A conversation with Mr. Amedeo Ottaviani, Owner and Managing Director of the Hotel Lord Byron, Rome, a member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

What is unique about your hotel's location?

The Hotel Lord Byron is situated steps away from the prestigious Villa Borghese atop a hill in a charming, peaceful neighbourhood where embassies and modern manors overlook the centre of Rome. Once a patrician villa, this elegant five-story White House, is a place to experience old-world hospitality in a delightfully serene atmosphere. This prime location allows guests the best of both worlds: the vicinity to the bustling Eternal City's main attractions, the most beautiful "open-air museum" of the world for culture and art and the opportunity to relax in a most placid private atmosphere.

What authentic local experiences will guests have access to?

Considering the location, guests have access to everything their heart may desire; culture, art, museums, music, theaters, restaurants as well the opportunity to experience authentic local atmosphere guided by a local guide to the hidden corners of the city not well known to tourists.

What are some amazing things that your Concierge can arrange?

The key-role of the Hotel Lord Byron Concierge is an addition that will transform a pleasant stay in Rome into a memorable one. The Concierge will suggest our Guests romantic or particular restaurants, make ticket reservations for theatres, operas or live-concerts, organize tours in and outside Rome and anything else your heart may desire. Some suggestions might be:

• Ferrari car rental
• Private meeting with a Bulgari shop assistant
• Shopping discovery with a personal shopper
• Private guided tours to the Vatican Museum and the famous Cappella Sistina
• Brunello di Montalcino wine-tasting tour, by private car, in Tuscany

Does your hotel have a philosophy?

The well-being of our Guests is the first and foremost priority. Guests are like beautiful flowers, they need plenty of care.

What makes your hotel memorable and unforgettable?

For so many reasons: ideal location, private elegance, superb service, artistic ambiance, state-of-the-art amenities, and a world-reputed gourmet restaurant famous for its haute cuisine and delicious Italian specialties, the Hotel Lord Byron is sure to provide distinguished travellers with a timeless experience in the elegant and tranquil atmosphere of a unique patrician villa. Hotel Lord Byron is true vintage hospitality.

What will guests rave about to their friends and family?

That they have found a home away from home with professional and impeccable guest service.

What is the atmosphere of your hotel? What types of guests does it attract?

Resolutely serene and refined atmosphere with close attention to detail. The hotel is fully renovated decorated in the thirties Art Decò style.

The Hotel Lord Byron attracts mostly clients age 40+, couples, families with children over the age of 12, and business travelers as well.

What makes your hotel a destination within itself?

The Hotel Lord Byron interiors feature an outstanding collection of art-deco design with discreet lightings, mirrors, amazing sculptures and magnificent paintings of famous women made by North European artists.

The Hotel Lord Byron furthermore prides itself on the revived, yet reserved ambiance of its dining venue the "SAPORI del Lord Byron" restaurant.

The restaurant "SAPORI del Lord Byron" is a first-class dining establishment, offering stylish décor where art lovers may dine in an elegant setting that feels as if one might be dining in the Galleria Borghese just down the street.

The discreet and meticulous service is also a must at the "Il Salotto" Lounge & Wine-bar, a warm yet refined atmosphere for leisurely relaxation or stimulating conversation. There is no better place to retreat, after a full day of sightseeing, museums and shopping than this sumptuously furnished clubroom like atmosphere lounge, for a cocktail or simply a glass of Italian spumante. A fine exemplification of superlative hospitality.

Do you have a favorite meal in your restaurant?

Our hotel restaurant presents an à la carte menu featuring Italian and regional specialities which vary from season to season and made up of fresh seasonal ingredients. My favorite meal is always a simple pasta with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

What is the best way for guests to "arrive in style" to your hotel?

The question is not "to arrive in style" important is to arrive. The hotel however will be pleased to organize limousine or sedan car pick-up upon request.

Do you provide any welcoming or parting amenities to guests?

Complimentary welcome bottle of water is always available in room. A lot of our packages include welcome drinks or a special gift upon departure.

Can you recommend other destinations/hotels nearby (within 300 miles) that your guests should consider combining into a trip?

We do of course recommend our sister property in Florence, the Hotel Regency, reachable by train in one and a half hours. The Hotel Regency, a beautiful Florentine Renaissance villa, is situated in the heart of Florence, where guests will be able to take full advantage of the city's ancient and mystic treasures.

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