One of our favorite hotels in the Eternal City sits atop the Spanish Steps, offering extraordinary views of Rome's skyline and St. Peter's dome at the Vatican. A recent article in the Toronto Star calls attention to the views from the hotel that's a celeb magnet. Lucky guests get bird's eye views from the third-floor spa, the gym, the seventh floor terrace, and the guest rooms at the Hotel Hassler:

The tiled rooftops spill out in the distance, and the hills behind the quirky Trastevere neighbourhood rise a few kilometres away. The church towers rise towards the heavens, and you can gaze down upon a small sidewalk café across from the hotel and watch the tourists mill about at the top of the famed Spanish Steps. There are many five-star hotels in the world. There are many fine hotels in Rome. There are none that boast the location — or the views — of the Hassler. The fact they also have a smashing garden for breakfast, a beautifully ornate room for drinks, one of the top restaurants in the city and first-rate service that caused the likes of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes to rent out three floors after their wedding tells you there’s more than just a stunning vista at work.

Like we said: The best views in town coupled with impeccable service make the Hotel Hassler one of the stars of Europe, not just the Italian capital. Click here to learn about a special package, including some meals and massages, available at the Hassler until December 22, 2010.