Who doesn't want a taste of the good life? If you are craving a little 'dolce vita', combined with some of the most inspiring culture on the planet, then we have the perfect trip to meet this objective.
The Via Veneto was already showing its style and appreciation of the high life at the turn of the 19th Century. However, it was Fellini's scrutiny of the decadent but much sought-after 'café life' in La Dolce Vita that placed the Via Veneto on the lips, and maps of every socialite and aristocrat in Europe. The film depicts the conflict between the nouveau riche and the established gentry, which in itself created a political scandal at the time. Whatever the outcome of this infamous work of motion picture art, the result today is indelibly marked right along the wide elegant avenue with glorious grand buildings, and an enticing café culture that is arguably more sensational than anywhere in Paris.
Today the Via Veneto remains a hotspot for socialites and discerning travellers; not only because of its reputation in the 60s, but because it really is the most appropriate address in Rome for exploring the wonders of this enigmatic and glorious city, where Augustus Caesar famously boasted: "I found Rome brick; I left it marble".
Hidden gem
You could be forgiven for walking past Via Veneto 72, such is its subtle blending into the tree-lined avenue. However, once you know the address, and that it belongs to the Regina Hotel Baglioni, you will only ever walk in. It has to be said that many passers by are drawn to the flickering of flames from a grand fireplace, many marble paces away down the lobby, in one of the most sensational oval snug boudoirs in Rome. It is here that you will discover the source of the pulse of the Via Veneto.
Staying at the Regina is not overwhelming, nor is it formal and exclusive. It is more inclusive in its relaxed charm and unprecedented warm welcome, even though the surroundings bare all the marks of its illustrious heritage. The luxury is soft, the lighting is low and the feeling is remarkably intimate. Being here reminded me of honeycomb: a slightly forbidden treat with such sweet richness that, once you bite, you're hooked. The marble flooring in squares of cream and honey with the patina of this childhood A-list treat, is simply divine. It reflects the soft lighting from traditional and tasteful chandeliers.
Sumptuous salon
Adorned in grand-traditional-meets-contemporary-chic-boudoir-bliss style, the salon is utterly delicious. At any time of day you can sit cocooned in your armchair or banquette covered in scrumptious Nobilis fabrics in a range of maroons, golds and rouge silks. Gilt has been lavishly used to create a feeling of warmth and richness, and large oil paintings hang around the oval snug in authentic renaissance style.
The service is on-the-button and delightfully fresh – none of that stuffy feeling you often get in hotels of this calibre. That's also because the hotel is really groovy: it caters for the zero to centurion, but in a style unique enough not to be generation specific, which is perfect; just as a large family home should be. Another facet is the contemporary-styled Brunello Lounge Bar and Restaurant, which features some of Rome's most innovative Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, as well as direct access onto the Via Veneto.
Roman treasures
There are many walks you could do from the hotel – so many, in fact, that you will no doubt need to return. The Regina Hotel is smack bang in the middle of some of Rome's greatest landmarks. Within walking distance are the Villa Borghese gardens, Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), the magnificent Trinità dei Monti church, the Fontana di Trevi, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia with the awesome Vittoriano and – if you're feeling fit – the Colosseo. What's so amazing is that these are on every trotter's must-do-cultural-list and in some instances they are mere steps away.
Before dinner on our first night we strolled to the Spanish Steps, which buzz with appreciative students and travellers; the light at night on the steps, and in the square, is mesmerising. We had roast chestnuts and a long drink called 'Spanish Steps' (Grey Goose, lemon chunks, fresh red grapes and Galliano) on the Martini Terrace with staggering views overlooking the great steps and beyond. Following this, we took a gentle stroll to the Trevi Fountain, which is also magnificent by night.
The atmosphere in Rome is both operatic and football melodramatic, with every twist and turn in between. It is deeply pleasurable and historically quite formidable. With so much accessible history in our midst we saved the big walk for the following morning, and only halfway through this cultural extravaganza my memory card was complete; but I was loathe to delete any files of this extraordinary day.
Eye spy
The rooms here are sensational and our suite was no exception, with an enormous bed between mock Byzantine columns and supremely stylish, laquered deco furniture (not that you would repeat the décor at home as it is a touch lavish and probably unaffordable considering the deco fruitwood furniture is both authentic and highly collectable.)
The views over the Eternal City from the eighth floor are panoramic, as the Regina Hotel Baglioni sits on the highest of Rome's seven hills. The Roman Penthouse Suite is probably the finest in Rome and can be rented as a single apartment, with master bedroom, two further Deluxe rooms, four bathrooms, two living rooms, a dining room, kitchen with private chef, private gym and 24/7 butler service. Impressive? We think so, but the private terrace with those incredible views - and even a jacuzzi - make it totally unique.
For those who need to mix business with style, there are several 'salas' that make perfect meeting or event venues, with the new Sala Borghese catering for up to 80 guests in Art Deco-style.
When you stay at Regina Hotel Baglioni you are not only choosing supreme luxury with the best address, but you are also choosing a delightful way of life: 'uno stile di vita', as our friends at Baglioni say...
Sophie Marchant