Roma, Roma Roma,

Charmed traveler, two visits in less than a year. Since I have proclaimed my amore for Italy once again, I was thrilled to enjoy a sleep over at Hotel Eden in June. I should do this more often, truly, a night in Rome, a night in Florence, Venice… make a Grand Tour.

Arriving early evening, before the shimmering sun slipped below the celebrated seven hills, and an hour early for a 10 pm reservation at the famed Michelin exquisite rooftop restaurant La Terrazza dell’Ede. Soak, enormous marble bathrooms, tubs to drown in and then revel in the view while enjoying a sip of the generous wine amenity.

My spacious and impeccably decorated Medici Suite offered drop-dead views of St. Peter’s Dome, and a sweeping panoramic of the Eternal City bathed in a pale pink glow. Classic furnishings in light tones, rich fabrics and interesting art, my suite felt like a private Villa. An unusually warm evening enhanced by floor to ceiling shutters open to the warm breeze all night. Waking up once, the panoramic vistas of the illuminated city tempted me to take photos from my balcony railing at 3 am; Roma, you enchant me!

Location is everything, as the saying goes. In the heart of the Old City, Hotel Eden is within strolling distance of the Spanish Steps, the Via Veneto and the historic picturesque Villa Borghese. A morning walk around the cobbled streets yielded sweet small shops. I like staying in small charming neighborhoods. No loud scooters breaking my sound sleep in this tranquil oasis.

Heavenly dining: drop dead views from the rooftop draw many just for cocktails, but dinner is a must! Executive chef Fabio Cervo features Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. A chef from the south, he infuses his cultural heritage in the exquisite menu offerings. Although I was in the second row seating from the window, it provides a bit more perspective on the view and it also allows one to be a voyeur at dinner, old-fashioned formality draws dignitaries and locals. Nothing better than not hearing English all evening!

Oh my, the menu, so many decisions, my waiter discouraged the scallops and agreed with my first choice of in season asparagus served on a flaky light volauvent, baby poached egg atop a sliver of asparagus mousse and topped with shaved black truffle. Oh, and the bit of toasted béarnaise dribbled on the egg, yes perfect starter! Champagne, Si! Vegetable ragout surrounded the stratacotto filet, horseradish emulsion was perfectly executed.

Haute, elegant, and exquisite, this is a grown up dressy affair. Culinary perfection relished, midnight struck and my body clock gently reminded me I was on west coast zone, just in time to wave away dessert!

Our clients are always on the VIP List!