Perched high above the eternal city of Rome is the five-star The Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Resort, whose sweeping views and 15 acres of lush Mediterranean gardens overlook the ancient metropolis below. As far as views go in Rome, a trip to this hilltop sanctuary for a late-afternoon aperitivo to see the sunset is definitely worth it, not only for the breathtaking panorama, but also for the extraordinary art collection permanently on view in the lobby of the hotel.
For travelers seeking more than a luxury hotel experience, the The Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Resort, is renowned around the world for its artistic and historical collection of art. While some of the decorative art and furniture is Imperial in style, reflecting the Roman influence, there are dozens of notable paintings, tapestries, furniture, sculpture and objets d’art including the Palazzo Sandi collection of works by celebrated artists Giambattista Tiepolo (of ceiling painting fame) and Nicolo Bambini, masters of the Venetian “settecento” period (17th century).
As you enter the spacious, semi-circular lobby, you will notice the huge Beauvais Tapestry, one of 10 in a series titled, “The History of the King of China.” The others can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Getty Art Museum in San Francisco, or in private collections.
But let’s get back to Tiepolo. His cycle of paintings for the Palazzo Sandi in Venice were commissioned from 1724 to 1726. A wealthy lawyer, Tommaso Sandi, bought his aristocratic title and set about to dazzle society with a massive palace and art collection. Tiepolo painted not only on canvas but also ceiling frescos, portraying his benefactor Sandi in various roles of eloquence, one of the virtues most pertinent to the profession of an attorney. The hotel acquired these works in 2006, and they clearly enhance the lobby.
Exquisite clocks and other 17th-century objets d’art decorate the public space as you take a stroll around the lobby. Emil Gallé was one of the innovators of French art glass during the Art Nouveau period and 30 of his elegant works are on view throughout the hotel as well.
Additional information can be seen at: www.romecavalieri.com
