All the action takes place in Rome at the prestigious Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
The world's top golfers from Europe and USA are set to compete for the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup stars are staying at the stunning Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Not far away, the players will be enjoying the luxury surroundings of their stunning five-star hotel. In a video uploaded by Colin Montgomerie, the Scottish legend revealed where Rory McIlroy and Co will be staying. Their digs for the occasion is the stunning Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It boasts fine dining that golf's leading stars will love in the form of three-star Michelin restaurant, La Pergola. There's an incredible spa, amazing suites, and prestigious art work on site… but the starting price to stay for the night is a whopping £448-per-night in low season and double that during high-season.
Rich in history
This year, the Rome Cavalieri celebrates its 60th anniversary. Built in 1963, it's architecture is as grand as it price and befitting of its opulent interiors. Art is a huge feature of the decor, with a collection of over 1,000 antique tapestries, paintings and sculptures. The most impressive are the three priceless Giovanni Battista Tiepolo paintings that adorn the walls of the lobby. Lush gardens also feature as part of the huge grounds that span 15 acres set high on Monte Mario overlooking the city centre.
Fine dining
In a city and country that prides itself on haute cuisine, Rome Cavalieri's La Pergola is remarkably the only three-star Michelin restaurant in the Italian capital. The eaterie is found on the top floor, which has panoramic views, and the menu is expertly crafted by Heinz Beck, often referred to as one of the most notable 'Masters' of gastronomy. His specialities include foie gras with chestnuts and figs, hare tortellini, and Saint Peter's fish in a liquorice crust. Other delights include pigeon with honey, propolis and pollen that's listed on the menu for £62. While diners can savour red mullet on Roman zucchini, ashed buttermilk and Kaffir lime oil for £68, if they get the chance to make a booking because waiting times are huge. A second restaurant called L’Uliveto serves salads, pasta, meat dishes at more regular prices.
The Grand Spa Club
If the players are looking for some downtime away from the course, they should certainly use the hotel's spa. The Grand Spa Club is as esteemed as it sounds. It is recognised as one of the best in Italy, with no expensive spared. Guests get to enjoy La Prairie and Aromatherapy Associates products, ideal for today's pampered golf stars. And they will have access to the spa's indoor pools, amethyst Turkish bath, hot tub and saunas. For the even more health conscious, the spa has an exercise studio. There, you can take advantage of a yoga, pilates, or fitness trainer.
The rooms
As plush, stylish and luxurious as it gets. The rooms at the Rome Cavalieri will provide the ultimate comfort for our Ryder Cup heroes. Double sound-proof doors ensure they will be getting a good night's sleep. Coupled with a pillow menu and feather mattress toppers, they might want to set their alarm so they don't miss the first tee. All rooms come with private balconies that overlook either the astonishing gardens or offer an impressive bird's-eye view of Rome. The bathrooms are decked out in marble, with Ferragamo bathroom products on offer. Some even come with their own hot tub. Amusingly, if Ferragamo doesn't cut it for you there's an extensive soap menu to choose from. Expect Europe and the USA to scrub up well when the action begins on Friday.
Distance to travel
However, the Ryder Cup stars will have to get ready in a hurry. The distance between the Rome Cavalieri and the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club is a whopping 16 miles. Without traffic, that could take at least 33 minutes. Downtown Rome is also over half an hour away, so the golfers will only have one thing on their – playing.
The reviews are in
According to Tripadvisor, the Rome Cavalieri is ranked 164 out of 1,387 hotels in the Eternal City. From over 7,400 reviews it scores a very high four and a half out of five. And previous guests have plenty to say. One wrote: "The cavalier is the best hotel in Rome. The location overlooking Rome, the pool is by far the best in Rome. A second shared: "Because of the hotel location (on the highest hill of Rome) and high floor (7th and 8th are highest leaving floors, on 9th only restaurants and terraces are located) the view is really breathtaking. But it's not all positive. There are a few bad write-ups too. One moaned: "Old over priced hotel…a thing in the 60s." Another gave it just one star, adding: "Not quite what I hoped. Arrived last night, have booked 5 nights- not quite the view I had hoped – car park and mobile tower. Basic room and feel like I've be shoved in car park!"
