After checking in at the book-lined reception area, guests enter their handsomely restored 1930's Art-Deco style quarters. No two rooms look quite the same. Those with balconies are particularly in demand.

The first hotel on the Via Veneto — Rome's stylish shopping street immortalized in Fellini's La Dolce Vita — Hotel Majestic opened in 1889. Opulent design and furnishings, genuine antiques in the rooms, and a frescoed main hall convey the trappings of the good life. With an excellent location near the Spanish Steps, Hotel Majestic is also just a block from the Metro station.

Situated atop the Spanish Steps with a view overlooking Rome's historic center, upper-level rooms and suites at the InterContinental De La Ville Roma feature a balcony to take advantage of the romantic vista. But you'll want to look inward as well; this former 19th-century palazzo has an open courtyard. Some rooms are on the small side, but the location makes up for it, say most guests.

A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateauxgroup, this luxurious 50-room hotel opened in 1963. It is steps from the Pantheon as well as the lively Piazza Navona. Antique furnishings, Carrera marble clas bathrooms with Bulgari amenities, and a lobby hanging original works by Miró and Picasso proclaim its opulence. The multi-level terrace and restaurant provide wonderful views of the romantic city's rooftops.

Built in 1816 and considered one of the very top romantic hotels in Rome, the sophisticated Rocco Forte de Russie began life as a magnificent private palazzo. In the day, it was considered an essential stop on the Grand Tour of Europe; even the last Russian Tsar visited with his family. Today the setting offers tradition with a modern Italian twist. Its exquisite terraced gardens, which contain a sheltered outdoor restaurant, provide a fragrant respite from hectic Rome. The hotel's spa contains a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, and gym.

A first-class luxury hotel, the opulent St. Regis Grand Hotel is a Rome landmark. Murano-glass chandeliers, statues of cherubs, 24-hour butler service, Europe's first Asian-style urban spa, and hand-painted frescoes behind the headboards have made this a favorite spot for honeymoon couples and other romantics on vacation. The only drawback is the location; it's across from the somewhat scuzzy Stazione Termini. But don't let that stop you (it hasn't inhibited the VIPs and diplomats who stay here). Le Grand Bar was named the best in Rome by Newsweek and the private wine cellar is the place for an intoxicating meal.