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!).

Scuola Leonardo da Vinci: Study Italian in Rome

This month's Travel and Leisure features language schools around the world. In Italy, with locations in Florence, Rome, Siena and Milan, they recommend Scuola Leonardo da Vinci. The Scuola not only offers language classes ranging from two to 24 weeks, but also offers cultural classes in music and art history, among other topics. The Scuola in Rome is located at Piazza dell'Orologio, which is not far from Piazza Navona and Campo dei Fiori.

Travel and Leisure Suggests Gelato

In the "Ask Travel and Leisure" section of the magazine's July 2008 issue, a reader wants to know where the best gelato in Rome is. Well, we all know that pretty much anywhere in Italy has great gelato. But some places have a serious following. Travel and Leisure recommends (based on food expert Faith Willinger's picks) Il Gelato di San Crispino located at the Basilica di San Giovanni (56 Via Acaia) and also near the Trevi Fountain (42 Via della Panetteria). For tartufo, a chocolate gelato masterpiece, head to Tre Scalini in Piazza Navona (#30-35).

More Hip Shopping on the Via del Governo Vecchio

Near Piazza Navona is a shopping district that many tourists do not visit-or at least, if they do, they are in the minority. The Romans themselves still very much possess the Via del Governo Vecchio. For all the best international designers, visit Josephine de Huertas and Co. (pictured), at three locations in the vicinity. Arsenale, opened ten years ago (64 Via del Governo Vecchio), is known for its unique silks and interesting embellishment. This year, Arsenale's designer, Patrizia Pieroni, is featuring bright colors and flower appliques reminiscent of the 1970s flower-child movement. For more on restaurants and hotels in this neighborhood, see a recent article in Travel and Leisure.

Readers: What's your favorite shopping district in Rome?

Travel and Leisure Finds the Best Sandwich in Rome

An Italian sandwich (or panino) can be a simple affair-but it is all about the bread. Travel and Leisure's May issue raves about Il Forno Roscioli on Via dei Chiavari (#34), which bakes its own white dough (pizza bianca) and puts the perfect handcrafted mortadella on it. Take your sandwich to go (lo porto via) and stroll through the nearby Campo dei Fiori. For dessert, have your pick of the gorgeous fruits for sale in the square.

Rome Builds a New Subway Line

As you can imagine, building a subway line through one of the world's most archaeologically crowded cities is not easy. The new Metro Linea C which began construction last year is expected to be completed in 2015 after years of careful research, excavation and construction. Each time they break ground, new discoveries will be made, new routes will have to be chosen, and history could potentially be rewritten. The construction of the new subway, while unfortunately resulting in quite a bit of destruction, will enable archaeologists to see what lies beneath the Medieval and Renaissance city. Read the article in April's Travel and Leisure and stay tuned for what are certain to be exciting revelations!

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.