Head-to-head · Rome
The classic grand hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps, or the new opening across from parliament that blew me away. One puts you in the crowds; the other is central and quiet. Here is how I would choose.
Visited both · October 2026
Very traditional luxury right at the top of the Spanish Steps, with a Michelin-starred restaurant on the roof. You can’t get much more iconic, or more central.
My Hassler review →
Wow. A showstopper renovation, large rooms and a beautiful spa, across the street from parliament: incredibly safe and quiet while still in the middle of everything.
My Corinthia review →
| Hassler | Corinthia | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Right at the top of the Spanish Steps | Piazza del Parlamento, across from parliament |
| Outside the door | The Steps, crowded from morning to night | Incredibly safe and quiet, still central |
| The feel | Very traditional grand hotel | Grand new opening with a showstopper renovation |
| Rooms | Classic, very traditional rooms | Large and tastefully appointed, rare in central Rome |
| Room to ask for | Tell me what matters and I’ll request it | It is new and categories vary; I’ll steer you to the right one |
| Bathrooms | Marble; some look over the rooftops to St. Peter’s | Onyx and marble |
| Spa and gym | A new wellness and gym area opens in 2027 | A beautiful spa |
| Don’t miss | Michelin-starred dining on the roof, plus the courtyard restaurant | The showstopper renovation and the public spaces |
| Best for | Classic, traditional luxury in the middle of the action | Space, a real spa and a central, quiet base |
Work with me and you get Fora perks, plus someone who knows these hotels personally and personalizes your stay: I request the right room at the Hassler, steer you through the Corinthia’s new room categories, and arrange your transfers and drivers. Same rate as booking direct.
The Hassler is about as central as Rome gets. That is the appeal, and it also means a busy area: you step out the door and you are in the crowds at the Steps.
The Corinthia is across the street from parliament, so it is incredibly safe, and quiet while still in the middle of everything. I think it is truly a game changer for Rome.
If you love traditional grand hotels and want the Steps as your front yard, pick the Hassler. If you want to come home to calm, a spa today and more room, pick the Corinthia.
The Hassler is right above the Spanish Steps, and the Steps draw crowds from morning to night.
The Corinthia is on Piazza del Parlamento: safe, quiet and walkable to everything. Like the Eden, it is central and still quiet.
Space is the story at the Corinthia. The rooms are large and tastefully appointed, and some bedrooms open onto terraces. It is new, so categories and views vary; I’ll steer you to the right one.
The Hassler’s rooms are very traditional: canopy beds, damask walls and crystal lamps, for travelers who want Rome’s grand-hotel style.
The Corinthia’s spa and public spaces are beautiful, and big enough that the hotel never feels crowded.
The Hassler is building a large new wellness and gym area that opens in 2027. Until then, if a spa matters, I point people to the Corinthia or the Bulgari.
The dining is a highlight at the Hassler, with a Michelin-starred restaurant on the roof and the rooftops of Rome laid out below you, and a beautiful restaurant in the courtyard.
The Corinthia is the new name: the renovation is a showstopper from the moment you walk in. Space alone puts it in the conversation with the city’s classics.
It depends on whether you want to be in the action or come home to quiet. The Hassler for traditional luxury at the top of the Spanish Steps and Michelin-starred dining on the roof. The Corinthia for large rooms, a beautiful spa and a quiet, safe street in the middle of everything.
The Corinthia, across the street from parliament. The Hassler is at the Spanish Steps, which draw crowds from morning to night.
The Corinthia, and it is beautiful. The Hassler’s new wellness and gym area opens in 2027.
The Corinthia. Its rooms are large, which is rare in central Rome. The Hassler’s rooms are classic and very traditional.
The Hassler. It is a very traditional hotel right at the top of the Spanish Steps, and that is exactly its appeal.
Tell me your dates and who is coming, and I will tell you which one fits and which room to ask for.
Hassler review → Corinthia Rome review → Hassler or Bulgari → Corinthia or Hotel de la Ville → My Rome guide →