St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome

Established in 1894 by César Ritz himself, the St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome lives up to its illustrious history—and then some. For instance, each of the 161 accommodations bears the name of a Roman landmark, which appears in a magnificent fresco painted on the wall behind the bed—surrounded by antique furnishings and glittering Murano chandeliers. Another example, the incomparable Salone Ritz, entertains between Ritz's original mirrored walls and frescoes, now magnificently restored. In fact, Starwood's $35-million renovation and updating touched every square inch of the hotel, including all 13 rooms for events.

A contemporary look complements fine dining at the restaurant Vivendo, echoed by the modern sensibilities of the fifth floor's KamiSpa and TechnoGym. Guests find themselves in a veritable temple of luxury steeped in the best of all possible times in Rome.