After a sparkling week in Positano, I arrived in Rome on an Italy high,
having feasted on the best Fruti de Mare and Brunello wines to be found on
the Amalfi coast. The picture-perfect weather hovered in the low 70s
(Fahrenheit) as I made my way eagerly to Piazza di Spagna—the Spanish Steps
to many, of course, and fashion central to many more. Shortly after checking
in at the Hotel Condotti literally five minutes away, I was out the door and
on the hunt for that special pair of leather gloves.
The area where the Condotti is located is surrounded by some of the most
famous fashion houses in Italy. Versace, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana are just
around the corner. In between are smaller vendors offering exquisite leather
goods at prices more reasonable. I found exactly what I was looking for
right around the block. From there, it was on to the main piazza for the
Furla shop. Their leather handbags are gorgeous. Then, for the best
selection of sunglasses anywhere, over to the Via Veneto. I picked up a
great pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shades at half the price they would be
here in the States—that is, if you could even find them here. Rome excites
me the way London and Paris do. Especially when it’s warm and sunny and
everyone is dining outside. Next stop, lunch!
I must be honest when I say that the food in Positano left me very spoiled.
Never having had a really great meal in Rome except at the Hassler Hotel, I
opted for the Hassler once again. The best porcini mushroom crêpes ever and
a fabulous bottle of wine. You cannot go wrong there! And then I strolled back to my room at the Condotti—a double superior with a
huge terrace overlooking a cobblestone pedestrian alley, privy to the sounds
of the city—where I decided to turn in early.
After a wonderful week along the coast with my husband, I was ready for
further shopping in Rome and could not wait until Suzanne arrived. Yes, I
still had more to buy and I was looking forward to a fabulous pizza at Dar
Poetta.
Once Suzanne touched down the next day, she took a cab from the airport
straight to the Condotti where she was greeted by the manager Vladimir, a
gem of a man who never fails to remember you once you’ve met and always
greets you by name. He expedited the paperwork, set her up in a cute little
room with a balcony, and before either of us knew it we were sitting
downstairs over fresh cappuccinos orchestrating our next move.
