The Spa at The Westin Excelsior, Rome

"This grand ivory palace on Via Veneto was renovated to its original turn-of-the-century Empire style, adding an indoor pool and spa to keep it the choice of visiting royalty"

"All are spacious and elegantly furnished, with antiques and silk curtains"

"Inside are boutiques, a wonderful spa with pool, excellent panoramic restaurants and bar, and even a children’s club"

"" Feast on "a very good Mediterranean buffet" for lunch or dishes from the à la carte menu at Doney Restaurant, including risotto with wild asparagus, mint, and Morolo cheese"

"Over a century old and beginning to show it, this venerable Via Veneto institution still has plenty going for it, from spacious rooms and a small indoor heated pool – a real rarity in central Rome – to the polished, old-fashioned service and polished, old-fashioned décor"

"Room service answers the call 24 hours a day, and twice-daily maid service, turndown and complimentary newspapers are a touch of luxury"