Day and night, Rome’s streets pulse with a vibrant, undeniable energy. Outside bustling trattorias, locals sip Barolo as laughter and music spill into the air. Every turn in the Eternal City reveals something majestic– millennia-old statues, breathtaking fountains, and ancient ruins, proof of the city’s extraordinary past. Through it all, cars honk and mopeds weave through traffic, reminding visitors that Rome is as much a modern metropolis as it is a living relic of history. Tourists, wide-eyed, drag wheeled suitcases over cobblestones, swept up in the thrill of it all.

These sounds—both timeless and new—are part of Rome’s irresistible charm. But for those seeking a different side of the city, a serene refuge awaits atop Monte Mario at the Rome Cavalieri hotel. Just a short, scenic drive from the enchanting chaos, this five-star retreat promises blissful relaxation, with indulgent amenities (including room service, a Turkish spa, live piano music in the lobby, sprawling gardens, and clay tennis courts) that deliver on that promise.

Built in the 1960s by hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, the Rome Cavalieri is a sanctuary of tranquility and romance that seamlessly marries modernity with antiquity. Its exterior exudes mid-century architectural charm, featuring clean lines and modular design, while inside, gilded accents and priceless art collections nod to Rome's historic grandeur. Spanning 15 acres, the hotel feels like a step back into the height of hospitality luxury, when 24-hour room service and attentive bellhops were the norm– a far cry from today’s world of contactless check-ins and food delivery apps.

For further proof of the hotel’s serene allure, consider that it was once the temporary home of actress Julia Roberts during the production of Eat, Pray, Love—a film partly about embracing the Italian way of life. Whether you want to eat, pray or fall in love during your time in Italy, this hotel is a great place to center yourself through it all.

For those who are aiming for an exceptional Italian meal, the hotel is also home to another point of beauty: La Pergola, Rome’s only Michelin three-star restaurant. If you're in the city for spiritual or artistic exploration, the hotel offers privileged access to cathedrals and museums. For those who are in the city to fall in love, it’s easy to have a romantic time anywhere in Rome. Candle-lit bars, cozy bistros, twinkling city lights but arguably, it’s made even easier at this hotel where couples can be found holding hands on long walks through the gardens or swimming together at sunset in the outdoor pool.

Yet the hotel’s most unique offering isn’t just its luxury—it’s the most romantic sounds of Rome, including the sounds of nature and city life from afar. Surrounded by acres of verdant gardens, guests on their balconies can hear the songs of Roman birds each morning. In the summertime, thunderstorms can be heard and seen over the city below. On sunny days, swimmers laughing and splashing at the pool can be heard in the distance. On the hour, the city’s many cathedrals ring their bells, slightly off-time. It's a rare contrast to the constant hum of the city below.

Rome’s energy can feel exhilarating, even chaotic, to the many visitors who fall in love with it. But only a select few know about the natural beauty that surrounds the city. These lush, green trees and thriving wildlife envelop the hotel, offering a secret glimpse into why people have been drawn to Rome for millennia.

Rome’s allure extends far beyond what it can offer you in food and luxury. In fact, its fascinating and storied history whispers from every street corner, inviting visitors to explore everything from world-renowned art and history museums to ancient landmarks and ruins. The Vatican Museums, home to the breathtaking works from Michelangelo, offer a journey through centuries of art and culture.

Nearby, the Capitoline Museums, among the oldest public museums in the world and named from the Capitoline hill, house an extraordinary collection of classical sculptures of historical figures from the past and awe-inspiring Renaissance masterpieces. Strolling through the Galleria Borghese reveals rooms adorned with Bernini’s intricate sculptures and Caravaggio’s dramatic works, all set within the serene Borghese Gardens.

Beyond the museums, history lives on at the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine. Rome is a living museum, each street and monument telling a story, drawing visitors into its timeless embrace. Yet, after a day immersed in art and the rich history of this Italian city, the quiet elegance of the Rome Cavalieri offers the perfect sanctuary.

Walking the streets of Rome feels like diving headfirst into a whirlwind of life. But at the end of a long day– after sightseeing, eating, drinking, praying, and loving—a stay at the Rome Cavalieri is a welcome retreat. From the moment the doorman ushers you toward the warm glow of the lobby, past museumworthy paintings, sculptures, and centuries-old tapestries, you realize that la dolce vita sometimes means stepping away from the city’s charming chaos and simply taking time for yourself.