LUXE Loves is the regular feature where we spotlight our all-time favourite places in the world. From spiff boutique stays to the finest diners, dapper drinkers and swooniest shops… welcome to the crème of our curated cohort.
What:
Palm Court Bar, Hassler Hotel
Where:
Perched atop the Spanish Steps, Rome
Why we love it:
Framed by ivy-clad ancient Roman walls to one side, and the storied Hassler on the other, Palm Court is a perfectly sophisticated (and largely secret) sanctuary away from the selfie-stick-wielding hordes of nearby Plaza Spagna.
This lush n’ lovely imbiber is straight out of a 20s movie set with its Art Nouveau atmos, replete with gleaming oyster-shell bar, tinkly piano and dapper aqua-green suited waitstaff at graceful beck and call. Drinks span the aperitivo staples – Negroni, Aperol, Prosecco – plus an edited wine list of Italian drops (natch) by glass or bottle.
Alas, Palm Court closes for winter at the end of October, but stellar sips are still poured at the clubby, gilt, dark wood n’ crimson Hassler Bar during chillier months. Elevate the the evening with dinner at Michy spangled Imàgo, where Francesco Apreda’s exquisite renderings of regional fare come with a side order of wowzer city views. If you haven’t booked for the night (tsk!) ask the superb concierge for a peek around the hotel; it’s truly one of Rome’s best.
Palm Court, Hassler Hotel, Piazza Trinità dei Monti, 6, Spagna, Rome. +39 06 699 340, hotelhassler.com
