Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Honeymoon in Italy REVIEW: part one

Hello all,

I'm afraid to say that I should have posted this two months ago. We bought a house and life restricted my ability to post immediately.

Here goes:

My husband and I got married on Saturday 5/27 and had an overnight flight into Rome Sunday at 9pm. I was the wonderful wife who made JUST MARRIED t-shirts and made my poor husband wear it. lol. We flew into Rome direct from JFK via Alitalia at a great rate of $780pp (cheap I know). Seats were okay, service was good. Everyone kept talking to DH in Italian it was funny. The woman next to me asked if we were from Italian, but once I spoke she knew we were not... She was from Naples and said we LOOKED like we could be from Italy, which was the compliment of the night for us. We giggled. I didnt know that movies were free on this flight, so you could imagine my delight! (I'm easy to please)

We landed Monday morning and got a cab to Hotel Hassler atop the spanish steps. It might have been 60 euro which I thought was a decent rate. Upon arriving at the hotel, we were excited and exhausted. The adrenaline was enough to keep us awake for a few more hours. SIDE NOTE: My only hesitation with our honeymoon was the room we booked at the Hassler, was the smaller available (our budget was limited). So my husband knew these next four night might be tight, but it was worth the sacrifice for the great location.

As we received our key, the gentleman told us that we would be staying in the deluxe suite. I was a bit exhausted so I didnt realize that he failed to say "standard room". We went up to the 4th floor and down to our room. Upon entering I was DELIGHTED to step into the foyer... and proceed into the large bedroom with dining for two. We had a flat screen TV and gorgeous room! Our bathroom was spectacular that I immediately began taking photos of it. It was a green granite or marble wall to wall bath. There was a double sink, separate toilet area and larger tub. My husband was very thankful and gave the staff 10 euro. Which I thought was a bit cheap. But nevertheless, I was in my glory. We started unpacking and decided to head downstairs for lunch. I told DH that he should really consider giving the conceirge another 20 euro to show our appreciation for this wonderful upgrade.

My husband (and you'd have to know him to appreciate this). He walked up to the desk and say our room is great and proceeded to SLAM DOWN 20 euro on the counter, startling the gentleman so much he backed up and shockingly said "you're very welcome". I was MORTIFIED... I mean mortified! I tugged at his arm and brought him to the garden restaurant where we had lunch.

After lunch we attempted to walk around and explore, but we were EXHAUSTED. We managed to get a gelato, shop for sunglasses and we turned around for a nap. We awoke frantically at 8pm knowning we had a 9pm reservation at Mirabelle located at the Splendid Royal Hotel. www.mirabelle.it Our conceirge moved our reservation to 9:30 and we got dressed leisurely.

The taxi over was a short 5 minute ride. The restaurant was on the top floor with a spectacular city view (thank you at Fodors for recommending this restaurant). This ended up being our favorite restaurant!!! With a rather surprising BILL.

I love caviar and DH's menu had the prices. I asked him if I could order it and he said it was only 15 euro. I was shocked but ordered it thinking it was pretty cheap or perhaps it was a small appetizer. When the waiter took my order he asked if I preferred 15 grams or 30, so my DH said, 30 would be fine. To our surprise when we received the bill the cost was 15 euro per gram. Nearly 450 euro just for caviar. We nearly fell off our chairs but were laughing about the mistake DH made. He still jokes about that all the time.

The food was delicious overall and the experience was memorable. I would go back there tomorrow if I could.

That concluded day one. More to follow!
Natalie