Rome Cavalieri, Rome

In short… A luxurious stay in Rome that doubles as a welcoming retreat for families.

The surroundings… Set within a lush 15-acre park atop Monte Mario, the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is a lovely escape from the bustle of Rome’s center. It’s just far enough from the city to offer a more relaxed vibe, with its manicured grounds that are a highlight in themselves. (Let the kids burn off steam running around the Alice and Wonderland-esuqe lawn statues and grab an aperitif on the patio, overlooking the double pools.) From the city-facing rooms, the Rome Cavalieri’s balconies deliver stunning views across Rome. E.M. Forster may have staked Florence as the setting for A Room with a View, but one glance from the balcony (St. Peter’s dome, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, to name just a few sights) and he might have reconsidered. A complimentary shuttle runs regularly to the city center, putting you in the heart of Rome in a 15 minutes, traffic permitting.

The backstory… Opened in 1963 during Rome’s La Dolce Vita heyday, the Rome Cavalieri was one of the city’s first true resort hotels, and that glamorous vibe remains. Its incredible art collection originated with art collector and first owner of the property, Angelo Guido Terruzzi, who installed and housed major works from his personal collection throughout the hotel (including a Tiepolo triptych, pieces by Warhol, and many rare decorative arts and tapestries), ultimately making it home to one of Europe’s most valuable private collections.

Today, it’s as remarkable for its art as it is for its beautiful views and pools. For adults, it feels like staying in a private museum, and for kids, there are even original stage costumes from productions like Sleeping Beauty framed and displayed throughout. Give my kids this over a Disney Princess brunch any day.

The vibe…  Luxe yet comfortable and welcoming. After a few weeks of traveling through Sicily where the rooms, views, and lobbies are undeniably beautiful but sometimes verge on the rustic or overly precious (thin pillows, questionable AC, breakable things!) Rome Cavalieri’s lush, plush interiors were a welcome change. The lobby bar is glam and gilded, yet not overly intimidating. You can sip your Negroni in peace, confident it’s totally acceptable if your child ditches their shoes under the table.

The rooms… The rooms very much lean into old-world European opulence, giving more palazzo than pared-back minimalism. Think silk wall coverings, brocade drapes, and Empire-style furnishings mixed with glossy marble bathrooms and private balconies. The ornate details are softened by plush textiles and generously-sized beds, which is exactly what’s called for after a day spent by the pool or exploring Rome. Many of the rooms have modern upgrades, but the overall feel remains grand and deeply comfortable.

The food & drink… We only had time for one dinner during our stay (sad!), which we spent at the lovely outdoor Patio 101, a casual al fresco spot tucked into the hotel’s private park. The service was great, and the menu felt thoughtfully designed for families, with shareable plates, kid-friendly pizzas, and simple seafood dishes that nod to seaside Italy without overcomplicating things. Next time, I’ll be gunning for a reservation at the coveted Michelin-starred La Pergola (the city’s first and only 3-Michelin Star restaurant), which was several floors above our room with dinner-table views I can’t even begin to fathom.

The wellness… I was so sad to not have the time to visit the spa personally, but I was able to get a peek during my tour, and the Cavalieri Grand Spa Club includes a full circuit of sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and an indoor pool beneath a glass dome. 

The other outdoor pools are tucked into the hillside next to the hotel, including a big, sun-splashed main pool that’s basically an all-day hang, and a more relaxed kids pool. There is also a proper and huge gym, tennis courts, and lots of space to actually move, which feels like a rarity in Rome. 

Is it kid-friendly? YES. As mentioned, there’s a dedicated kids’ pool, complete with a giant waterslide. The poolside menus are full of child-friendly options (fries, sandwiches, pizzas, the usual suspects). The classic Italian breakfast buffet was the stuff of my 3-year-old’s dreams (the offerings leaned a bit more “global” than your typical Italian hotel, but after two weeks in Italy, it was appreciated). The expansive grounds are also perfect for kids to explore and secluded enough to feel like an adventure, yet open enough that you can keep an eye on everyone. Add in the art, the service, the sheer sense of ease…It’s hard to find a place this indulgent that’s also so unfussy with children, but Rome Cavalieri hits the bullseye! 

Be sure to… The grounds alone are worth exploring with many quiet walking paths, big lawns, and the kind of wide-open space you don’t usually get in Rome. My husband is a runner and definitely took advantage of the hills and views for what I can imagine were some truly beautiful sunset runs.

To head into the city, don’t forget to hop on the hotel’s shuttle; it’s an easy, low-lift way to get right into Rome’s center without dealing with taxis or traffic logistics.

Parting words… The Rome Cavalieri is a fabulous find, especially if you’re traveling with younger cohorts. It’s a reliable hotel that feels unabashedly decadent yet warm and welcoming at the same time. With art at every turn, views to rival a postcard, a perfectly designed kid-friendly pool set-up, and grounds where kids can roam freely while adults relax nearby, it manages to be both iconic and a true family retreat.

Date of stay… August 31st, 2025