"A grand dame hotel on the crest of the Quirinal Hill, an area lined with shops, businesses, and governmental buildings, St. Regis Rome has remained a beacon of luxury since storied Swiss hotelier Cèsar Ritz opened it in 1894. While the current trend in the city is peak boutique, the St. Regis is palatial and uncompromisingly opulent. A marble-clad lobby and lounge, a restored turn-of-the-century bar, and a ground-level art gallery representing contemporary artists blend together Old and New World vibes. The 161 renovated guest rooms are also a mashup of classic and contemporary styles, with their powder blue and terra-cotta hues, hand-engraved mirrors, Murano chandeliers, and modern artwork. From $830" - Erica Firpo, Laura Itzkowitz