Recently in Italy Category

There's no shortage of ancient ruins in Rome, but most seasoned travelers have done their time at the Colosseum and Pantheon. Those willing to venture beyond the city center can encounter some of the best-preserved ruins in all of the former Roman Empire at the Ostia Antica, a seaport town that reached a peak of 75,000 residents nearly two thousand years ago. Ironically, ancient Rome's harbor city is three kilometers from the sea. For centuries it was situated at the mouth of the Tigris River, but so much silt accumulated over the years that dredging was futile and it became landlocked. But deep water or not, Ostia Antica stands today as one of the best examples of a mid-sized Roman port town found anywhere. Its colorful frescoes, vast amphitheaters, public baths (with amazingly advanced plumbing), and rows of warehouses attest to the industrious nature of Romans throughout the ages. Ostia Antica is a short train or taxi ride from Starwood's Rome properties, including the Westin Excelsior, Rome.

Less than an hour from central Rome, in the town of Tivoli, lie some of the most enchanting gardens in all of Europe. The Villa d'Este, Tivoli was created in the 16th century by the Governor of Tivoli, and while the villa itself is quite breathtaking - with frescoed ceilings and a grand salon - the real attractions here are the spectacular terraced garden and its myriad water features. The early hydraulic engineers and stone masons who created it took advantage of the slope of the property and abundant fresh water from natural springs above to create giochi d'aqua (literally, "water games"), including fountains, water stairs, water chains, jets, grottoes, pools, and canals that crisscross the verdant space. Among the first Renaissance mannerist gardens of its kind to include such extensive water features, the techniques were so admired that noble families across the continent modeled their own gardens on them for the next two centuries. It's a scenic and inspiring way to connect a villa to the earth, and an excellent day trip from the Hotel Eden or any of Starwood's Rome properties.

Rome is a sprawling ancient city with so much to do it can almost seem overwhelming. That's why avid travelers know that if you really want to savor your time in Rome, it's best to slow down, relax, and really notice the beauty of the place. Villa Borghese Park is a perfect spot to do just that, with winding paths, colorful flowers, and shade trees, and it also happens to have one of the best museums in the city. The Borghese Gallery has sculptures, paintings, and various antiquities that represent the finest work of different eras, and a stroll through the museum is a welcome break from the crush that can be found at the city's better-known attractions. The museum's collection is positively brimming with masterpieces, with works like Bernini's sculptures, Il Ratto di Proserpina and Apollo and Daphne, but its true strength is in oil paintings. The gallery is particularly known for its collection of Caravaggio paintings, including the 1606 St. John the Baptist in the Desert, which illustrates faith and humanity like few other artists can. Guests at the Hotel Eden or any of Starwood's properties in the Rome area will enjoy the endless works of fine art in this fascinating museum and garden park.

Lines, or queues as they say in England, can be intimidating. Smart travelers are always seeking out the best way to bypass them. Rome just made it a lot better for those of us in the know. Notoriously popular sites like the Colosseum, Villa Borghese, and National Museum of Rome can now be reserved in advanced with Rome's new "contact center" 060608. It's actually a telephone number, and for the cost of a local call (in Rome), reservations can be made, and tickets purchased for dozens of museums and events in the city.

Information on virtually all of Rome's historical, cultural, and artistic attractions is available on the website, 060608.com. The site's simple layout offers three options: "Culture and Leisure", "Events and Shows", and "Hospitality", which includes the fabulous Hotel Eden, and the luxurious Westin Excelsior in addition to four more wonderful Starwood properties in Rome. So next time you drop in on the Eternal City, drop a line to 060608 before heading out on the town. Details on the website are in both Italian and English (well, mostly), and if you see "online purchase" or "telephone purchase" under the "contatti" (contacts) section, you're good to book in advance.