Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria, Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Gala

Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria, Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Gala
Inaugurated in June 1963 and later joining the highly acclaimed Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in 2008, the Rome Cavalieri celebrated its place as one of the world's iconic luxury hotels with an unforgettable outdoor party held in the hotel's private Mediterranean park.

In recognition of the hotel's prominence as the home to celebrities of world film, music and art when visiting Rome, the event brought modern day luxury and True Waldorf Service to its guests. An exquisite menu from resident three Michelin star chef, Heinz Beck, was complemented by a unique ballet performance from Italy's Female National Synchronized Swimming Team in the grand outdoor pool.

The guest list for this hot ticket event included several hundred of the hotel's clients, friends, leading international media and celebrities including, Martina Colombari, Sandy Muller, Max Tortora, the actors Valentina Corti and Federico Costantini, Andrera Gherpelli, Teo Mammucari, Mara Venier, Elena Sofia Ricci, Stefano Mainetti, Claudio Ranieri , the singers Tony Renis and Al bano Carrisi who gifted the guests with a selection of hits at the end of the evening. They were entertained with a film showing the hotel's pioneering founder Conrad Hilton first opening the hotel back in 1963 alongside Lyndon B. Johnson. As dusk fell, the gardens were transformed with atmospheric lighting, enhancing the privileged surroundings, and the event finished with a spectacular fireworks display.

Honored guests Chris Nassetta, CEO of Hilton Worldwide and John T.A. Vanderslice, Global Head of Luxury Brands, were welcomed by the hotel's General Manager, Serge Ethuin. Ethuin gave a short address thanking his dedicated team at the hotel and the loyal clientele who have returned to the property time and again throughout its celebrated 50 years of business. Nassetta went on to highly praise the team, acknowledging the hotel's extensive list of industry accolades and long-standing reputation as Rome's finest hotel.

“Conrad Hilton created a truly extraordinary hotel here by assembling a team of the best of the best and that tradition of excellence is still as strong today as it was in 1963. It is because of the talent and commitment of team members like those at Rome Cavalieri that the reputation of the Waldorf Astoria brand continues to sit amongst the very highest echelons of luxury travel and that we continue to grow our collection of more than 20 Waldorf Astoria properties around the world”, commented Nassetta.

Vanderslice added, “This was an unforgettable celebration for an unforgettable hotel. Rome Cavalieri is truly one of the gems in the prestigious Waldorf Astoria crown, from its awe inspiring location to the bespoke True Waldorf Service that is a feature of all of our more than 20 Waldorf Astoria properties. The hotel's celebrated success is testament to our ethos of excellence at Waldorf Astoria, one of the world's fastest growing, most innovative luxury hotel brands.”

Aperitifs and delicious canapés greeted guests as they arrived – the first taste of the gourmet dinner menu devised by Heinz Beck, 3 Michelin starred Head Chef of the hotel's world renowned La Pergola restaurant. Pared with fine Italian wines selected and served by the Italian Sommelier Association, the 30 course menu went on to include dishes such as scallops with black corn and amaranth and amberjack tartare with white tomato mousse.
The surprise performance in the outdoor swimming pool by the Italian National Synchronized Swimming Team took place to guests' delight. The team, about to leave for Spain to compete in the World Championships, performed two special routines during the evening. One, an exclusive preview of the show they are about to perform in Barcelona, and the other was created especially for the occasion to celebrate the hotel's 50th milestone.

To conclude the memorable party, a firework extravaganza commemorating the property's 50 year long relationship with the Eternal City took place against the stunning backdrop of St Peter's and Vatican City. The party then continued at the hotel into the night in true Dolce Vita style.

For more information on Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts visit www.romecavalieri.com. For more information on Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts visit www.waldorfastoria.com