A Hedonist's guide to… is an exciting new series of guides that explore the finest restaurants, the most stylish hotels and the chicest bars in each of our six cities. Designed to be the quintessential 'little black book' A Hedonist's guide to… has all the best addresses in town. This is the ultimate weekend break guide helping you optimise your weekend away; all the restaurants, hotels, bars, cafés and clubs are photographed so you know what to expect before you go.
A Hedonist's Guide to Rome
One of Europe's oldest cities, Rome is a palimpsest of nearly 2,800 years of history, all reflected in it's wonderful architectural and cultural mix. Sitting insouciantly amidst the venerable heritage are some fantastic restaurants, charming cafés in beautiful piazzas, excellent shopping and a nascent club scene.
We sent Catherine McCormack out to Rome for almost three months in 2006 to research and write the 1st Edition of Hg2 Rome. She went above and beyond the brief to seek out some truly unique places.
'Why should i bother visiting Rome - isn't it just tourist hell?', I hear you ask
True, Rome is one of the world's favourite tourist destinations and fanny-pack touting tour groups do throng the streets, but your life would be a sadder one if you didn't visit at least once. Away from the tick-box of major cultural sites you will find charming, leafy piazzas, full of beautifully dressed Romans inhaling espresso; wonderful restaurants serving fabulous food; some excellent shopping; surprisingly cool bars and clubs; and of course there are the limitless cultural attractions. Not all of the latter involve major effort, ruins are part of Rome's fabric and many are just sitting there for you to admire en route to lunch.
How long do I stay?
It totally depends how keen you are to immerse yourself in the culture, up to a week could be profitably filled - but you might find yourself feeling rather over-educated by the end. A long weekend is perfect to take in the charm of the Centro Storico (catching some sites in passing), shop a little around the Spanish Steps, potter through bohemian Trastevere and have some excellent dinners.
When should I go?
Rome should be avoided in late July and August, when most of the inhabitants pack up shop and head to the coast to escape the sweltering heat. By all means do visit during this period, but you will have a limited choice of restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs to visit. Most of the cultural attractions are open, however.
Where should I stay?
The area around Centro Storico and Villa Borghese are home to Rome's smartest hotels, from the über-luxe Hotel de Russie, to the newly refurbished grande-dame, Hotel Hassler, perched atop the Spanish Steps. For intimate charm, the excellent Inn at the Roman Forum has stylish rooms and a sweet little terrace. All these and 30 more of Rome's best hotels can be found on our Sleep section and booked through Hg2.
What do I need to take?
* A large suitcase to haul back your booty from the Via dei Condotti
* Sun-cream and a hat. Rome swelters in the summer
* Comfortable shoes for day-time - cobbles are no friend to the Manolos
* Some great outfits for night-time chic
* Hg2 Rome, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
We sent Catherine McCormack out to Rome for almost three months in 2006 to research and write the 1st Edition of Hg2 Rome. She went above and beyond the brief to seek out some truly unique places.
'Why should i bother visiting Rome - isn't it just tourist hell?', I hear you ask
True, Rome is one of the world's favourite tourist destinations and fanny-pack touting tour groups do throng the streets, but your life would be a sadder one if you didn't visit at least once. Away from the tick-box of major cultural sites you will find charming, leafy piazzas, full of beautifully dressed Romans inhaling espresso; wonderful restaurants serving fabulous food; some excellent shopping; surprisingly cool bars and clubs; and of course there are the limitless cultural attractions. Not all of the latter involve major effort, ruins are part of Rome's fabric and many are just sitting there for you to admire en route to lunch.
How long do I stay?
It totally depends how keen you are to immerse yourself in the culture, up to a week could be profitably filled - but you might find yourself feeling rather over-educated by the end. A long weekend is perfect to take in the charm of the Centro Storico (catching some sites in passing), shop a little around the Spanish Steps, potter through bohemian Trastevere and have some excellent dinners.
When should I go?
Rome should be avoided in late July and August, when most of the inhabitants pack up shop and head to the coast to escape the sweltering heat. By all means do visit during this period, but you will have a limited choice of restaurants, bars, cafes and clubs to visit. Most of the cultural attractions are open, however.
Where should I stay?
The area around Centro Storico and Villa Borghese are home to Rome's smartest hotels, from the über-luxe Hotel de Russie, to the newly refurbished grande-dame, Hotel Hassler, perched atop the Spanish Steps. For intimate charm, the excellent Inn at the Roman Forum has stylish rooms and a sweet little terrace. All these and 30 more of Rome's best hotels can be found on our Sleep section and booked through Hg2.
What do I need to take?
* A large suitcase to haul back your booty from the Via dei Condotti
* Sun-cream and a hat. Rome swelters in the summer
* Comfortable shoes for day-time - cobbles are no friend to the Manolos
* Some great outfits for night-time chic
* Hg2 Rome, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
