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Brad A. Johnson

Food & Travel

Brad A Johnson
  • Blog
  • About
  • Photography
    • Food Photography
    • Travel Photography
    • Restaurant Photography
    • Hotel & Resort Photography
  • Writing
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Rome’s Top 3 Luxury Hotels

  • October 27, 2010
  • Brad A. Johnson
Hotel de Russie, Rome (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)

Hotel de Russie

The Lowdown: Rocco Forte’s 122-room palazzo overlooks the Piazza del Popolo just off the Via Condotti, with a lush garden terrace that backs up against the Villa Borghese. Fab décor by Olga Polizzi dresses old bones with offbeat art and contemporary furnishings. Russian oligarchs, supermodels and rock stars (“Ooh, look who’s here!”) flock to the Stravinskij Bar. And the red prawn carpaccio goes great with Champagne.

Best for? Power dining (and drinking).

Insider Tip: Introduce yourself to head barman Massimo d’Addezio and ask for his special Martini. And don’t forget your bathing suit; the spa’s popular saltwater whirlpool is coed.

Caveat: The pillows aren’t fluffy. And Facebook is blocked from the hotel’s complimentary business center computers, so if you need to update your status, bring your laptop. Rates from $592; Via del Babuino 9, 888.667.9477


Regina Hotel Baglioni, Rome (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)

Regina Hotel Baglioni

The Lowdown: Italian owners revamped this 103-room Art Deco diva on the famed Via Veneto just last year. Rooms boast period furniture and lacquered closets. And the new Panoramic Penthouse comes with a private rooftop hot tub and barbecue terrace.

Best for? Service. The bellman, the bartenders, all the way up to the gregarious GM—the best in town.

Insider Tip: The chic Brunello restaurant mustn’t be missed. But beware the sharp nails penetrating the undersides of the tables—ouch!

Caveat: It’s been ages since the Via Veneto was Rome’s most glamorous boulevard. Rates from $502; Via Veneto 72, +39.06.4540.3300


St. Regis Grand, Rome (Photo by Brad A. Johnson)

St. Regis Grand Hotel

The Lowdown: Originally opened by Cesar Ritz in 1894, the 161-room Le Grand Hotel underwent $35 million in refurbishments 10 years ago, and in 2008 added a flawless three-bedroom Bottega Veneta suite designed by Tomas Maier. Museum-quality antiques and artwork grace every room, and all suites come with 24-hour butler service.

Best for? Rooms. The beds, the pillows, Pratesi linens, high-collared bathrobes—this is as posh as it gets.

Insider Tip: Ask for a view of St. Maria della Vittoria, then skip the wake-up call. Instead, ask the butler to rouse you in person with a gentle nudge and a steaming pot of coffee, followed by the slow opening of blinds.

Caveat: The lobby bar feels dated, but the drinks are stiff. Rates from $634; Via Vittorio E. Orlando 3, 877.787.3447

For more travel inspiration and photos, I invite you to follow me and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

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Brad A. Johnson

Brad A. Johnson is a writer and photographer specializing in food and travel. His work has been honored by the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards, James Beard Awards, World Food Media Awards, Food Photographer of the Year Awards, Society of Features Journalism Awards and others. Based in Southern California, Brad currently serves as Editorial Director of the new luxury consumer travel magazine of the Global Travel Collection (launching Spring 2023).

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Hey, OC. FYI in case you missed it, @ryegoods has opened a new location on Red Hill in Tustin, just down the street from Flight/Mess Hall. Same incredible breads and pastries as the original on the peninsula. No lines here, plus a huge seating area. #sourdough #pastries #coffee #orangecounty 322 9
One more post from our lovely stay at @fstokyo. Delicious lunch at @maisonmarunouchi, the casual sibling to @sezannetokyo. Excellent all around. And clearly popular with Tokyo's ladies who lunch: the clientele during our visit, almost entirely women. Quite the see-and-be-seen crowd. 57 1
I’m not sure which I liked better about the @fstokyo, the valet greeter and escort from the train station, the view of the trains from our room, or the super comfy pajamas. Excellent service all around. #Tokyo #Japan #hoteljunkie 79 3
I think @sezannetokyo ⁠has a #footfetish, and I’m ok with that. Truly fantastic lunch. Impeccable service. ⁠ 63 1
We had a really fun "Lost in Translation" moment at @meatman_roppongi. Google Translate failed hilariously. Delicious meat/fat overload anyway. Great staff, charming hospitality. Lots of sake. Thank you, @fstokyo for securing the reservation! #Tokyo #Roppongi #sake 76 1
Well, that was interesting.  A toast to 2022. And looking forward to ‘23. Cheers, and safe travels to all. 81 1
Brad A. Johnson
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Writer. Photographer. Traveler. Restaurant Critic.

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