When in Rome ...

Everyone I know who has traveled to Rome lays claim to a favorite landmark, be that the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum. For me, it is the Spanish Steps. I seek out this sweeping spine to the Eternal City whenever the opportunity presents itself.

I have waited at the bottom for my business colleagues to show up and I had read an entire novel perched on a step halfway up during an off-duty day. On many occasions, I have briskly climbed up and down the entire staircase solely for the purpose of exercise, choosing the eye candy of Rome central to the bland environment of a hotel gym.

Besides those infamous Spanish Steps, there are many more reasons I am happy when work sends me to Rome or when I actually get to vacation there.

For instance, this Italian mecca possesses my idea of an ideal hotel, one in which I have languished at least half a dozen times. Adjacent to the Trinita dei Monti Church, The Hassler Villa Medici is situated ideally (especially for me) at the top of the Spanish steps. Consequently, all rooms with a view are spectacular. So is the scenery from The Rooftop Restaurant overlooking the city.

Boasting lots and lots of gold and antiques, the decor at the Hassler is somewhat over the top. To me, it is both gaudy and gorgeous, a combination I find fascinating. Even the smallest accommodations offer sumptuous marble bathrooms so keep this in mind when you book.

The high-end Hassler is worth every penny of the five-star cost to book in but if your budget can't afford an overnight, at least plan to have drinks on the patio with friends or colleagues. Even the most jaded will be impressed.

Following, more on why I love Rome:

* Every meal is an adventure in culinary greatness. In fact, I don't even want to waste time giving restaurant recommendations because I find that no matter where I go to eat I know I am going to be rewarded with a tasty and memorable respite. Because of this I almost always defer the restaurant decision to my Roman counterpart.

My advice to others: Where ever you choose to dine, get ready to consume more than you have ever consumed in your life. Romans love to indulge, often spending hours at the table as course after course comes out of the kitchen.

I have learned to pace myself during a meal so that I am not too stuffed to enjoy anything served after the antipasti, a meal in itself.

I have also learned through experience that it is not a good idea to plan more than one business meal in one day. More than that could cause severe heartburn and the overwhelming desire to take a long nap.

- If you like to dress up, Rome is the place to show off your style. In fact, because the eyes of the world look to Italy (Rome and Milan in particular) for their power wardrobes, you should be sure to follow suit whenever you do business in Gucciland.

- The Roman people are the best. Whether in business discussions or during an interchange at a bustling shop, I find the locals more than willing to make me want to make a deal. They are warm, funny, friendly and happy souls, all traits that tend to be infectious with this American.

- This is an ideal city in which to seek lasting friendships. I have been corresponding with one former Roman colleague for more than two decades even though we finished our business dealings years ago. We have visited each other on numerous occasions, catching up on all aspects of both our professional and personal lives, constantly cooking up lots of fun in the process.