Chandler’s Italy Diary
Chandler Rodgers, our Director of Travel, headed to Italy on a 12-day vacation – enjoying Rome, Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano. Let's check out where she stayed and her thoughts. Maybe it’ll inspire your next Italian vacation!
ROME
Hotels
St. Regis Rome
The St. Regis is iconic with its classic decor, wonderful lobby restaurant/bar, and even Bottega Veneta designed accommodations. Chandler had the privilege of staying in one of the Bottega Veneta designed rooms and it was stunning. The designer's flair can really be seen and felt throughout the room. The windows opened to the buzzy Roman lifestyle. One of her favorite parts you may ask? The breakfast. Funny, we know, but the breakfast was absolutely fantastic and over the weekend, they have a string quartet playing current music in a classical style.
Six Senses Rome
Such a different vibe than the St. Regis Rome, Chandler checked into the new kid on the block – the Six Senses Rome. The main entrance is pushed back from the street a bit and right when you walk in, you feel calm and serene. The bar/check-in/restaurant area feels like an oasis in the city. The rooms – wow – so relaxing with warm tones. The hotel even has blackout shades and a card noting how you can have a peaceful and relaxing sleep. The hidden gem – the Roman baths in the spa. After a long journey, head to the Roman baths and relax in the three temperature-controlled pools, sauna, steam room, and temperature-controlled showers. You will automatically feel refreshed.
Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection
The newly renovated Hotel Eden has an absolutely perfect location – just a short walk to the Spanish Steps. While it is very close to the hustle and bustle, the hotel is far enough away where you don’t have the massive tourist groups lining the streets. The rooms are stunning and have a classical style with a contemporary flair. The must-visit part of the hotel? The bar with retractable windows overlooking the Borghese Gardens and the Roman skyline.
Touring
Chandler enjoyed two private tours with Imago Artis, one of Four Hundred’s wonderful on-the-ground partners. She visited the Vatican along with the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Having a private guide allows you to enter the facilities quickly (there was a long line waiting to get into the Vatican whereas we just walked right in). It also allows you to have a personal touch involved in your touring.
Restaurants
The stand-out? Roscioli. It is such a special restaurant. There are two seating times and you need to be there ON TIME. She also loved how the restaurant had amazing food but with a casual atmosphere. Chandler got the Cacio e Pepe – a must!
THE AMALFI COAST
Hotels
Palazzo Avino
Chandler stayed at Palazzo Avino in 2018, and it became one of her favorites. She was excited to head back to the hotel 6 years later. The hotel has done some room renovations and man, are they stunning! The lobby and lounge area are still traditional, really letting the view be the main focal point. The wonderful Palazzo Avino team put Chandler in their Infinito Suite. It’s a duplex-style suite that has been newly renovated. The white and green colors are crisp and the selling point? The rooftop terrace and hot tub overlooking the coastline. Before dinner, be sure and head to the martini bar and try out some of their specialty martinis. There is one for everyone! During the day, you can enjoy the pool at the hotel or take a short shuttle ride down to the beach club. The beach club really is a special part of the hotel, offering sun beds, access to the water, a pool, and wonderful food and drinks. Ravello is such a quiet part of the Amalfi Coast. 10/10 would recommend ensuring it is a part of your Amalfi Coast itinerary!
Borgo SantAndrea
Borgo SantAndrea opened just after COVID and was the first new luxury hotel on the Amalfi Coast in years. It is situated about 15 minutes from the town of Amalfi. It is built into the cliff and if you have a chance to see it by water, we highly recommend it so that you can really see the vastness of the property and the stunning architecture. With a beach club on the property – just down the elevator built into the rocks – you can spend all of your time on the property. Something special? The hotel owns different boats so you can reserve one to have a boat day along the coast or to Capri.
Le Sirenuse
Le Sirenuse in Positano is another icon. Positano allows you to have sea views while also having the option of heading into town and exploring. The one caveat of Positano – it is quite crowded so prepare for that! Le Sirenuse just renovated their pool and it is a showstopper. Another note – which isn’t as important during the hot summer months but more so during the shoulder seasons – the pool is temperature-controlled. The rooms are classic but have all the modern amenities you would need. And the views – fantastic. Chandler’s room had a terrace overlooking Positano and the sea which would be a perfect place to enjoy coffee in the morning.
Activities
Might we just say two words – boat day.
Restaurants
There were definitely a few notable restaurants on the Amalfi Coast! The three standouts though? Trattoria da Lorenzo, Conca del Sogno, and La Sponda. Trattoria da Lorenzo is about a 10-minute drive from Palazzo Avino. It is family-owned and you really feel that when you enter the restaurant. They have amazing views and the fish is out of this world. And we can’t stress enough, the staff and the family are so hospitable. Conca del Sogno is a well-known restaurant, especially when you are enjoying a boat day around the coast. Be certain you have a reservation and order the Spaghettli alla Nerano. You won’t be disappointed. And lastly, La Sponda at Le Sirenuse is such a special experience. With over 400 candles lit at night, it is extremely romantic. There is a duet walking around playing music and taking requests while you drink wine and overlook all of Positano.
Want to take a trip this summer? Email requests@fourhundred.com and Chandler and her team would be more than happy to assist!
Contributor — Chandler Rodgers | Director of Travel
Chandler is the Director of Travel at Four Hundred and has been with the company for almost 7 years. On the side, she is an indoor cycle instructor in Dallas. Her favorite drink - a nice glass of red wine!