Travel and Leisure: Best Hotels in Rome

Travel and Leisure Magazine has just released its list of the top 500 hotels in the world. Rome has 5 of them, including one that is new to the list: The Hotel Majestic (pictured). Located on the Via Veneto, this hotel was built in 1889 and was the setting for Fellini's famous film, La Dolce Vita. Rates start at 465 Euros, so it certainly isn't a bargain! But can you put a price on La Dolce Vita, anyway? The other 4 hotels on Travel and Leisure's list are the Hotel d'Inghilterra, the St. Regis Grand, the Westin Excelsior and the Hotel Hassler. All are luxurious and all are worth it. Stop by for a drink if you the room rates are a little too high for you (and in this economy, they are definitely too high!).

International Wine Academy-Educate Yourself About Italian Wines on Your Vacation

The International Wine Academy of Roma, located just off the Piazza di Spagna at Vicolo del Bottino 8, offers wine tasting events at least once a week. The academy is part of Il Palazzetto, a former home of Italian nobles that the owner of the Hotel Hassler turned into a wine club. Wine tasting events start at 20 Euros and feature wines from around Italy. There are often themes to the tastings, such as "The Wines of the Volcanoes: Etna vs. Vesuvius and others" (Saturday, October 11th). There is also a restaurant at the Palazzetto, so you can turn your wine tasting event into an entire evening. Buon Appetito!

Travel and Leisure: World's Best Hotels-Rome

The January 2008 issue of Travel and Leisure lists the 500 best luxury hotels in the world. On the list are 5 of Rome' s most famous and elegant hotels. If you can't stay at these gorgeous establishments, at least pop in for a cocktail or dinner. The Hotel Hassler came in at Number 1 (and nearly the most expensive) in Rome and is located at the top of the Spanish Steps. Its attractions include celebrity sightings, proximity to the Borghese Gardens, and unbeatable access to the shops on the Via Condotti. Ranked number 2 in Rome is the St. Regis Grand Hotel (a Starwood Hotel), located near the Via Veneto. The Hotel de Russie, known for its gardens, came in at number 3 and is located conveniently between Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza del Popolo. Number 4 by a hair is the Rome Cavalieri Hilton which is located 3 miles from the city center but has a lovely private park and pool (perfect for summertime visitors). Its restaurant, La Pergola, has three Michelin stars. The Hotel Lord Byron came in at number 5. This hotel is located behind the Villa Borghese, so it's best to take a cab or be prepared for a leisurely walk through the Borghese Gardens to get to the historic center.