Originally Posted by
mauld
Right now it seems (from postings) that the Rome Hilton beats out the Starwoods-- although Starwoods do have good locations, I generally don't get more than an upgraded room with a quasi view of the city).
This used to be true with the Rome Cavalieri Hilton. The hotel has a great lounge, one of the best I'm been in of any hotel chain. However, this hotel has just been rebadged to a Waldorf-Astoria and has changed the rules. Diamonds no longer are provided free access to the lounge. Lounge access is only for guest staying in suites and Imperial (Executive level) rooms. You may have to book an Imperial room for lounge access. The hotel used to value lounge access at 50 euros when it was a Hilton, it's now 120 euros.
The only other Rome Hilton is at the FCO Airport, so does not qualify.
Hilton Arc de Triomphe in Paris is worth considering. Decor is Art Deco, not modern, but very nice. Lounge is quite good, and Diamonds are offered upgrade to Executive level with lounge access. Location is OK. Not many hotels in Paris have great views, even fancy hotels like Bristol or George V.